Horizon is implementing an orderly transition plan, beginning October 31, 2011, and will work aggressively to mitigate any supply chain disruptions for its customers. Discontinuation of the FSX Guam and China services will have no impact on the company’s domestic ocean services in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.

“This has been a very difficult decision in light of the tremendous contributions from our associates, and our organized labor and vendor partners, who have worked so hard to make the FSX service a success,” said Stephen H. Fraser, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our decision to exit this highly volatile market will allow Horizon to focus on our core domestic ocean shipping services, and provide the opportunity to produce a more profitable and stable financial performance over time.”

The last voyage of the FSX service from China is scheduled to depart Shanghai on November 2, 2011. Horizon Lines also will suspend ocean services to Guam and surrounding islands effective with the last sailing from the U.S. West Coast on November 10, 2011.

The company expects to cease all operations related to the FSX service during the fourth quarter and does not expect to have significant continuing involvement in the operations after the termination.

“We do not expect any measurable improvements in fuel prices, the freight-rate environment or in this tradelane for the foreseeable future,” said Brian Taylor, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Growing capacity continues to outpace demand and the forecast for 2012 calls for more of the same.”

In Guam, the expected growth in cargo driven by infrastructure improvements associated with the military redeployment from Okinawa has been further delayed due to the budget crises in Japan and the U.S., as well as revised Japanese priorities in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. This has made the Guam trade no longer financially viable for Horizon Lines, without an eastbound return voyage from China.

Gross volumes for the first nine months of the year were 40.6 million TEU or 11percent ahead of the prior year. This performance was driven by strong growth in the Asia Pacific, UAE, Africa and Americas regions, as well as new volumes from recently acquired Suriname and additional capacity in Callao, Peru and Qingdao, China. Like for like gross volume growth was 9 percent.

The portfolio of consolidated terminals handled 20.5 million TEU in the first nine months of the year. Had our five terminals in Australia not been deconsolidated from 12 March 2011, the consolidated terminals would have delivered 9percent growth ahead of the same nine month period in 2010. Like for like consolidated volume growth in the first nine months was 8 percent.

The growth in our consolidated portfolio was primarily from the UAE, Africa and Americas regions.

For the first nine months of the year, the UAE handled 9.5 million TEU or 11 percent ahead of the same period last year.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, commented: “DP World has delivered another very strong performance in the third quarter of the year, resulting in over 40.6 million containers handled so far this year. This 11 percent growth in volumes when compared to last year continues to reflect our focus on the faster growing emerging markets, resulting in another performance well ahead of the industry.”

A further four units have been ordered for new cranes going to a terminal on the West Coast of the USA. The 41 tonne capacity RAM Type 2700, 20ft/40ft, single lift, telescopic container spreader are designed for mobile harbour cranes, using weight-saving features for maximum crane lifting capacity.  The double beam design provides a robust yet low tare weight unit offering maximum crane lifting capacity, and with less inertia when rotating unladen.  Six hydraulically operated flippers ensure fast and accurate container location.

The design uses a post spreader/crane connection to provide a centre of gravity adjustment system for safer, faster handling.  The post pivots left or right of centre for gravity point adjustment and is powered by two hydraulic cylinders.  A pin connection at the top of the post provides a fitting location for the mobile harbour crane rotator and ramshorn hook.  A hydraulic reservoir is integral into the post, which ensures ideal weight distribution.  RAM Spreaders’ innovative use of a post connection makes it easier to transport, assemble and commission the spreader on site, as the post can be stored horizontally during transport. 

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The association’s award recognizes the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy for innovative techniques that reduce or prevent air pollution or waste.

The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy is the first and only three-port and international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas and diesel emissions from maritime operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada, the Washington Department of Ecology and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency have partnered with the ports in this effort.

Since adopting the goals in 2008, the ports have shown significant progress in producing cleaner air for the communities that surround their harbors.

By the strategy’s first milestone in 2010:

44 percent of ships calling frequently used cleaner-burning fuels or electrical shore power at berth;

62 percent of diesel-powered cargo handling equipment met the performance measure through retrofits, replacements or use of low-sulfur fuels; and

98 percent of drayage trucks met the measure through outreach, engine retrofits or incentive programs

The award will be given during the association’s annual conference Nov. 8 through 11 in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

The Pacific Northwest International Section of the Air and Waste Management Association provides programs and activities by environmental professionals for environmental professionals from industry, government and the consulting, research, academic and legal communities in the United States, Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Read more about the association at www.pnwis.org.