Industry News
Ian Matheson , from Impress Communications, reviews some recent news that might impact on Members’ business. Don’t miss Ian’s weekly news round up on BIFAlink TV, which can be seen on our You Tube channel. Subscribe by scanning the QR code.
Tonnage shift to US trades causes bunching in Asia
strengthen the port’s role as a key hub. IN BUSINESS The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the acquisition of Wincanton by GXO Logistics, subject to the condition that the former’s dedicated grocery warehousing business is sold to a CMA-approved buyer. Meanwhile, the CMA has now launched an investigation into the proposed dual transaction involving the anticipated acquisition of DHL eCommerce UK by EVRi, alongside DHL Group’s planned purchase of a minority stake in EVRi itself. IN THE AIR While international trade continued to flow in May and global air cargo volumes rose 6% year-on-year, market sentiment and concerns over what comes next saw airfreight spot rates decline for the first time in a year, according to Xeneta’s market analysis published in mid-June. OVERLAND Additional government funding announced in mid- June sets the Lower Thames Crossing on the path to securing private investment. This follows the granting of planning permission for the project in March 2025, without any legal challenges, enabling Readers are invited to take part in new research being run by Ipsos on behalf of HMRC, giving you the opportunity to share your views on customs procedures, challenges and support available for traders. More information is available at: https://bifa.org/wp- content/uploads/2025/06/H MRC_Traders-and- Intermediaries-Panel-Trade-B ody-Letterhead_final.pdf the delivery of this vital economic infrastructure project at pace. ACROSS THE BORDER
ON THE OCEAN Mid-June saw the tonnage shift to US trades drive vessel bunching at Asian ports, which slowed cargo flows and soaked up functional capacity. Portcast data, as displayed on the JOC.com Gateway, showed a sharp spike in vessels waiting to berth at Shanghai, Ningbo, Singapore and Port Klang. Israel’s surprise attack on Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure in mid-June prompted shipowners to exercise an extra degree of caution in both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, a
critical gateway to the world’s oil industry – and a vital entry point for containerships calling at Dubai’s massive Jebel Ali Port. Samskip has announced the launch of a weekly shortsea container service between the ports of Blyth and Rotterdam offering shippers a reliable and sustainable transport alternative that connects seamlessly to the
transport the first heavy-duty electric truck carrying freight from Dover to Calais. It sailed on board the ferry company’s newest hybrid vessel, P&O Liberté, which produces 40% fewer carbon emissions than conventional ferries on the same route. ON THE QUAYSIDE The Department for Transport (DfT) has published draft revisions to the national policy statement for ports, aimed at accelerating planning applications and supporting the expansion of maritime facilities across England. It claims this will reduce delays and costs for port operators seeking to expand their facilities. Stena Line is investing £17 million in developments at the 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead to future-proof operations by increasing freight parking capacity and improving traffic flow. An additional 200 freight parking spaces are already complete and have boosted capacity for unaccompanied freight in the port by almost 30%, with the project’s next phase being a reconfiguration of the front- of-house operations to improve health and safety and traffic flow to ease congestion. The arrival of one of Finnlines’ new Finneco-class hybrid ro- ro vessels in mid-June marked the official opening of a new £30 million ro-ro berth at London Medway. It also marks the completion of the in-river vessel berth and floating pontoon, which will support increased ro-ro traffic and more efficient logistics operations and further
shipping line’s wider European network.
Kuehne+Nagel, P&O Ferries and Renault Trucks have partnered to successfully
4 | July 2025
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