Current Situation  

The Red Sea crisis enters its thirteenth week with escalating concerns about extended delays and widespread disruptions impacting the global container shipping network. Terminations of voyages and congestion surges at regional port terminals are happening with short notice, further complicating logistics. The underlying geopolitical tensions continue to cloud the situation, hindering a swift resolution. 

Industry Insights, Facts & Market Developments

Below are some additional key facts and market developments surrounding the situation, including a timeline of major events.  

• Drewry's WCI composite index shows a further but slowed decline of 4% this week. Drewry expects spot rates ex-China to continue declining in the coming weeks, whereas freight rates on transatlantic will remain stable.  
• US CENTCOM continues to report successful engagement and destruction of a variety of drones, missiles, and drone boats, drones on land before they are being utilized. While successful engagement is cited, the past week has seen one of the largest and heaviest number of attacks from the Houthi militia. 
• UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) reported today that a vessel has been struck by a missile causing damage, the vessel continued its voyage and the crew reported being safe.  
• This past week has seen the highest number of attacks on commercial merchant vessels, container and breakbulk/conventional ships alike.  
• The European Union (EU) expresses growing concern about the impact of the Red Sea Crisis on global supply chains and calls for a diplomatic solution. 
• The Yemeni government accuses the Houthi militia of obstructing potential solutions to ensure safe passages in the Red Sea. 
• Industry reports highlight a rise in insurance premiums for vessels traveling the Cape of Good Hope route due to the increased voyage time.  
• The Houthi militia has today stated their intent to increase the geographical scope of attacks and in addition, potentially use hypersonic missiles, which they claim to have access to. If true, this would lead to further escalation of the current situation.  

Our Commitment

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website update will occur once per week, every Friday.  

For any more detailed and / or shipment specific information, or alternative solutions, please contact your local JAS office.  

Completing nine weeks of the Red Sea crisis, a tentative new normal emerges. While the timeline for re-routing through the region remains unclear, ocean carriers have largely adapted their schedules and ports of call, suggesting fewer operational disruptions on both primary and backhaul routes going forward. However, experts urge caution, emphasizing the inherent volatility of the situation and the potential for future flare-ups. 

Industry Insights, Facts & Market Developments 

Below are some additional key facts and market developments surrounding the situation.  

• Leading analysts predict a prolonged Red Sea closure, which could last through 2024. Shippers should remain vigilant for further supply/demand disruptions. The only remaining carriers who traverse the Red Sea are smaller Asian carriers. 
• The Houthi claim to be attacking only US, UK, and Israeli ships, but experts state this is rather subjective, and all ships are at risk in the Red Sea. 
• US CENTCOM successfully intercepted missiles launched by Houthis in the past week, as well as launching several counterattacks.  
• All major carriers continue to go around the Cape with extended Transit time and higher costs to follow. The supply chain has started to adjust to the new reality.  
• More information has come out on EU Operation Aspides, which is set to last for one year, be purely defensive in nature with no attacks on Yemeni soil, and based on Greece.  
• Hapag Lloyd is reducing their Operational Recovery Surcharge from US East and Gulf Coast to Asia effective February 16th, today, which was initially implemented February 5th only. While back haul related, a sign of relief. 
• Drewry’s WCI, released yesterday, indicated that from Asia to Europe and the Mediterranean, it continued to decline, but the pace of decline slowed compared to the past week.  
• Backhaul rates from Europe and the Mediterranean to Asia seem to be catching up, reacting to the crisis. Xeneta reported a 68% rise in North Europe to Asia and a 45% increase in Mediterranean rates since December 31st, 2023.  

Our Commitment 

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website update will occur once per week, every Friday.  

For any more detailed and / or shipment specific information, or alternative solutions, please contact your local JAS office.  

Current Situation  

Eight weeks into the Red Sea crisis, a tentative new normal emerges. While the timeline for re-routing through the region remains unclear, ocean carriers have largely adapted their schedules and ports of call, suggesting fewer operational disruptions on both primary and backhaul routes going forward. However, experts urge caution, emphasizing the inherent volatility of the situation and the potential for future flare-ups.

Industry Insights, Facts & Market Developments
Below are some additional key facts and market developments surrounding the situation.  

• Leading analysts predict a prolonged Red Sea closure, which could last through 2024. Shippers should remain vigilant for further supply/demand disruptions.
• US CENTCOM successfully intercepted seven missiles and four drone boats before they could be used to target the shipping industry.
• Two attacks on commercial vessels occurred in the Gulf of Eden and Bab al-Mandeb since our last update, causing minor damage but no injuries.
• EU Operation Aspides expands under Italian leadership, adding a German frigate. They focus on intelligence, logistics, air warning, cyber, and communication support due to the "Information Warfare" dimension.
• Eastbound spot rates to North Europe and the Mediterranean continue softening slowly, while backhaul rates to Asia see a delayed increase. Rates remain above pre-crisis levels with surcharges in effect. Expect continued volatility.

Our commitment

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website update will occur once per week, every Friday.  

For any more detailed and / or shipment specific information, or alternative solutions, please contact your local JAS office.  

Current Situation: 

Seven weeks into the crisis in the Red Sea, the situation remains critical and extremely dynamic. The containerized ocean carrier community started to announce network changes with more permanent routing changes around the Cape of Good Hope, with new transit times and an alteration of port calls. As more carriers get organized daily, we will see more of those actions being taken, which should bring a more consistent approach for the time being.  

• Since our last update, there have been several attacks carried out by the Houthis, as well as an increased risk of piracy attacks from Somalia to add to this crisis. The latest attack occurred on February 1^st on a UK flag tanker vessel, the “Marlin Luanda.”
• The conflict has also moved into land where US troops have been attacked, which causes further instability and uncertainty in the region. So far, the attacks from US and UK armies have not slowed down the attacks by the Houthis.
• US CENTCOM reported that daily air strikes have taken place on Houthi inland targets in Yemen, and this is expected to continue. 
• Leading maritime security firm Ambrey advised that Maritime security concerns continue to escalate in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean, with threats growing significantly more complex and widespread.  

Key Facts & Market Developments: 

Below are some key facts and market developments surrounding the situation.

• Carrier Hapag Lloyd, given the on going dangerous situation and current security concerns, will continue to divert all vessels until further notice.  
• Maersk Line Limited still states that transit through the Red Sea will be suspended until further notice. 
• Carrier CMA-CGM still shows no change to its transit policy; we highlight again the need to carefully monitor vessel sharing agreement carrier shipments that may continue to transit on the same vessels.
• Ocean Network Express (ONE) CEO Jeremy Nixon stated earlier this week that the ongoing attacks against commercial shipping will have a material impact on transit times on the Asia – Europe and Asia – US East Coast trade lanes at least through the second quarter of 2024.  
• Rate levels continue to be higher than pre-crisis with new charges being announced such as Equipment Imbalance surcharges, however minor softening on spot rates has also been seen in certain pockets. Rate development remains dynamic and volatile.  

Going Forward: 

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website update will occur once per week, every Friday.  

For any more detailed and / or shipment specific information, or alternative solutions, please contact your local JAS office.  

Current Situation: 

Four weeks into the crisis in the Red Sea, the situation remains critical and extremely dynamic. The world’s largest container carriers (VOCC’s)continue to reroute, with a few exceptions, their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. 

• Three days ago, the Houthis launched their biggest attack yet, with very little overall impact. It has demonstrated the effectiveness of the coalition’s presence in executing area defense operations. 
• Yesterday, the RAF and US Navy launched the first counterattack by the coalition in response to Houthi aggressions since this conflict started. Over one dozen vessels in the area made instant route changes, based on AIS data, to reach safe points or pursue the Cape of Good Hope.  
• The situation and the future direction of this conflict remain dynamic and therefore unclear; however, expectations are that rerouting will continue. 

Carrier Responses: 

Below is a recap of the current situation as announced by carriers this week; however, the situation is very fluid and continues to evolve. 

• Carriers at large continue to reroute vessels with scheduled services from the Suez Canal around the Cape of Good Hope. Vessel sharing agreements (VSA) need to be carefully monitored, as the vessel operator’s choice will include alliance partners. 
• Several ocean carriers have stopped offering new long-term rate agreements in Asia to Europe and Mediterranean trade, as well as India Sub-continent services via Suez to the US East Coast. The reasons cited include the need to assess additional cost factors, a lack of clarity based on long diversions and rerouting, as well as equipment imbalance and berthing window impact. 
• Global benchmarking platform Xeneta has reported space guarantee/premium surcharge offers being presented by ocean carriers up to $1500 per container to ensure priority services prior to Chinese New Year holidays, starting February 10th. 

Going Forward: 

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website will be updated once per week, every Friday. 

For any more detailed and/or shipment-specific information, please contact your local JAS office. 

Current Situation  

Three weeks into the crisis in the Red Sea, the situation continues to be critical and extremely dynamic. The world’s largest container carriers (VOCC’s) have chosen most of their voyages utilizing re-routing of their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

• Vice Admiral Cooper, the NAVCENT commander, advised that the coalition of navy’s named “Operation Prosperity Guardian” has now doubled to 20 nations with more expected to join.
• While there are challenges determining exact number of attacks, due to differing definitions, we continue to witness on / off reports daily citing attempted attacks, suspicious activity, or inconclusive incidents. Today, reports indicated “Drone Boats” being deployed by the Houthis for the first time.
• Media outlets reported on December 24th, that over 120 ships carrying +1.7 million TEU’s had been impacted, compared to latest reports, 12 days later advising an impact of over 400 vessels carrying +5 million TEU’s.

Carrier Responses 

Below is a recap of the current situation as announced by carriers this week; however, the situation is very fluid and continues to evolve. 

• The carriers at large continue to re-route vessels with scheduled services from the Suez Canal around the Cape of Good Hope. Vessel sharing agreements (VSA) need to be carefully monitored, as the vessel operator’s choice will include alliance partners.
• Maersk, previously considering routing more vessels through the Suez, has decided to take the long voyage around Cape the Good Hope, after suffering more attacks in recent days.
• In addition to even more surcharges being announced by carriers in direct and indirectly impacted trade lanes, carriers are now offering additional premium products, citing priority equipment release and loading.

Going Forward

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website update will occur once per week, every Friday.

For more detailed and/or shipment specific information, please contact your local JAS office.

All major US, European, and Regional Carriers operate directly out of Dubai to American and European destinations, making it an ideal Hub for a unique cost saving advantage.

The DXB and DWC cargo terminals and the JEA sea ports are designed and equipped to meet the needs of specific Sea Air products by combining the best features of air and sea services.

Capacity

The Sea Air acceptance docks at DXB, DWC, and JEA have the capacity to turnover in excess of 35 to 40 tons per hour.

Benefits

• Lower cost option to air freight
• Faster transit times than ocean freight
• Reduced lead times
• Comparatively lower C02 emissions

Ideal for Clients Who Ship:

• E-goods
• Mid-fashion goods
• Retail goods
• Controlled transport
• Automotive from areas where uplift is scarce

JAS is committed to providing a high quality of services and competitive ranges. Today, our global network encompasses over 100 countries between JAS offices and official agents, and has over 7,000 employees globally.

For more information, contact your local JAS office.

As part of ongoing efforts to combat climate change, the European Union (EU) has extended the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to include CO₂ emissions from all large ships entering EU ports. Starting in January 2024, this move will hold shipping companies accountable for their carbon footprint, fostering energy efficiency and incentivizing low-carbon solutions within the maritime logistics industry.

Inclusion of Maritime Emissions in the EU ETS:

In May 2023, the EU officially adopted amendments to the ETS Directive and the Regulation on the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) for maritime transport. These amendments will integrate maritime emissions into the ETS, encompassing 50% of emissions from voyages starting or ending outside the EU and 100% of emissions between two EU ports or when ships are within EU ports. This step will apply to all large ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above, irrespective of their flag.

Transition Period and Compliance:

To facilitate a smooth transition, shipping companies will gradually be required to surrender emission allowances for a portion of their reported emissions:

• In 2025, they have to surrender allowances for 40% of their emissions reported in 2024.
• In 2026, the percentage will increase to 70% for emissions reported in 2025.
• From 2027 onwards, they must surrender allowances for 100% of their reported emissions.

Impact on the Maritime Logistics Industry:

• Compliance Costs and Financial Implications: Companies will face extra expenses as they are now required to purchase and sell emission allowances. In order to stay within their allotted allowances, substantial capital investments will be necessary for the adoption of emission-reducing technologies and sustainable fuel alternatives.
• Operational Adjustments: Shipping companies must optimize vessel routes, reduce idle times, and adopt slow steaming practices to align with emission reduction targets. This will require careful planning and coordination to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain logistics.
• Market Competitiveness and Differentiation: Companies embracing sustainable practices will gain a competitive edge as eco-conscious customers and businesses are increasingly prioritizing environmentally responsible shipping solutions.
• Collaboration and Information Sharing: Close collaboration with authorities, port operators, and stakeholders will help ensure accurate emission reporting and progress monitoring.

Conclusion:

Including maritime emissions in the EU Emissions Trading System marks a significant shift for the maritime logistics industry. While compliance with the regulation will present challenges, it also creates opportunities for the sector to embrace sustainability, foster innovation, and collaborate effectively to contribute to a greener future.

In a bold move to address the need for reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced groundbreaking regulations concerning energy efficiency and carbon intensity for all ships. These measures require ships to calculate their attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) to determine energy efficiency and to initiate data collection to report their annual operational carbon intensity indicator (CII) and CII rating. 

Understanding the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI):

The EEXI is a score given to ships based on their energy efficiency. Ships attained EEXI will be compared to a required EEXI based on an applicable reduction factor expressed as a percentage relative to the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) baseline. Each ship's calculated attained EEXI value must be below the required EEXI to meet the minimum energy efficiency standard. 

Exploring the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Rating:

The CII is set to rank and monitor the carbon efficiency of each vessel concerning the cargo carried, and the distance traveled. The actual annual operational CII achieved must be documented and verified against the required annual operational CII, allowing the operational carbon intensity rating to be determined. The rating ranges from A to E (where A is the best), and the threshold requirements will become stricter year over year.

Impact:

• Environmental Benefits: The primary goal of these IMO regulations is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). By measuring and monitoring energy efficiency, shipping companies can identify areas for improvement and optimize their operations to minimize carbon footprints.
• Technological Advancements: These regulations will encourage the development and adopting of cleaner technologies within the maritime sector, fostering innovation and creating a demand for sustainable solutions.

Challenges:

• Compliance Costs: Implementing the EEXI and CII measures will require investments in ship upgrades, retrofitting, and enhanced operational practices. For shipowners and operators, this could pose a significant financial challenge, particularly for older vessels.
• Disruptions to Shipping Schedules and Supply Chains: As the cost of technological advancements is high, ships implement fuel-saving measures like slow-steaming, which can lead to longer transit times, affecting the predictability and reliability of cargo delivery.
• Data Collection and Reporting: The accurate measurement and reporting of a vessel's carbon intensity require reliable data collection systems. Shipowners must adapt to new reporting standards and overcome potential technical barriers in gathering and transmitting data.

Conclusion:

Implementing the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) measures marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry. While they offer environmental benefits, they also present challenges, including compliance costs and potential disruptions to shipping schedules. Collaboration among stakeholders, technological advancements, and regulatory support are crucial to navigating these challenges.

JAS Worldwide, a leading global logistics company, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Peter Sinka as the Vice President, Global Head of LCL. Sinka is a seasoned professional in the logistics industry, with over 17 years of experience in Ocean Freight and LCL product.

Sinka's career has taken him to various countries and cities, such as Slovakia, the USA, and Canada, where he has held multiple positions in operations, product and commercial development, and P&L responsibility. His wealth of knowledge and expertise in LCL product and Ocean Freight will be invaluable in driving JAS's strategy and development of one of the most critical products in Ocean Freight.

Sinka will be reporting to Lars Huebecker, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Ocean Freight. He is excited about his new role and the opportunity to work with JAS, saying, "I am very excited to join JAS to drive the strategy and development of one of the most important products in Ocean Freight. Supply chains are changing rapidly, and the demand for the LCL product will continue to rise at higher rates than ever before. JAS is well positioned to handle the increasing demand and to create value with LCL services to its customers."

With Sinka's appointment as Vice President, Global Head of LCL, JAS is well on its way to revolutionizing the seas and expanding its Ocean Freight Consolidation Services.

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About JAS Worldwide

JAS was founded in 1978 in Milan, Italy, and its global headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Over the last four decades, JAS has grown from regional roots to a global force in logistics covering all modes of transportation, including contract logistics and other sophisticated and digital-driven supply chain solutions. Today, JAS covers 100+ countries with over 7000 employees globally and continues to expand with its core culture, “People make the difference,” and its strong commitment to a sustainable future.

The JAS Worldwide Ocean Freight team is pleased to share Jesper Jepsen has been promoted to Vice President, Global Ocean Freight Operations.

Jesper joined JAS in 2019 as Head of LCL & Consolidation Services as part of the USA team. In 2021 he joined the Americas Region as Ocean Services Director.

In his new role, Jesper will focus on leading the collaboration efforts connecting global product and operations, working closely with neighboring internal departments and outside vendors. Furthermore, in his position, he will lead the strategic, operational management roadmap for Ocean Freight Hubs and Capacity Management Teams.

About JAS Worldwide

JAS was founded in 1978 in Milan, Italy, and its global headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Over the last four decades, JAS has grown from regional roots to a global force in logistics covering all modes of transportation, including contract logistics and other sophisticated and digital-driven supply chain solutions. Today, JAS covers 100+ countries with over 7,000 employees globally and continues to expand with its core culture, “People make the difference.”

In response to increased demand for Less than Container Load (LCL) services, JAS Worldwide is pleased to announce that it is launching a new weekly LCL service from the Port of Gothenburg (GOT) to Charleston, South Carolina, USA (CHS).  

The global maritime market is continuing to experience high levels of demand while facing a lack of capacity, increased port congestion, and a shortage of empty containers. This environment is driving the need for companies to find ways to optimize opportunities in their supply chains, and one way they are doing so is through LCL services.  

JAS is uniquely positioned to handle these and other ongoing marketplace stressors. Our LCL services are designed to provide the flexibility need in today’s environment helping customers keep their supply chains moving, while offering cost savings when compared to airfreight.  

“Customers taking advantage of our LCL services to Charleston benefit from fixed weekly sailing schedules with secure and flexible service from origin to destination.” said Brandon Miller, CHS Station Manager, JAS USA.  

Additional weekly LCL import services to CHS include:

• LON (London, England)
• HAM (Hamburg, Germany)
• NHV (Nhava Sheva, India)
• MAA (Madras, India)
• SHA (Shanghai) and TW (Taiwan) via BUS (Busan)

As 2022 begins, the global maritime market is continuing to experience high levels of demand while facing a reduced availability of space onboard ships, severe port congestion, and a shortage of empty containers. Today’s challenging shipping environment means that customers are turning to LCL services more than ever before to keep goods in their supply chains moving. 

These challenges are nothing new to the global maritime market, which has been struggling with supply chain disruptions since the pandemic began. JAS is uniquely positioned to handle these and other ongoing marketplace stressors. Our Less-Than-Container-Load (LCL) services are designed to fill the need and keep goods in the supply chain moving.  

Due to high customer demand and the current logistics environment, JAS is pleased to announce the launch of its new LCL strategic HUB connecting the LCL Asia Pacific cargos via Busan to the Latin American West Coast. The Busan HUB officially was announced on Dec. 20, 2021, with the first LCL console box to Manzanillo-Mexico. Thanks to high customer demand and the cost-savings benefits of implementing this LCL service, the team has begun the process of establishing a second weekly sailing from Busan to Manzanillo. Next steps include connecting Asia Pacific cargos via Busan to other Latin American countries, including Chile, Columbia, Panama, and Peru.  

Advantages JAS’ LCL Import Services via Busan include:

• Cargo availability at our own JAS container freight station (CFS).
• In-house custom experts at origin and destination.
• Dedicated customer service with LCL expertise.
• Visibility into every step of product flow with JASTrack.  
• Exposure/risk reduction.  
• Door-to-door solutions available.  
• Weekly departures.
• JAS controlled from end-to-end.
• Easy In & Out connection. Cargoes are de-consolidated and consolidated in the same CFS managed by JAS.
• Busan port is the last port connection from Asia to Latin America West Coast with the shortest transit time.
• Reduction of CO2. JAS converts light 20-foot containers into LCL service using our strategic console product with containers of 40 feet well utilized.

With ocean freight space at a premium, less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo makes sense now more than ever. We continue to experience never before seen levels of demand while facing a reduced availability of space onboard ships, severe congestion in ports, and a shortage of empty containers. This unprecedented environment demands the effectiveness of LCL to keep your supply chain moving. 

LCL shipping, with its numerous moving parts and complex processes, can seem overwhelming and not worthwhile. However, JAS has a global network of dedicated LCL specialists who can provide you with a complete understanding of the process and peace of mind throughout.

Choosing JAS means choosing: 

• Sailing Integrity: With our less than container load (LCL) services, we offer weekly departures to over 40,000 CFS (Consolidated Freight Stations) pairings around the world, ensuring schedule integrity and some of the fastest transit times in the market to help you keep your supply chain moving. 
•  Reliability & Allocation Management: At this time, market demand exceeds supply, and the ocean market is suffering from blank sailings, rolled cargo, and a lack of available containers and equipment. However, our global and regional teams are taking proactive actions such as pre-bookings and contract agreements with a guarantee of space, equipment, and loading.
•  Security & Compliance: Security and confidentiality are ensured. Our experienced consolidation and deconsolidation teams, working from 100% security compliant facilities at both origin and destination. This ensures secure loading, bracing, and blocking, all occur under JAS supervision.
• Visibility: Visibility is key to your just-in-time supply chain, and through JASTrack you can have visibility and control of your shipments from the time you place your order with the supplier to the final destination. 

JAS LCL experts across the globe bring all these pieces together to provide best-of-class service combined with local knowledge and personal service. Your LCL cargo will travel as safely and reliably as your full-container load (FCL) cargo while still providing economies of scale, and the cost benefits of FCL shipments. 

For more information about our LCL services, reach out to your local JAS office or visit our global LCL schedules.

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The Panama Canal revolutionized shipping and world commerce over a 100 years ago. But in 2021, the bicoastal country of Panama is expanding its strategic location by becoming a regional logistics hub. Because it has plenty of competitive advantages for international corporations, it stands apart from other ports in Latin America.

Today, the goals for JAS Panama are clear: to develop its hub-related services in the Central, South American, and Caribbean regions as well as to exponentially grow operations by 2024. This will lead the way to increase the JAS presence in the near future.

The actions JAS Panama has taken over the last six years have been key in getting operations on the right path. JAS Panama has located a better and bigger warehouse at the Colón Free Zone on the Atlantic coast, attracting global accounts to set up their regional distribution hub. This is the case with companies like Ricoh, one of JAS Panama's top local clients. JAS is expanding its Panama cargo consolidation services as well, broadening the reach within the area, taking advantage of the reduced transit times for regional distribution, either from Europe or Asia.  

Over 80 major shipping lines connect Panama with all regional ports. The ports of Atlantic (4,454,902 TEU), and the Pacific (3,161,657 TEU), just an hour apart by land, are the top 2 most active port clusters in LATAM. Using Colón as the JAS Panama hub, the average transit times for inbound and outbound ocean freight cargo improve considerably which allows companies to experience a faster time to market. Panama City’s Tocumen Airport is also the best connected in the region, covering over 100 destinations and 132,000 annual flights.

Moving cargo through Panama’s Free Zone is duty-free for all imports and exports, with the added advantage that income tax is greatly reduced via government incentives. This has led many multinational companies to establish their regional headquarters in Panama, which in turn has created a positive impact for local shipping and logistics industries.

Colón is the second biggest free zone in the world after Hong Kong and its market share continues to grow at a steady pace. A few years ago, the Panama Canal expansion widened its route to accommodate post Panamax vessels. This has provided new avenues for global commerce.  

Following the JAS industry support philosophy, regional clients include companies from varied industries such as telecommunications, computer technology, business solutions, manufacturing, and food & beverage. JAS has also been able to grow within the e-commerce market, putting the company on the map and providing experience that will surely benefit JAS' global operations.

There is a great deal to say about Panama, a “hub of hubs”, as some experts call it, and all its benefits for JAS Worldwide and our ever-growing family of clients.

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Over the course of the past few years, JAS Chicago has been one of the fastest growing and top performing branches within the global JAS organization. Then, in March 2020, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting disruptions threatened to derail the results and momentum: the culmination of many years of hard work.  Business continuity, especially consistency in high levels of customer service, was always goal number one, but shifting an entire office staff to a virtual work environment overnight while ensuring the safety of essential warehouse personnel was an incredible challenge.

While the immediate challenge was met head on, and successfully so, by the entire JAS organization, anxiety regarding the lingering economic impacts of the pandemic was ever-present. The challenge was now how does JAS adapt to a global industry that had essentially changed overnight.  Based on the feedback of customers, JAS invested immediately into an own-controlled flight network with additional adhoc charter space to inject much needed air capacity on key trade lanes.  Due to its strategic geographic location, warehouse, and airport infrastructure, Chicago became the US hub for both the trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flight operations.

In one month’s time, the uncertainty had begun to fade and the excitement about a new direction was taking hold.  By the end of April 2020, the Chicago branch had transformed from a successful large local branch into a key strategic global gateway servicing the entire JAS network.  This held its own challenges and many lessons were learned from issues that arose, but every challenge was met with hard work, determination, and an eye towards the future.  

Over the following months, a continual drive to find efficiencies and improve the process and structure around the flight operations was a central focus.  The JAS Chicago team knew that this would ultimately bring value to their customers while offering a differentiator in the market for future growth.  Efficiencies in the warehouse were implemented in order to accommodate incredible volume growth in a limited space.  Warehouse efficiencies resulted in faster turn-around times from flight arrival to final-mile delivery. High performing staff were given opportunities to grow into newly created gateway leadership roles, while no less than six other promotions within the branch were executed.  New high-level talent was recruited and on-boarded that will one day grow into the future leaders within the Chicago branch and beyond.

In March of 2021, the annual USA Executive/Branch Manager meeting was held virtually.  As a result of their incredible performance and impact to the JAS global network over the course of a most challenging year, it was announced that Chicago was named the JAS USA Branch of the Year for 2020.  In the same meeting, it was announced that JAS Chicago would be expanding its footprint with plans to acquire additional warehouse space in the Chicago area in the very near future.  These two announcements illustrate what has made JAS Chicago a true success story: utilizing the success of the past to invest in the future.    

In the face of all challenges, thanks to the continued dedication and innovation of team members, JAS Chicago is able meet the needs of their customers.  Especially over the last year, it is more apparent than ever, at JAS, people make the difference!

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The team at the JAS Porto Alegre branch are continuing to grow their position in the southern market daily, as they expand their expertise in air, land, and sea transport. The dedicated JAS team has the know-how to serve customers from all industries and assist with any necessity. JAS has the necessary resources, knowledge, and technology to help your company navigate the highly complex logistics and supply chain processes.

This JAS office is located in the center of Porto Alegre, the state capital, which is considered the fifth largest economic hub in Brazil, with various industries including auto companies, and footwear manufacturers.

The difference in JAS' ability to meet the expectations of the Rio Grande do Sul market are the customized service offerings and the teams’ dedication to meeting the needs of the current market while ensuring excellent results, as well as cost reduction, and optimization of deadlines.

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A equipe JAS da filial de Porto Alegre vem aumentando a cada dia o seu posicionamento no mercado sulista e ampliando sua expertise no transporte aéreo, rodoviário e marítimo. Temos um time dedicado com know-how para atender clientes de todos os seguimentos. Nosso time atualmente está posicionado como consultor para ajudá-los em qualquer demanda com total capacidade de executar processos de alta complexidade em todos os modais da cadeia logística.

O escritório da JAS é localizado no centro de Porto Alegre, capital do estado, considerada o quinto polo econômico do Brasil com a presença de grandes empresas automobilísticas, calçadistas e diversas indústrias. Um território atrativo e com grandes oportunidades de negócio.

Nosso diferencial para atender as expectativas do mercado do Rio Grande do Sul está no atendimento customizado, a dedicação do nosso time garante resultados excelentes com redução dos custos e otimização dos prazos diante do atual momento desafiador do mercado.

A JAS entende que todas as etapas do processo são importantes para uma boa performance final.

Conte com a JAS, aqui as pessoas fazem a diferença!

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On November 30, 2020, the ONE APUS container ship encountered severe weather conditions while in route to California. As a result, at least 1,816 containers were lost overboard in one of the largest container losses on record and several more were damaged due to a significant stack collapse.

The World Shipping Council reports that every year an average of 1,382 shipping containers are lost at sea. While JAS and other service providers do everything possible to mitigate risk the situation with ONE APUS is just one of many events highlighting the unpredictable, and uncontrollable, disasters that can damage or destroy cargo while in transit. In these circumstances, cargo insurance can help protect against financial losses. JAS can provide insurance policies for both international and domestic shipments. Our experts can help guide you in finding the best protection fit for you and your needs.

Many shippers believe that the carriers' will cover any losses incurred. While in some cases this is a possibility, it is easier said than done. To recover the loss, you must prove the cause of the loss and that the carrier directly caused the loss. Losses caused by acts of nature frequently have no legal recourse against the carrier. Even when the carrier is proven liable, the maximum recoverable amount is limited to a fraction of the value of the freight. It rarely covers the cargo's full replacement value, or any damages incurred from losses in productivity.

Considering the number of containers displaced/lost, experts are of the view that this incident on the ONE Apus could be the worst ever containership disaster with potential loss and costs running into hundreds of millions."  Shipping and Freight Resource, Dec.5 2020

Beyond a carrier's liability limits, vessel owners can hold shippers liable for losses incurred to goods transported by claiming General Average. This is a maritime law principle whereby all stakeholders in a sea venture (shippers/consignees and shipowner) proportionally share losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice incurred to save the vessel and cargo otherwise at risk. Suppose General Average is declared, and your cargo is neither damaged nor lost. In such cases, the marine insurer will cover the contributions you are due to pay before your cargo is released to make the onward journey, but this may be subject to an applicable deductible. Uninsured cargo owners must put up a cash bond before their cargo is released.

Through JAS, you can ship your cargo globally with a cost-effective Shipper's Interest insurance coverage, and in most cases, with zero deductible. In the event of a claim, JAS will administer the claim on your behalf, making reimbursement easy and headache-free. We produce the necessary paperwork, present the claim to insurers for efficient processing, organize and coordinate inspection surveys, and take any other steps required for the particular claim at hand. You need not be concerned with a General Average contribution because JAS's Shippers' Interest insurance also protects you and covers this extra cost without delay. JAS can therefore ensure that undamaged cargo is released to you as soon as possible.

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​JAS Worldwide, together with their business partner Global Airlift Solutions, has managed another successful and urgent charter operation from the USA to China carrying important medical and Coronavirus outbreak relief goods.

The Boing 747-400 departed on Saturday Feb 21 2020 from the Chicago O' Hare International Airport and arrived at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Sunday Feb 23rd at 16:51 local time. The plane carried 100 tons of freight, of which 50% were relief goods such as facial masks and disinfectants.

“JAS is proud to be a able to provide a quick and reliable solution for our customers that want to support their employees and business partners during a difficult time”, said Senior Director for Air Freight for JAS USA,

Dirk Ravensteiner. Capacity is extremely tight and flight cancellations after the outbreak of the Coronavirus have reduced available cargo capacity from and to China by more than 40%. Making shipping solutions more complicated.

JAS Worldwide is now also offering unique Sea/Air solutions to/from China. JAS Worldwide hopes to ensure that this is a suitable and alternative solution for shipments to cities in the Northern & Central part of China like Qingdao, Beijing, Tianjin & Dalian, Shanghai and Ningbo.

For more details about our charter services & Sea/Air solutions, please contact your local JAS Worldwide representative.

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