The World Trade Center Miami welcomes you to SeaCargo Americas News, offering you updates from the industry and useful information on the fourth year of the SeaCargo Americas Conference and Exhibition.

SAVE THE DATE
MEET OUR HOST
NEWS IN THE AMERICAS

• Venezuela Set to Seize Private Port Operators
• Cuba Defaults on Euro Bonds
• Cuba Admits Ports Need Dredging
• Ecuador-Banana-Express offers Alternative to Conventional Reefers
• Jaxport Helping Hanjin Secure $110 Million in Bonds
• Port of Kingston Raises Security
• German Owners Rescue Chile’s CSAV
• New Study: Ports Should Target Latin American Trade
• St. Maarten and Tropical Shipping Deal for Hurricane Aid

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MEET OUR EXHIBITORS

SAVE THE DATE……November 4-6, 2009

Trade and Cargo Crisis Draws Leaders to Miami
With US ports laying off idle workers, hundreds of cargo ships at anchor empty and air cargo at it lowest point since World War II, the World Trade Center Miami, the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport have invited industry leaders and government policy makers-- including President Barack Obama and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk-- to a historic conference in Miami Nov. 4- 6.

Intent on sharing ideas, building business and hearing the government’s solutions, executives from the major air and sea cargo corporations serving the Western Hemisphere are lining up for the 10th Biennial Air Cargo Americas and the 4th SeaCargo Americas conference and exhibition sponsored by the Miami International Airport, the Port of Miami and the World Trade Center Miami. This is the first time the leaders of the two most high-value economic engines – air cargo and sea cargo – will be gathered in one hall to discuss major issues and opportunities and see new technologies and services.

The organizers of the conferences also expect that many top US government officials – some yet to be appointed -- will join dozens of leaders from Central America, South America, U.S. and the Caribbean to discuss trade, transport, security and logistics issues facing the industry. Charlotte Gallogly, President of the World Trade Center Miami said, “President Obama knows a good opportunity when he sees one. Miami in November will provide him the rare, historic chance to speak about his trade and security agenda to leaders of the hemisphere in trade and transport in one place at one time.” www.seacargoamericas.com www.aircargoamericas.com

MEET OUR HOST

The Port of Miami will again host SeaCargo Americas. The port, under the leadership of Bill Johnson, has supported the event since its inception. Johnson believes that the event will increase two-way cargo growth for the Americas by providing a world class forum on international maritime and logistics issues and showcasing the latest maritime and security products, e commerce solutions, technologies and services.

NEWS IN THE AMERICAS

Venezuela Set to Seize Private Port Operators
Venezuela’s socialist President Hugo Chavez is set to nationalize the companies that run some of the nation's main ports in a move he says will help put key areas of the economy in state hands.

Authorities are revising the contracts of the port operators, the government's official gazette said on Thursday, and Public Works Minister Diosdado Cabello said the state would take control.

"The government understands that these are strategic, state security activities and the decision is to revert the administration that until now has been in hands of individuals," Cabello said on Thursday.

Chavez has stepped up nationalizations and pressure on his opponents in recent months, taking over oil service companies, iron works and some food factories.

The former soldier has also been progressively stripping opposition governors and mayors of power and revenue streams. In March he ordered that ports, airports and roads previously governed at the state level be handed to central government.

Chavez has already nationalized key industries in Venezuela including oil, power, telecommunications, steel and cement. http://www.reuters.com:80/article/bondsNews/idUSN1150796120090611

Cuba Defaults on Euro Bonds
Cuba has rolled over 200 million euros in bond issues that were due in May, as the country's central bank asked for another year to repay foreign holders of the debt, financial sources in London and Havana said this week.

The move is yet another sign the Communist-run nation is suffering a cash crisis, as it struggles with sharp declines in revenues from tourism and key exports due to the global economic crisis.

The two-year euro-denominated bonds of 150 million euros and 50 million euros that were rolled over were issued on the London Stock Exchange on May 3, 2007, at interest rates of 9 percent and 8.5 percent respectively. They were held mostly by Cuban entities, though some foreign banks with a history of providing credit to the island also participated.

"Apparently the Cuban Central Bank asked one more year for repayment to these foreign entities," a European diplomat said. The statement was confirmed by one of the non-Cuban debt holders, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Cuba's chronic trade deficit increased 70 percent last year to nearly $12 billion, the government reported.

Cuba's 2008 service exports, which are not included in trade deficit, were $9.2 billion, but local economists estimate the current account measuring the inflow and outflow of foreign exchange still fell $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion into the red, after registering a $500 million surplus in 2007.

Cuba's reserves are a state secret, but were drawn on heavily last year after three hurricanes struck the Caribbean island. http://www.forexyard.com:80/en/reuters_inner.tpl?action=2009-06-9T162627Z_01_N09369802_RTRIDST_0_CUBA-FINANCE-BONDS

Cuba Admits Ports Need Dredging
HAVANA TIMES, June 6 (IPS) – In Cuba, where most of the products that it imports and exports pass through ports, improving the conditions of its bays is a necessity. Out of economic need, Cuban authorities have begun a program to reclaim that country’s most important commercial ports.

According to official sources, the country’s programs have involved an increase in imports, particularly in the field of energy. Also increasing has been the purchase of imported food, which constitutes 60 percent of the total volume of goods transported onto the island. To respond to these demands, it was necessary to reverse the situation of the loss of water depth to increase the potential for port operations.

Investments in dredging in Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Havana and Nuevo Gerona have exceeded US $23 million. Havana Bay – the type known as a “pocket bay” – has a surface of 5.2 square kilometers. Estimates indicate that it has a maximum depth of about fourteen meters although the non-Cuban media reports of it having only nine meters.

Collectively, the first three of those maritime facilities serve 90 percent of all ships that enter Cuba today, and they receive around 85 percent of the total volume of imported goods. However, these bays are limited by their shallow depths, decreasing the possibility for taking advantage of large ship capacities and consequently the relative cost advantages offered by these freighters.

National Port Authority director Luis Medina explained that ships can now only enter those ports at their partial weight capacity, though the country must pay the cost for full capacity. This means they arrive short of between 3,000 and 4,000 tons per ship, which translates into unnecessary expenditures that the country is in no condition to assume.

The official stated to the press that the dredging plan is spurred by the necessity to increase bay depths to minimize “non-service fees” (having to pay for the unused capacities of crafts) and “extra fees” (the cost of supplemental trips). http://www.havanatimes.org:80/?p=9875

Ecuador-Banana-Express offers Alternative to Conventional Reefers
Maersk Line launched a new container service, the Ecuador-Banana-Express (ECUBEX), effective June 1.

“This fast and reliable service into North Europe and Russia has been widely recognized as a viable alternative to the existing transport solutions offered by conventional reefer carriers,” Maersk said in a statement.

The Danish carrier said the weekly service offers attractive transit times from Guayaquil to Rotterdam (15 days) and Bremerhaven (17 days) without transshipment, and connects key markets in Scandinavia, Baltic Sea and Russia through its extensive feeder hub at Bremerhaven.

The ECUBEX rotation is Guayaquil, Balboa, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven (Northbound) and Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Manzanillo, Balboa, and Guayaquil (Southbound).

The first northbound sailing was the Nedlloyd Marita that departed from Guayaquil on June 1. The first southbound vessel is the Maersk Niamey, scheduled to depart from Bremerhaven on June 4. http://joc.com/node/411705

Jaxport Helping Hanjin Secure $110 Million in Bonds
The Jacksonville Port Authority is reported to be helping Hanjin Shipping secure $110 million in bond financing to move along the construction of a new terminal. According to the Florida Times-Union, the money, which will specifically be used to purchase equipment, will allow the shipping company to move forward with development plans on the 88-acre site. At the end of 2008, Hanjin entered into an agreement to lease the site for 30 years. The company’s terminal will be located next to TracPac terminal, which is owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and was opened in January.

Previously, Port Authority agreed to build the $171 million terminal, allowing Hanjin to pay off the debt via payment. According to the report, the securing of bond financing will not constitute a risk for the Port Authority, as Hanjin would default on loans to the banks that issued the bonds, and not the Port Authority, if it came down to that.

When initially announced Hanjin hoped to have the terminal up and operational by the close of 2011. Those plans could now be pushed back nearly a full year. http://www.globest.com:80/news/1422_1422/florida/178984-1.html

Port of Kingston Raises Security
Security authorities at the Port of Kingston in Jamaica say new radiation threat detection capabilities have successfully become operational.

The Port Authority of Jamaica, working in cooperation with the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration, installed advanced radiation threat detection equipment at the Port of Kingston.

The NNSA and the Port Authority of Jamaica along with additional support from the U.S. Embassy in Kingston and Jamaica Customs authorities say that the Kingston Wharves Limited Terminal at the Port of Kingston is now capable of supporting efforts to counter nuclear proliferation, the NNSA reported.

The radiation threat detection equipment was installed at the port as part of the NNSA's Megaports program designed to equip high-traffic ports around the world with next-generation detection capabilities. http://www.upi.com:80/Emerging_Threats/2009/05/29/Port-of-Kingston-to-counter-nuke-threats/UPI-46701243610787/

German Owners Rescue Chile’s CSAV
A squadron of German containership owners bailed out Chilean line Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores on May 27, one day ahead of its inevitable collapse.

CSAV is ranked as the 18th largest containership fleet in the world with 55 ships and a combined capacity of 148,000 teu on charter. Total fleet capacity now stands at just over 166,000 teu, compared with less than 100,000 teu in 2005.

Shipowners, lawyers and the line have been in negotiations since early April, when CSAV held a meeting in Hamburg at which German shareholders were asked to accept reduced charter payments in exchange for shares in the company.

CSAV designated international law firm Freshfields as its legal adviser. HSH Nordbank Corporate Financing developed the rescue package, the consultancy arm of ship finance giant HSH Nordbank.

Owners had little alternative but to save CSAV because a bankruptcy would result in a glut of vessels entering charter markets. http://www.lloydslist.com:80/ll/news/german-boxship-owners-set-to-ink-csav-rescue-deal/20017655997.htm

New Study: Ports Should Target Latin American Trade
Louisiana ports from New Orleans to Baton Rouge should initially target business from Latin America as the first step in a regional plan aimed at boosting trade, according to a study recommendation issued Thursday.

The report, prepared for two economic development groups — Greater New Orleans Inc. and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, said that additional trade from Mexico, Central America and South America presents a sizable immediate opportunity since about 141 tons of freight comes from those areas through competing ports along the Gulf annually.

The study included all ports in southeastern Louisiana, including the Port of New Orleans, the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of Baton Rouge.

• According to a summary of the report, the region's strengths include:
• Established markets for exports of agricultural products, coal, petroleum and chemicals.
• Southeastern Louisiana is much closer when entering the Gulf than the Port of Houston, which dominates container trade in the region.
• Several interstate highways and access to six major railroads
• Historical trade ties with Latin America.

The report also said the region lacks its own demand for consumer and industrial shipments, does not have a unified regional marketing strategy and has only a limited near-term capacity to handle more container freight. http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20090611&id=10001552

St. Maarten and Tropical Shipping Deal for Hurricane Aid
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce President Glen Carty and Tropical Shipping Island Manager Jeffrey de la Combe have signed a memorandum of understanding designed to shorten response/recovery time following the onslaught of a hurricane.

The MOU has already signed by Caribbean and Central America Action (CCAA) and Baptist Health International Center of Miami will be complete with an impending government signature.

The MOU was signed at the end of a Disaster Management Workshop hosted by Tropical Shipping entitled “Developing a Culture of Preparedness.” Sharing experiences and knowledge were representatives of the private sector and government on both sides of the island and Anguilla.

The main theme of the workshop was coordination and cooperation among all sectors to get the economy back up and running in as little time as possible so residents and businesses can get moving again.

Tropical Shipping Chairman/President Rick Murrell said islands needed to see their way out of disasters quickly and this was where effective partnerships came in. Tropical Shipping and other partners have hosted and will be hosting similar workshops on other islands. http://www.thedailyherald.com:80/news/daily/m016/workm016.html

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SeaCargo Americas provides an outstanding opportunity for you company to showcase its products and services to a targeted group of potential new customers. Sponsorship range from banners ($1,000), name badges/lanyards ($5,000) and luncheons ($10,000), coffee breaks ($3,000) and receptions ($10,000). To receive further information, please call Charlotte Gallogly at 305-871-7910 or email: info@worldtrade.org. Visit: www.seacargoamericas.com

MEET OUR EXHIBITORS

Agentes Aduanales Asociados para el Comercio Exterior, S.A.
ABX Air, Inc.
ACL Airshop
Aeroterm
Air Animal Pet Movers
Air Cargo Management
Air Cargo News
Air Cargo World
Air Jamaica Cargo
Air Partner, Inc.
Airdex International, Inc.
Airline Services International Inc.
Airliners Magazine
Alpine Systems Associates, Inc.
American Airlines Cargo
AmeriJet International, Inc.
AMX Cargo
Ana Aviation Services/Network Airline Services
Animal Transportation Association (AATA)
Arrow Cargo
Atlas Air, Inc.
AUTOCLEAR
Aviacargo, Inc.
A-Z Group
Bringer Corporation
Cargo Airport Services
Cargo Flash Infotech Pvt. Ltd.
Cargo Services, Inc./Globe Air
Centurion Cargo
Chapman Freeborn Air Chartering Inc.
City of San Antonio Aviation Dept. & Port San Antonio
CNS Cargo Network Services
Copa Airlines Cargo
Correo Internacional
Department of Export Promotion, Thailand
DGM Support (North America, Inc.)
DHL Aviation Americas, Inc.
FedEx Express
Flite Line
Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc.
FreightScan, LLC
Front Cargo Freight Services
Global Tranportation Security Compliance Corp./Hazmat Intl. Professional Consultants
GLT
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Houston Airport System
IBC Airways
IFL Group
Infratil Airports
JFK Office Supermarket, Inc.
Katlyn Vehicle Management Systems Inc.
Kelly Tractor Co.
Laparkan Airways Inc.
Leader Jet
Leisure Cargo (LTU)
Liege Airport - SAB
Lobraus Free Port/Port of Montevideo
Logisuite Corporation
Magaya Corporation
Maromarint'l FFWDRS. Inc. dba: Maromar Shipping Line
Martinair Cargo
Media One (Air Cargo Update)
Miami International Airport
MidAmerica St. Louis Airport
Mission Cargo Management, Inc.
NCBFAA
Northern Air Cargo
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport
Polet Airlines
Port Manatee Commerce Center
Port of Miami
Port San Antonio
Prams Air
Quick Caller
Rapiscan Systems Inc.
Rio Grande Do Norte Government - Brazil
Roanoke Trade Services, Inc.
Ruslan International Ltd.
Seaboard Marine
Smiths Detection
Solar Cargo
Sterling Transportation, Inc.
Strike Aviation, LLC
Swissport Air Cargo
Tailwind International Air Charters
Tampa Cargo
Terminal Logistics
The Adora Group Ltd publishers of: Freightnet.com
The Boeing Company
The STAT Trade Times Aviation Tourism Shipping Transport
Totalpack, Inc.
World Trade Center Miami, Inc.