NEWS\\\


Issue 5 2020 - Freight Business Journal


7


News Roundup


American Airlines has named Jessica Tyler as its new president of cargo and vice president of airport excellence. The appointment and role are part of American’s recent right-sizing of its management and support staff aſter the covid pandemic. Tyler’s predecessor Rick Elieson has moved to a passenger role.


Air GTI to turbocharge port of Dover’s prospects


The Port of Dover has revealed plans for a ‘virtual’ freeport zone in its response to the Government’s Freeports Consultation, which was due to close on 13 July. The


Global


The time:matters high speed logistics arm of the Luſthansa group has set up a US subsidiary in Miami. It will offer transport solutions for time-critical and sensitive shipments and support local network partners with a team of English, German and Spanish speakers.


Rhenus Air & Ocean has opened a new hub at Liège Airport, Belgium. The new hub offers a portfolio of freight forwarding solutions and future plans include air, ocean and rail routes. Customs clearance and fiscal representation capabilities will also be available.


UPS has launched a new range of recyclable packaging for shipping individual bottles of spirits and wine, to help producers in the UK and Ireland reach new customers. Designed in conjunction with Smurfit Kappa and distributor Macfarlane Packaging, it addresses the challenge of packing bottles that come in a range of shapes and sizes. There are four customisable versions of the one-bottle packs that can accommodate most shapes and sizes.


Trade and


Innovation Zone (GTI) Zone will connect the Port of Dover with


key manufacturing hubs


alongside regeneration sites and initial estimates by economic consultancy Oxera suggest that by enabling just one of the


regeneration sites already


identified to reach its potential, the GTI Zone could support


almost 10,000 jobs. Plans for the first phase of the GTI Zone will see this number increase significantly as more sites are added, creating more employment in areas around the UK where regeneration is most needed. Manufacturers will be able to


access the customs, tariff and taxation benefits offered by freeports, complemented by other incentives, without having to re-locate, boosting their global competitiveness and aiding post- Covid recovery, whilst also helping reduce the impact of no trade


Ports urge rethink on Freeport plans


The cap of 10 on the total number of freeports allowed aſter Brexit risks limiting the benefits, warned the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) in its response to the Government’s


consultation. It said that it would be far better if the Government “was guided by the number of compelling proposals rather than an arbitrary limit”.


Freeports would free up Tees potential


PD Ports underlined the huge investment and jobs boost that a freeport on the River Tees could deliver for the local and regional economy, in its response to the Government’s consultation. It said that an innovative


and ambitious scheme could


enable the whole Tees Valley to further capitalise on its strengths as a leading chemicals and manufacturing centre, increasing the potential for additional inward investment and creating


thousands more jobs. PD Ports chief operating


officer and vice chairman, Jerry Hopkinson, said: “PD Ports is a


longstanding supporter of


Freeports and we were delighted to welcome [ministers] to announce


their plans last year. Both ourselves and the Tees Valley Combined Authority have highlighted the transformative potential that Freeport status offers and we’ve worked hard to see how we can bring that potential to reality.”


The port has brought together


academic institutions aiming to create


the UK’s


deal with the EU or any tariffs introduced aſter the end of the transition period. An Exporting Works programme


will help educate young people about international trade in local schools and colleges. Companies and start-ups


will also be offered the chance to work alongside established international businesses, build close relationships with potential customers and access a range of services dedicated to driving export growth, including financial support and training.


Focusing major advantages on a small number of locations and casting aside ‘the rest’ risks make a difficult situation worse for a lot of communities, it said. The Government also needs to


be clearer in its priority for freeports strategy, said chief executive Tim Morris. He explained: “Headline goals of creating national hubs for global trade and promoting regeneration and job creation are sensible. They are also linked. A strong underlying trading hub and a business-led approach with strong local support give the best chance of sustainable job creation both locally and nationally. History


first Zero


Emission Logistics Corridors. Routes between Dover and key manufacturing hubs will be used to develop and trial new electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, alongside other advanced technologies and infrastructure. The University of Cambridge and Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University will join forces with the Warwick Manufacturing Group and Kent University to focus on a range of projects designed to support achieving the Government’s goal of a net-zero emission transport system by 2050.


teaches us that solely ‘build it and they will come’ approaches have resulted in missed potential.” The British Ports Association


also warned against “picking winners” in a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. It said that while the industry is enthused by government’s recognition of ports as a tool for economic growth, it feels a more inclusive policy is needed. In particular the BPA remains concerned by the arbitrary cap of establishing up to 10 freeports, saying that an arbitrary cap will distort competition and promote others.


certain regions over


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