Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 4 of Nov 2024)

Progress was made last week in reaching a new Master Contract between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), but all that came to a halt when the issue of automation came up. "While we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues.", USMX said in a statement on November 13. The USMX stated their intent of introducing semi-automation to the ports late into the discussion on the second day and has been clear that we are not seeking technology that would eliminate jobs. In response, ILA said, "Automation, whether full or semi, replaces jobs and erodes the historical work functions we've fought hard to protect.". Although currently at a standstill, both parties voiced readiness to continue negotiations. The groups have been preparing for a new Master Contract since Oct. 3, when they agreed on a tentative agreement extending through Jan. 15, 2025.

After the earthquake activity increased around 23:14 on November 20, an eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the Sundhnuksgigar crater column. Authorities declared a state of emergency, evacuating the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Spa and Grindavik villages. According to the Icelandic MET Office, the current volcano is in the orange warning stage (down from the red warning stage on November 20). The orange stage means that volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption or volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission. Nearby Keflavik International Airport is currently operating normally.

Storm Bert has caused significant travel disruptions across the UK, particularly at Heathrow Airport, where over 200 flights have been canceled. Nationwide, more than 300 flights were canceled due to the storm's impact. Train services have also been severely affected, with Great Western Railway advising passengers to avoid travel and Greater Anglia canceling 52 services after fallen trees damaged overhead electric wires. Road closures have been reported, including the northbound M32 in Bristol. In London, safety concerns prompted the closure of the Winter Wonderland event and eight Royal Parks. The Met Office has issued wind warnings, forecasting gusts up to 70 mph, and over 200 flood s are in place. In South Wales, the River Taff burst its banks, leading to severe flooding in towns like Pontypridd.

A climate change protest at the Port of Newcastle in New South Wales disrupted coal export activities, forcing one inbound ship to turn back. Police arrested 170 protesters involved. The protest caused minimal disruption, but a coal vessel had to abort its entry due to the obstruction. The vessel has been rescheduled after police efforts to clear the waterway. The protest was organized by the Rising Tide activist group, which also staged a similar demonstration last year.

Finnair announced the cancellation of approximately 300 flights scheduled for December 9 and 13 due to a pilot union strike. The cancellations are expected to impact around 33,000 passengers. The Finnish Pilots' Association (FPA) has been negotiating with the employers' group, Palta, over working conditions for the past three months. However, after recent talks stalled, the union decided to initiate a partial strike. In a statement, Finnair expressed regret, saying, "It is unfortunate that the Finnish Pilots' Association has chosen a strike over negotiations. This will disrupt the travel plans of thousands of customers during the Christmas season."

USB union workers employed by railway operators are scheduled to go on strike nationwide from 21:00 on November 23 to 20:59 on November 24. Purpose of strike is to require improvement of working conditions and wage increase. Scope of strike is passenger and freight railway services operated by FS Group, Trenitalia, Trenord, and Trenitalia Tper. Strikes are likely to disrupt passenger and freight rail services throughout Italy.

Four union workers employed by the French National Railroad (SNCF) are scheduled to go on strike nationwide on November 21. Purpose of strike is to protest against SNCF's push for privatization of local railway lines. The union warns of an indefinite strike from December 11, if the requirements are not met.

The government's SAFAR system has classified the air quality as "severe," the highest level on the scale. Nonessential trucks and non-electric light commercial vehicles are prohibited from entering Delhi. Primary schools are closed, while students in grades 6-9 and 11 have shifted to online classes. Grades 10 and 12 continue in-person learning. Government, municipal, and private offices are operating at 50% capacity, with the remainder working from home. Severe air pollution is expected to persist until at least November 25, with intermittent periods of hazardous conditions likely until mid-February 2024. Additionally, transportation and commercial activities may face disruptions. In extreme cases, private vehicle use may be restricted, and traffic regulations may be imposed.

The Panhellenic Maritime Federation has decided to participate in a nationwide 24-hour general strike scheduled for November 20. Port operations throughout Greece are likely to be suspended during the strike. The strike, announced by the General Confederation of Greek Workers, began at 12:01 a.m. on November 20, 2024 and ended at midnight on the same day. Purpose of the strike is to blame rising living costs and call for better wages and working conditions.

On Monday, November 18, British Airways experienced a significant IT system failure, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations. The outage affected the airline's website and app, preventing passengers from checking in online and causing disruptions across Europe, North America, and Africa. Pilots were unable to access essential flight information, resulting in aircraft being grounded on tarmacs. The technical issue began around 5 p.m. and lasted approximately two hours before systems were restored.