The action is expected to affect the routes of domestic and local ferries and commercial vessels calling at Piraeus, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis, Pachi and Megara ports for cargo discharging.

The strike action by the Seamen’s Union involves a new 48 hour stoppage and is scheduled to begin at 06.00 on 4 February and end at 06.00 on 6 February. The Towage and Salvage Crew Union of Piraeus has also confirmed its participation in the strike from 06:00 on 4 February until 06:00 on 5 February, and is planning a further 4 hour stoppage on 5 February (times to be confirmed). During all the stoppage periods, vessels will not be able to berth, shift or sail from the affected ports.

The new action has again been called by the unions in response to the Government’s planned changes to labour and insurance rights, pensions and retirement ages.

ISS Greece is working with its clients to minimise delays and will keep them updated.

As part of the agreement, N4 will serve as a central part of HHLA’s terminal operating system (TOS) landscape, a strategic investment that will aid in its ability to optimize vital terminal operations at multiple sites, more effectively handle, as well as meet evolving customer demands.

N4 will be deployed at all three HHLA container terminals in the port of Hamburg: Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA), Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) and Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT).

“HHLA’s selection of N4 is a testament to the solution’s distinction as an industry-leading platform, capable of supporting the unique needs at terminals of varying operational sizes, types and maturity-levels”

With three high-performance terminals in Hamburg, HHLA is one of the foremost adopters of the containerization model. HHLA selected N4 after an extensive period of evaluation, due in part to N4’s flexibility and advanced configuration capabilities, as well as its successful deployments in terminals of different types and sizes around the world. With its multi-terminal, sophisticated order processing, planning, reporting and execution tools, N4 will provide HHLA with a platform that will support its growing and developing business, enabling HHLA to remain flexible to technology changes for years to come.

“We are pleased to engage with Navis as our partner as we take the steps to develop our terminal operations with future needs in mind,” said Frank Winkenwerder, Director of Information Systems of HHLA. “After a deep phase of cooperative analysis, we have determined that N4 is the superior platform in the industry to support our complex requirements.” Heinrich Goller, Managing Director Operations of HHLA: “We are certain that N4 will provide us the best conditions for overcoming the challenges ahead. The framework of our industry is constantly changing. We can only respond to these changes by continuously further improving the performance of our facilities and systems. In addition to our qualified staff, investments in the infrastructure and a high-performing terminal operating system are key in this respect. N4 will also help us to further harmonize the processes of our facilities and therefore further increase their efficiency, which will also benefit our customers.”

Navis and HHLA will work together to successfully deliver N4 and support HHLA’s wide-variety of requirements, which include multi-terminal operations in Hamburg, the support of complex EDI process flows, the handling of feeder vessels on a port wide basis over a number of terminals, complex Hamburg rail operations support, the enhancement of inter-yard transfers and other truck, gate and vessel operational needs. Thus, HHLA and Navis have formed a close partnership to implement N4 through the execution of a number of phases to ensure that the correct level of analysis, training, configuration, testing and support occurs throughout the project lifecycle according to industry best practices.

Heinrich Goller comments contentedly upon the cooperation with Navis: “We value and welcome the special commitment of Navis in this project. This commitment forms the foundation for a successful long-term cooperation.”

“HHLA’s selection of N4 is a testament to the solution’s distinction as an industry-leading platform, capable of supporting the unique needs at terminals of varying operational sizes, types and maturity-levels,” said Andy Barrons, Senior VP and CMO of Navis. “We are honored to have been given this opportunity to facilitate HHLA’s further growth, and are looking forward to deepening our relationship with the HHLA implementation team to ensure that N4 maximizes operational efficiency and performance for the long-term.”

In his report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority at its regular monthly meeting, Guenther said that in 2015, the Port Authority handled 30.5 million tons of cargo at its facilities, surpassing the record set in 2014 of 30.3 million tons (figures exclude bulk terminals leased to third parties).

“The success of the Port Authority is a success for all of our stakeholders and the community that we serve,” said the Executive Director. Guenther expressed his gratitude to the Port Commission, customers, Port Authority employees, and the men and women who work on the waterfront for their dedication to the Port Authority’s vision to serve as America’s distribution hub for the next generation.”

Guenther reflected that the many 2015 accomplishments, which aligned with the Port Authority’s strategic goals, were achieved by staff relying on the leadership and support from the Port Commission, which he added, “drives success for our customers and users of the Port Authority facilities.”

At the commission’s first regular monthly meeting of 2016, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria recognized newly elected officials, including City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the city’s new councilmembers.

Chairman Longoria also welcomed and offered her support to newly-appointed Harris County Court Commissioner Gene Locke as he completes the term of the late El Franco Lee. Chairman Longoria offered a moment of silence in Commissioner Lee’s honor, as well as for Jim Guidry of Guidry News Service, who ably covered Port Commission meetings and events.

The Chairman also recognized the retirement of Captain Mike Morris, past President of the Houston Pilots, for his service and dedication to the safe navigation of the Houston Ship Channel.

Finally, the Chairman congratulated Port Commissioners Stephen DonCarlos and John Kennedy on their recent reappointments. She noted that the commissioners volunteer their time and expertise to make sure that the Port Authority continues to drive regional and state prosperity.

Regarding the 2015 results, Chairman Longoria observed, “It takes a team to execute our vision and to create the jobs and economic opportunity that we have enjoyed in our region.”

Chairman Longoria thanked the leadership of the entire Port Commission and the Executive Director and staff, as well as “great partnerships” with the Houston Pilots, ILA, and elected officials, declaring: “With your partnership and support, the Port Authority will continue to be the Gulf Coast port of choice and the gateway for international commerce.”

The ferry operator transported 158,000 cars in 2015 – 26,000 more than through the full course of 2014; and an increase of 20% year on year.

Stena Line carried an additional 97,000 passengers in 2015 on the Harwich- Hook of Holland route with a total of 698,000 passengers being transported, compared to 601,000 the previous year. This widely out performs the general trend in the British outbound ferry and tunnel market which witnessed a slight decrease (-1%) in passengers travelling to the Continent from mainland Britain. Stena Line concluded its year with a very positive 16% increase in passengers in 2015 compared to 2014.

Lars Olsson, UK General Manager, Stena Line said: “We have witnessed a sustained period of growth over the last few years and it is very positive to see this continue in 2015. Whereas there is no denying that Stena Line did benefit from the disruptions on the Dover straits we do offer an exceptional product and it is gratifying to see that the new customers we have attracted to Stena Line seem to be staying with us. Our two Superferries continue to impress old and new customers alike who are continuing to discover our fantastic on-board offering.”

Stena Line offers a reliable alternative for passengers from the south-east of England travelling to Northern Europe, Holland, Germany and France by car.

Stena Line offers twice-daily, day and overnight crossings between Harwich and the Hook of Holland. Fares start from £49 one way for a car and driver. Additional adults cost start from £14.50 and children (between four and 15 years old) from £7.25 one way. Foot passenger prices start from £36.50 per adult and £18.25 for children. Infants (under four years old) travel free of charge. Cabins start from £15 per person each way.