SHIPPING + MARITIME-

#1- Qatar has received the first dual-fuel methanol container vessel — the CMA CGM Iron — at QTerminals, according to a statement released on Thursday. The vessel has a 13k TEU capacity and is one of 12 new dual-fuel methanol vessels operated by French logistics firm CMA CGM.

Not the first in the region: Abu Dhabi’s Khalif Port received the same dual-fuel methanol vessel — a first for the port — at CMA CGM’s CMA Terminals. Built by Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, the vessel can be powered by both conventional and alternative fuels, including bio-methanol and e-methanol.

#2- The Maersk Stadelhorn has become the first vessel to make use of the Gemini Corporation’s services at DP World-London Gateway, according to a press release. The ship is bound for ports across Europe and Asia, following Gemini’s ME2 / IEX India-Europe service. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s Gemini Cooperation chose DP World-operated London Gateway port as its UK hub last November to leverage more single operator routes and less port calls per service.

What’s next for Gemini in the UK? At full capacity, Gemini will use DP World’s deep sea container ports at London Gateway and Southampton to launch 57 services at a capacity of up to 3.7 mn TEUs, the UAE-based port operator said.

CARGO-

Qatar Airways’ cargo arm Qatar Airways Cargo has launched a new transportation product, Techlift, to enhance air cargo transportation for the semiconductor industry, according to a statement released on Thursday. Techlift will offer protection and targeted shock absorption for ground and aircraft equipment. It will also allow for higher loading priority by using approved data loggers and specialized handling techniques.

We knew this was coming: Semiconductors and consumer goods in major economies are also expected to be strong areas for the sector in this year, with the carrier forecasting a 5-10% increase in total freight capacity, the company told Bloomberg in January 2025

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • HMM vessel lands in Umm Qasr port: A transport vessel owned by South Korea’s HMM has arrived in Iraq’s Umm Qasr port for the first time. (Shafaq News)
  • QR + BA expand aviation partnership: Qatar Airways (QR) and British Airways (BA) have added five routes to their codeshare agreement, starting 30 March. (Simple Flying)
Tags: