Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 2 of March 2024)

The German train driver's union went on strike from March 12 to March 13 amid lingering disputes over wages and working hours with Deutsche Bahn (DB).
This will affect passenger services from 2am on March 12 to 2am on March 13 and cargo services from 6pm on March 11 to 6pm on March 12. Deutsche Bahn urges GDL to return to the negotiating table, and the union demands acceptance of the proposal. GDL's key proposal is to transform 38-hour workweek into 35-hour workweek (same wage).

Due to violence, the operation of major ports in Port-au-Prince will be suspended indefinitely from March 7. Armed intruders broke into the terminal warehouse area on March 7 and looted. Haitian authorities will extend emergency and curfews in the western part of the country from March 7. The curfew is valid from 18:00 to 05:00 until March 10, and can be extended for 72 hours each time it is announced. Serious gang violence in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas overwhelms security forces , there is a possibility that serious confusion and instability will continue. The U.S. and Canadian governments urge their people to leave Haiti quickly. Gangs are now demanding the resignation of Haiti’s prime minister

The international community, including the government and the shipping industry, condemned the attack on the bulk carrier True Confidence, which killed three people and seriously injured at least three crew members. The Indian Navy is conducting an operation to rescue the crew from an abandoned ship about 50 nautical miles southwest of Aden. Among the crew members, there were 15 Filipinos, 4 Vietnamese, and 1 Indian, and two of the Filipino crew members and one Vietnamese were confirmed to have died. The Vietnamese/Philippines government issued a statement condemning inhumane acts. Major shipping industry associations such as BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping, Intercargo, INTERANKO, World Shipping Council also issued joint statements.

Widespread delays and cancellations continued at Tampa International Airport due to strong storms near Georgia affecting flights. On Sunday, an overflow of about 10,000 passengers from Saturday experienced delays and cancellations, with up to 100,000 people traveling that day. The Federal Aviation Administration had to slow some flights to reduce congestion. Approximately half of the 650 flights on Saturday were delayed, and 82 were canceled. Travelers are advised to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.

Several flights at Dubai International Airport were affected by heavy rains, with 13 inbound flights rerouted to nearby airports. Emirates reported some flights were delayed or diverted, without specifying numbers due to the fluid weather situation. The airport is working to minimize inconvenience, emphasizing passenger and crew safety. Flydubai also reported cancellations and delays, with some flights diverted. Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi were operating as normal, although travelers were advised to arrive early due to the expected adverse weather.

The MSC Sao Paulo V, a containership, is prohibited from leaving Canada until further plans are made following a nearly extinguished engine room fire. The fire began on March 3 as the ship neared the St. Lawrence River, prompting a response from the Canadian Coast Guard and specialized firefighting teams. No casualties or environmental issues were reported, but ventilation is needed due to high smoke and CO2 levels. The ship is in a sheltered area outside the main shipping lane. Plans for the ship's next steps are under discussion.

Unionized port workers are scheduled to go on strike at ports across France on March 12. The purpose of this strike is to condemn the ongoing manpower shortage, and strike ports are Bastia, Boulogne, Kang, Dunkirk, Le Havre, Lorient, and Rouen. Strikes are possible at all ports in France. The strike period is currently unclear because organizers can renew the strike every 24 hours. Ports affected are likely to be reduced in operation and may be completely shut down.

Farmers leaders announced that they will hold railway blockade protests across the country from March 10, 12:00 to 16:00. There is a high possibility that passenger and freight train services will be suspended due to the blockade. The purpose of the ongoing peasant protests is to demand various concessions related to agricultural policy and denounce allegations of violence against activists in previous protests.

Lufthansa ground workers belonging to the Verdi union are scheduled to strike at airports across the country. The strike period is from 4 a.m. on March 7 to 7 p.m. on March 9. The purpose of this strike is to demand wage increases and compensation bonuses for higher prices. According to the Lufthansa Group's estimate, about 200,000 air passengers will be affected, and about 1,000 flights per day are likely to be canceled. In addition, the suspension may continue for several hours due to overdue flights even after the strike ends.

Union members from all over Italy are scheduled to go on a general strike on March 8 to mark World Women's Day. Labor unions in the fields of land transportation, aviation, shipping, medical care, and education confirm participation. It is highly likely to affect not only public transportation but also air / sea transportation and medical services. Business suspension is likely to continue until the morning of March 9.