Tom Peters

Voyager of the Seas at Port of Galveston. Credit: Robert Mihovil

Show Me the Way

By Tom Peters 2019-04-18 17:26:59

In 1975 British rock star Peter Frampton released the song, “Show Me the Way.” The hit was about a young man lost in his emotions. Port Everglades’ officials probably weren’t thinking of Frampton’s tune when they developed a new program, to be released this year, that will show cruisers and others the way to their destinations. But like Frampton’s song, they hope it will be a big hit. Dubbed...

Breakbulk Rising

By Tom Peters 2018-12-26 23:55:19

Maritime research consultancy Drewry suggested earlier this year in its “Multipurpose Forecaster and Annual Review” that the multipurpose shipping market, which includes both breakbulk and project cargoes, would show improvement this year after a few years of downturn. “This year has started with renewed optimism,” noted lead analyst Susan Oatway, “and it is Drewry’s belief that the market has finally turned the corner. Rate rises are...

Cool Tech

By Tom Peters 2018-12-20 19:07:30

French container line CMA CGM, the globe’s second largest mover of temperature-controlled cargo, seems to get it when it comes to developing new technology to transport perishable goods. That’s not to say it moves these products any faster, but its various initiatives in developing technology for this segment exemplify its focus on moving high-value products while maintaining product quality en route. The line’s latest reefer technology is called CLIMACTIVE. CMA CGM says it was “created for highly sensitive commodities that...

?I Want MORE?!

By Tom Peters 2018-03-07 19:10:13

In Charles Dickens’ classic, Oliver Twist, young Oliver, after eating his bowl of gruel, is encouraged by his mates to do the unheard-of and ask for seconds. Much to his Master’s surprise, young Oliver asks, “Please, Sir, I want some more.” It seems the cruise industry has taken heed of young Oliver’s request and put its own twist on ambitions to continue building the business with “MORE” the operative word. The industry is generating more revenue, more and bigger ships,...

COOL PORTS

By Tom Peters 2018-02-23 22:31:00

Market specialist Lauren McCormick at the port of Freeport, Texas says, “The reefer trade, overall, has gone through a great deal of change” in the last few years. Similar thoughts from industry analysts have been widespread in numerous publications. Change or evolution, however you look at it, can signal progress. In fact, in today’s reefer trade it’s still cool to be cool. But change or evolution brings challenges, and various segments of the industry are facing issues.

GAME ON!

By Tom Peters 2018-02-17 01:16:00

A supply chain is only as good as the sum of its parts. If there is a breakdown anywhere in the system, then the chain is flawed and efficiency suffers.“ Efficiency is the prime rationale for intermodal transport, but accessibility is a further reason for using two or more modes of transport,” writes Barry Prentice, Director of the Transport Institute at the University of Manitoba, in The Importance of Intermodal Connectivity and Bottleneck Elimination. “Most exports require trucks or railcars...

Capacity & Velocity

By Tom Peters 2017-11-29 18:20:52

(This article was originally publised in the 2017 Sept/Oct edition) Meeting the challenges of an ever-changing global supply chain can mean constant juggling of port and terminal operations just to stay relevant. The volatility of the container market, for example, has been a virtual roller-coaster ride that has led, at times, to vessel overcapacity and a subsequent drop in rates. But much of that overcapacity was created by the shipping lines themselves, who moved to larger vessels that, in...

Mega-Bucks!

By Tom Peters 2017-09-21 22:09:20

The spending of mega-bucks on container terminal infrastructure continues at a feverish pace at North American ports with no holding back as port administrations and private businesses position themselves for bigger ships. With the new “big ship” era upon us, if you don’t bring your checkbook you may not be in the game. The industry forecast several years ago that container vessels would get bigger. As that forecast evolves, ports are experiencing rapid change. The increased traffic has sparked massive...

Highs and Lows

By Tom Peters 2017-07-30 00:41:14

The Aftermarket is Where the Action is as Newbuilds Languish. It’s not easy making pumps, valves and compressors. Like chameleons forever changing colors, the parts business changes with the frequent highs and lows of the maritime economy, the demands of a harsh environment, and the challenge of serving clients on tight budgets. “Constantly changing dynamics – technical evolution, regulatory adjustments and ever-changing project schedule fluctuations – are among the many industry challenges,” says Mike Sweeney, Manager...

"It's Complicated"

By Tom Peters 2017-05-04 21:55:33

There’s more to marine coatings than covering everything with the swoop of a wide brush or sprayer. The title of a 2009 American movie best describes the industry: “It’s Complicated.” It’s an industry intertwined with an ever-changing environment both above and below the water. Biofouling, fuel efficiency, government regulations, science and technology are just a few of the many considerations that confront an industry charged with developing products to withstand the harshest conditions, provide maximum efficiency and ensure longevity. According...