International Trade Symposium in Norfolk to focus M&A issues
MERGERS and acquisitions among shipping lines will come under the microscope at the upcoming 13th annual International Trade Symposium on May 12 in Norfolk, amid allegations that they are creating an environment of uncertainty and sending shockwaves across the industry.
A panel will look at their potential impact on shipping alliances and their services, management of vessel capacity, and ocean rates.
The discussion will be of interest to shippers, port authorities and terminal operators, say organisers of the Virginia Maritime Association and American Shipper said.
Under the theme "Is Your Global Supply Chain Ready for Change," the opening panel will focus on port congestion and the lessons learned from the US west coast chaos of 2014 and 2015, with an interest in promoting smoothly functioning port and intermodal systems.
Agriculture Transportation Coalition executive director Peter Friedmann, who is the leading representative of America's biggest volume of agriculture and forest exports, will play a key role in developing US and international transportation policy.
"He is uniquely positioned to give a comprehensive rate payers perspective on international shipping, including such current 'hot button' issues as SOLAS container weight amendment, port productivity legislation, and more," said the statement from organisers.
Some disruption to supply chains is expected when the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty takes effect on July 1, requiring verification of container weights before loading on a vessel.
Some marine terminals have issued public positions that they will not accept loaded containers without a weight certification, while other terminals will.
A special panel will bring together a BCO, intermediary, terminal operator, carrier and technology solutions provider to discuss the rule's implementation and how to prevent disruptions in the supply chain.
MERGERS and acquisitions among shipping lines will come under the microscope at the upcoming 13th annual International Trade Symposium on May 12 in Norfolk, amid allegations that they are creating an environment of uncertainty and sending shockwaves across the industry.
A panel will look at their potential impact on shipping alliances and their services, management of vessel capacity, and ocean rates.
The discussion will be of interest to shippers, port authorities and terminal operators, say organisers of the Virginia Maritime Association and American Shipper said.
Under the theme "Is Your Global Supply Chain Ready for Change," the opening panel will focus on port congestion and the lessons learned from the US west coast chaos of 2014 and 2015, with an interest in promoting smoothly functioning port and intermodal systems.
Agriculture Transportation Coalition executive director Peter Friedmann, who is the leading representative of America's biggest volume of agriculture and forest exports, will play a key role in developing US and international transportation policy.
"He is uniquely positioned to give a comprehensive rate payers perspective on international shipping, including such current 'hot button' issues as SOLAS container weight amendment, port productivity legislation, and more," said the statement from organisers.
Some disruption to supply chains is expected when the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty takes effect on July 1, requiring verification of container weights before loading on a vessel.
Some marine terminals have issued public positions that they will not accept loaded containers without a weight certification, while other terminals will.
A special panel will bring together a BCO, intermediary, terminal operator, carrier and technology solutions provider to discuss the rule's implementation and how to prevent disruptions in the supply chain.