Chittagong's PCT gives carriers new Bangladesh options - The Loadstar

Bangladesh's port of Chittagong's recently inaugurated Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) is ramping up its operations allowing carriers to explore fresh options for serving Bangladesh. The terminal is currently serving the 2,750 teu Maersk Chattogram and for the first time handling export, import, and empty containers simultaneously. Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) completed construction of PCT in June 2022 and signed a deal with the Saudi operator Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) for a 20-year operating concession in December 2023. PCT subsequently started commercial operations ...

More pressure on transpacific rates as carriers bet on a China-US trade deal - The Loadstar

Mainline operators are pushing for higher transpacific rates in May, betting on a trade deal that could trigger a return of mass Chinese export volumes to the US. While rates face downward pressure, carriers announced price rises for next month, driving marginal gains to transpacific rates last week. On Friday, the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index showed the Shanghai-US west coast rate rose 2% from the previous week, to $2,141 per 40ft, while the Shanghai-US east coast ...

FedEx reinforces on the transatlantic with Liege service expansion

FedEx is reinforcing its presence on the transatlantic with the launch of new freighter frequencies between Liège in Belgium and Memphis in the US. The additions, which began on 28 April, increase the number of flights operated each week from five to eight. FedEx utilises Boeing 777 freighter aircraft for the operation. "The role of Liege in the FedEx air network has shifted in recent years to being a dedicated intercontinental freight hub, part of a global strategy to redesign the air network to improve density and network utilisation," FedEx said in a press release. "The increased frequency enhances the role of Liege in the global network and comes as FedEx continues to focus on its strategy to grow in the sizeable $80 billion global air freight market." Rudi Loontiens, managing director, hub operations at FedEx, added: "The increased frequency of the Liege-Memphis air route underscores the strategic role Liege hub plays in our global air network, being the intercontinental freight hub for Europe. "This development reflects our commitment to a strong and sustainable presence in Wallonia. We are proud to continue supporting Liège, both in infrastructure and in people, while strengthening Belgium's role at the heart of international trade flows." FedEx' first launched its Liège-Memphis connection in April 2017 and since then, the company has expanded its nonstop transatlantic offering from Liège with new routes to Indianapolis and Oakland.