ZIM Kingston container loss and container fire onboard – UPDATE

Further to the incident of ZIM Kingston losing containers overboard and container fire on board, today’s update is that the fire is reported to have been controlled but the vessel is still smoldering as of Sunday afternoon as per JJ Brickett, a federal incident commander and spokesperson with the Canadian Coast Guard.

“What we are seeing on the deck here is basically the shell of those containers, and presumably, everything that was aboard or inside those containers has been consumed in the fire” said Brickett.

Speaking at a virtual press conference on Sunday, Brickett said plans are in place and crew are ready to handle any eventualities should an incoming storm cause any problems to the vessel and also the firefighting efforts.

“We’ve been monitoring, both from shore and on board, if she is moving — she has not,” Brickett said. “And then in the unlikely event that she does move her anchor, we have numerous salvage tugs, including a Coast Guard asset that are around and there’s precautions taken onboard so that a tow can effectively be made very rapidly.”

“What they were attempting to do is let the fire burn down. In other words, the container consumes itself with the fuel while keeping everything else around it cool so they wouldn’t ignite,” he said. “When we are looking at the imagery, we can’t see any scorching or charring of those adjacent containers. That’s a really good sign.” added Brickett

The ZIM Kingston has been anchored at Constance Bank since the night of 22nd October after it lost 40 containers about 12 nautical miles off the west coast of Vancouver Island, near Bamfield, while navigating rough seas.

It is understood that the ship will remain at Constance Bank alongside emergency tow vessels and the Canadian Coast Guard who will be monitoring the vessel due to the storm expected to move through the region.

Officials have also addressed concerns about the air quality as a result of the fire with ongoing monitoring from multiple locations to ensure there is no risk to those onshore.

While the ship itself is not on fire, official have set up a 2 nautical mile emergency zone around the anchored ship with other ships and mariners asked to stay clear of the area. The source of ignition of the fire is still unknown at this stage.

Click to view slideshow.

16 of the 21 crew members were evacuated to Ogden Point while five remained on board to fight the fire as the Canadian Coast Guard doubled the emergency zone around the vessel to 2 nautical miles.

The owners of Zim Kingston are said to have appointed Resolve Marine Group as salvors for the salvage operations, as per Michelle Imbeau, spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard.

“Officials will conduct a full inventory of containers and contents once the fire is found to be fully extinguished,” Imbeau said.

The U.S. Coast Guard is reportedly working with the Canadian incident command center in tracking the 40 containers that fell overboard due to rough weather during the journey with containers being spotted about 22-27 miles off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

“With a significant weather event arriving Sunday, recovery of the containers may be challenging,” Imbeau, spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard, said in a press release.

“Both the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard continue to broadcast warnings as the containers pose a significant risk to mariners.”

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ZIM Kingston on fire off the Canadian coast after losing 40 containers at sea

ZIM Kingston a 4253 TEU capacity container ship built in 2008 flying the Maltese flag is on fire off the coast of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. As per CBC News, 6 containers are on fire on board the ship which is said to be carrying 52,000 kg of Xanthates which are hazardous chemicals used in the mining industry. Xanthates fall under Class 4.2 of the IMDG code which is the classification for “Substances liable to spontaneous combustion” and is said to include Potassium Amylxanthate which is considered an environmental hazard.

As per the Canadian Coast Guard, they received reports from the ship about a fire that broke out in two containers on board. As per a tweet from the Canadian Coast Guard

The fire remains a dynamic event and an Incident Command Post has been set up to manage the situation. Responders are mobilizing to both fight the fire and recover the containers that broke away from the ship on Friday.

— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) October 24, 2021

#CCGLive: CCGS Cape Calvert and CCGS Cape Naden have evacuated 16 people from the container ship M/V #ZimKingston near Victoria, #BritishColumbia after a fire broke out in ten containers earlier today. pic.twitter.com/uiKSrmgpv8

— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) October 24, 2021

“An Emergency Zone has been set up for 1NM around the ship while fire fighting operations are underway. Currently there is no safety risk to people on shore, however the situation will continue to be monitored.” the tweet added.

As per the Canadian Coast Guard, a joint agency response is being coordinated to provide assistance while an assessment is being done to determine the pollution hazards from the containers although Xanthates is not classified as a Marine Pollutant by IMDG.

The ZIM Kingston reportedly faced rough weather West of the Strait of Juan de Fuca caused by a low pressure system that is said to have impacted the region from Thursday the 21st Oct. The hurricane force caused the sea to rise to about 9 meters, resulting in 40 containers falling in to the sea.

The U.S. Coast Guard has been monitoring around 35 containers adrift about 43 miles west of the entrance of the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

As per Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs) “An emergency zone has been established at Constance Bank within 1 mile of the anchored container ship Zim Kingston in the vicinity of 48 20.083N 123 21.800W. The ship is on fire and expelling toxic gas. Two fallen containers are floating in the vicinity of the vessel.”

According to a spokesperson from JRCC, 16 crew members were brought to Ogden Point Pier in Victoria. Five crew members remained on board as of Saturday night to fight the fire.

Image : CHEK News

Although it has been a while since any maritime disaster has been reported, these incidents do continue creating issues for customers, carriers and insurance companies alike.

As per reports, the Canadian Coast Guard was working with its U.S. counterpart to track the 40 containers that had fallen overboard, saying they pose a significant risk to mariners. As of late Saturday, the containers were about 22 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island, near Bamfield with high winds expected on Sunday, which could make recovery of the containers difficult.

“This is extremely concerning. The ship and containers are very close to Victoria, B.C., and a big storm is forecast to hit  tonight. We are worried this may be yet another environmental disaster,” as per David Boudinot, president of Surfrider  Foundation Canada, an environmental organization talking to CBC News.

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Moving to a Cold-Weather City: Everything you Need to Know

Trading the sun for the snow? It can be fun to move to a different climate. You’ll find different outdoor activities, different wardrobe pieces, and more appreciation for the spectrum of seasons.

For all of the thrill of moving to a cold-weather city, it can bring some hesitation for those who have never done it before. Slippery roads, garden-threatening frosts, and extreme weather days can cause many of us to wonder whether we’ve got all we need to be prepared.

If you’ve lived in a warm-weather climate there are probably things that you take for granted there, too. Bugs, allergies, throwing on a light jacket before running out of the house… Prepping for life in a cold-weather place means adjusting to a new way of life.

As long as you’re prepared, you can relax and enjoy all your new hometown has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know before you move to a cold-weather city.

You’ll Need Some New Gear

If you’ve lived somewhere more moderate, you’re likely not used to having gear to prepare for the seasons. In this case, your swimsuit or rowing club membership doesn’t count.

In a colder place, you’ll have clothing and other gear to suit the seasons. Colder weather means layering up and trading your high heels for functional winter boots. That doesn’t mean you have to throw them out entirely when you move, of course. It just means you can plan to say goodbye to some of your favorite outfits in autumn and plan for a reunion in spring.

Before winter arrives, make sure you’ve got some essentials:

• Warm clothes – a long winter jacket, warm sweaters, long socks, hats, gloves, and scarves.
• Insulated and waterproof boots (make sure you check the traction to be sure you’re stable and safe in slippery conditions).
• Warm blankets – consider a hot water bottle and an electric blanket to keep you extra cozy.
• Lotions, balms, and lip salves to protect your skin before, during, and after going out in the cold.
• Snow and ice removal – you’ll need a scraper in your car for the windows and shovels or a snowblower for your pathways at home.

And You’re Not the Only One

You’re not the only one that will need to be prepared for the drop in temperatures. Your house will also need a few things to ensure it’s ready to keep you comfortable in the colder months. Homes in cold-weather cities tend to have the basics covered such as insulation and central heating, but here are a few things to consider if you’ve never lived in a cold place:

• Change the filters in your furnace
• Make sure your pipes have thick insulation
• Check weather stripping on doors and caulk on windows to block drafts
• Have the insulation checked to ensure the cold air stays out and the warm air stays in
• Clean the gutters before the rain and snow come – when the snow melts, the water will need to drain somewhere!

You’ll Pay More in Utilities

Preparing your home can help ensure you’re using heating efficiently. That said, you’ll still find yourself running the heating in your home for the cold months. Keeping your home temperature in the upper 50s will help protect your pipes from freezing and bursting. Repairs for burst pipes are a costly and laborious endeavor.

Prep and Maintenance Are Different

In a cold climate, it takes a bit longer to leave the house. You need to layer up, make sure you’ve got your accessories like hats and gloves, and fill your thermos with some nice hot tea. After that, you may need to shovel the walk and driveway to clear it from snow and ice. Some places require that you clear the sidewalk in front of your home, so it’s important to know what responsibilities you are held to.

Your Cars Need Different Kinds of Care

More than just preparing yourself or your kids, you’ll also need to prepare the car. If you’re parking outside, you may need to scrape the windows and run the engine to warm it up.

To keep your car running smoothly in the cold months, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Check your antifreeze, use thinner oil, determine whether you need chains or snow tires, keep windshield washer fluid (specific for cold months) topped up, and keep the right equipment in your tool kit in the car.

Slippery roads don’t always look icy – have you heard of black ice? – so you’ll need to adjust your driving to suit your new climate. If your city salts your roads to clear them, you’ll need to take good care to ensure it doesn’t damage your car.

 

If you’re still ready to move to a cold-weather city, FlatRate is here to help. We can get you packed and moved so you can start making yourself cozy in your new home – hopefully before the winter sets in!

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36-day average transit time on China-US West Coast route underscores the extent of supply chain breakdown

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• The usual transit time from China to US West Coast ports more than doubled, increasing from 16 days to 36 days in October 2021
• Long waiting times outside US ports are a major factor driving supply chain breakdowns in the US
• Digital freight forwarding company Shifl applauds the Biden administration’s efforts to address the supply chain disruptions

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With the Biden Administration now stepping in to tackle the port congestion crisis at Long Beach and Los Angeles, China-US West Coast transit data and insights provided by digital freight forwarding company Shifl underscores how bad the situation has become, and how much work it will take to get cargo moving on time again.

Between the 2^nd half of May 2021 and the 1^st half of October 2021, the average transit time from Chinese base ports to the US West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach increased from 19 to 36 days.

This means that customers are currently forced to wait an additional 20 odd days for their products to reach them, which is only part of the equation. With the ports facing delays due to inadequate landside infrastructure, containers are sometimes forced to be stuck in closed areas within the port, delaying inland transit even further leading to potential business-crippling conditions.

Commenting on the Biden administration’s efforts, Shabsie Levy, Founder, and CEO of Shifl said “With 40% of US inbound containers moving through Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, efforts by the administration is rightfully focused on a critical node of the global supply chain. The fact that the President of the world’s largest economy is getting involved in addressing this problem is already a huge relief for importers who have been struggling so much.”

“However, this is just the tip of the iceberg and a lot more will need to be done to get our industry under control towards a sustainable future.” added Levy.

“Usually, a ship from Chinese base ports like Shanghai, Ningbo will take between 16-18 days to arrive and discharge cargo at US West Coast ports” said Levy, commenting on the findings of the data analysis. “The increase in transit to 36 days, makes it very extremely painful for businesses dependent on supply chains.” added Levy.

“While we are in constant communication with our customers about the location, release, and delivery times of their shipments, when a ship spends 2-3 weeks waiting to unload, that’s a nerve-wracking situation for the customer” said Levy.

To speak with Shifl about the conditions facing importers, and how freight forwarders are working to address congestion, please contact Charlie Pesti at charlie@pesti.io

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About Shifl: Shifl is bringing the freight forwarding industry into the future with technology and innovation that brings a huge array of real-life benefits to its customers. If you’re an importer looking to bring your business into today’s digital age, be more in control of your shipping processes, and pay less — Shifl is for you. Shifl is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Georgia, and The Philippines. To learn more, visit https://shifl.com.

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Extended working hours justified as Port of Long Beach records second busiest September in history

The Port of Long Beach had its second-busiest September on record, down 5.9% from the same month last year, demonstrating the need for extended work hours within the supply chain as unprecedented numbers of vessels wait off the coast to unload cargo.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 748,472 cargo container units, a dip from the Port’s strongest September on record, achieved in 2020. Imports decreased 8.7% to 370,230 TEUs, while exports declined 1.6% to 110,787 TEUs. Empty containers moved through the Port dropped 3.6% to 267,456 TEUs.

“We are having capacity issues due to the unprecedented number of containers waiting to move off the terminals, while warehouses have little to no room to accommodate this ongoing spike in cargo moving through our port,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. “This is not just about a record number of ships waiting off the coast. We are working with state, federal, local and industry partners to address issues with the entire supply chain that have finally caught up with us.”

“Our waterfront workforce is moving cargo as quickly as possible as we continue to collaborate with stakeholders from throughout the goods movement industry to develop solutions for our capacity challenges,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “This cargo surge is anticipated to last well into 2022, so we need to start thinking of new ways to meet the expected growth in goods movement and rising consumer demand.”

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles last month announced a joint effort to expand operating hours that provides more time for trucks to pick up and return shipping containers as a measure to improve freight movement and reduce delays through the port complex.

Total Terminals International container terminal on Pier T rose to the challenge last month by launching a pilot program that makes it easier for trucks to access the facility during the overnight hours.

Issues within the supply chain have slowed the country’s economic momentum, but have not reversed it. Strong consumer spending supported by rising employment and wage growth will continue to drive economic expansion.

The Port of Long Beach has moved 7,094,849 TEUs during the first nine months of 2021, up 24.3% from the same period in 2020. The Port is on pace to move more than 9 million TEUs by the end of this year, surpassing the current record of 8.1 million TEUs achieved in 2020.

The Port processed 2,341,021 TEUs between July 1 and Sept. 30, a 2.9% increase from the third quarter of 2020.

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Biden steps up pressure on ports and supply chains to address port congestion woes

US President Joe Biden seems to have increased his efforts to ease the current congestion, transportation and supply chain blockages that are disrupting the US ports especially on the West Coast and avoid disruption of goods delivery through the ports especially for holiday shoppers.

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Biden said “The moves were a first step to pushing supply chains in the United States, the world’s biggest consumer economy, to operate faster.“

Biden announced a number of steps to achieve this objective including moves by the nation’s two largest ports Los Angeles and Long Beach to expand to 24-hour operation, and also to ramp up efforts by big conglomerates like Walmart, FedEx, UPS, Samsung, Target and The Home Depot for quicker cargo clearance.

These companies were joined by powerbrokers from ports, terminals and labour unions to discuss how to speedily address a backlog of cargo sitting in thousands of containers on ships outside the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach waiting for a berth.

The main cause of the congestion is said to be the increased demand from US consumers as e-commerce increased by 39% in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020 as more and more Americans seemed to have stayed indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and found the “buy” button on their computers.

Suppliers couldn’t keep up with the demand and experienced several difficulties getting the goods to USA amid soaring freight rates, extreme space and equipment crunch only to face congestion at the ports caused by a combination of factors including inadequate and insufficient port infrastructure.

Biden announced on Wednesday that the Port of Los Angeles has committed to joining the Port of Long Beach in stepping up its round-the-clock operations while customers like Walmart have also committed to picking up their cargo on a 24/7 basis to assist in clearing the ports of the congestion.

“I want to be clear. This is an across-the-board commitment to going to 24/7. This is a big first step,” Biden said. “But now we need the rest of the private sector chain to step up as well. This is not called a supply chain for nothing.“

Biden further requested the terminal operators, truckers, shippers and the rest of the supply chain to step up as well while he committed to all Federal support stating that “strengthening the supply chain will be my team’s focus“. He also indicated that the administration will be calling out the private sector to act in case they don’t step up.

He added that USA should address the long standing weakness in the transportation supply chain that the pandemic has exposed and it is time to improve the infrastructure. Biden further alluded to the fact that the time of cheering for the lean and Just In Time supply chains and leaving no buffer prior has gone as the world has changed adding that supply chains needs to be more resilient.

Close on the heels of the meeting, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka issued a statement regarding President Biden’s announcement regarding 24/7 operations for the Port of Los Angeles.

“Operational details are being discussed and worked out with the supply chain stakeholders. The significance of today’s announcement is the commitment from industry leaders responsible for moving goods on behalf of American consumers and businesses to open up the capacity needed to deliver. It’s a call to action for others to follow.

We have heard directly from the President, the Vice President, Secretary Buttigieg, National Economic Council Director Deese, and Port Envoy Porcari. We have a lot of work ahead. The Port of LA is called America’s Port because cargo we handle reaches every corner of the country. In the days ahead, we are committed to continuing to be the convener to ensure the supply chain delivers for the American people.”

 

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Moving to Hawaii: Things That You Need to Know

Thousands of people migrate to Hawaii every year, buy a home and start to live their dream. Most of them have high goals of living in this paradise, a beautiful beach house, everyday surfing opportunities, and sipping margaritas out of coconut shells. Hawaii is the last country that became part of the US, comprising islands. …

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