A few years ago I was editor of the UK-based logistics newspaper International Freighting Weekly during a period – since forgotten during the financial crisis and the ensuing paradigm of cost-consciousness – when carbon footprint reporting became something of a craze.
One of the more absorbing long running stories in the port sector is the development of India’s container terminal capacity.
There are almost two years to go before London Gateway opens, but already the marketing execs are out amongst potential customers talking up their respective ports.
Captain Terry Hughes, a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Management (VTM) expert, comments on the Costa Concordia tragedy and how little has been heard of the other officers onboard the stricken cruise liner.
So TOC has come to an end and I have that sad, deflated feeling you get when it’s time to go home. It’s been a fantastic few days – perhaps a little quieter than expected (but then I’m comparing it with TOC Europe, which is a veritable beast) but still hugely informative and enjoyable.
“I feel as though I’m in a boy band,” thought I, sat upon a stool facing the audience, mic in hand, two guys to my left, waiting for the sound guys to finish fiddling with the levels. “This is probably exactly what it must feel like... I hope Mike and Chris remember to rise to their feet once we reach the key change.”
When I come away to events such as TOC Middle East, invariably I’m by myself so I have to effectively make my own fun. Often this is quite pleasant (reading a book with a glass of wine in the hotel bar at night.) Other times, it’s frankly quite rubbish (sat drinking by myself, with a book in the hotel bar at night.)
Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which included around half the necessary budget required for the Army Corps of Engineers' dredging of federal navigation channels.
Dave Sanford, the AAPA's Director of Navigation Policy and Legislation, writes about why the funding is so critical to the U.S. port industry.
The third and final day of the TOC Europe conference has arrived - here's a reflection on the event.
Day 2 of the TOC Europe 2011 conference and things are in full swing. PTI's Managing Editor, Holly Birkett gives her view from the show.