As a part of developing our network for the Gemini Cooperation, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd reviewed all ports and terminals in our current network and concluded that London Gateway is the most optimal port to serve our customers importing/exporting cargo to/from the UK. When the Network of the Future launches in February 2025, London Gateway will replace Felixstowe on our Asia – Europe services. This strategic decision aims to enhance reliability, reach, and speed for our customers. Click here for more information. The Network of the Future is officially now open for bookings. Click here for details and scheduling information. Elsewhere, the Chinese New Year period has a significant impact on global shipping due to the sheer volume of factory closures and a sharp decline in production. In 2025, Lunar New Year officially begins on 29th January, however many businesses start their preparations early and reduce production up to three weeks in advance. Normal production levels are expected to return by the second or third week of February. Typically, businesses face a race to get cargo out of China before operations wind down and celebrations begin. Our teams are on hand to assist with your planning, should you need to ship out of China urgently. Next year, however, there remains a question as to how major an impact Chinese New Year will have on shipping due to businesses advancing cargo throughout the year in acts of ‘planned resilience’. Click here for further details on this and other key forecasting questions for supply chain leaders heading into the new year. In the US, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are re-entering negotiations on the Master Contract, which was extended until 15th January 2025 amid recent strike action on the east coast. Talks between the parties recently broke down over automation and semi-automation plans, and we are keeping a close eye on developments with the threat of strike action remaining possible. Should strikes go ahead, our teams will once again draw up contingency plans to minimise the impact on customers. Heading towards Christmas and New Year, customers will see an adjustment in schedules in light of adjusted terminal operating hours and reduced workforce availability in the holiday period. Our teams are working on schedule adjustments to minimise the impact to our customers. Another seasonality we normally see this time of the year is the worsening of weather conditions, with rain, strong wind, and instances of fog typically affecting the continent. In the Adriatic, terminals have already seen strong wind gust – and similar conditions can be expected across the continent at this time of the year. The north of the continent is seeing a mixed performance with terminals in Bremerhaven showing a stable performance and a healthy yard density. At the same time, terminals in Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg are seeing an increase in yard density and customers are encouraged to please clear their import units at their earliest convenience to avoid possible disruptions. Our teams across the terminals are also working on final preparations for the phase-in of the Gemini network. Maersk has taken delivery of its second Boeing 777 freighter aircraft at its hub at Billund Airport, Denmark. The new addition to the fleet will operate between Europe and China, bringing capacity, speed-to-market, and technology benefits to customers. The uncertainty surrounding new political policies in the United States of America together with Thanksgiving and Christmas peak seasons have increased demand on Europe to US air freight trade. Should tariffs from certain regions into the US come to light, businesses could advance cargo to “rush” it to US shores ahead of the official implementation and bring about capacity constraints and rate increases in early 2025. We encourage customers to reach out to a member of the team to discuss their cargo options and strategies for the new year. Global air freight demand remains strong through Q4 2024, and Europe continues to represent the largest share of import volumes across all regions. According to WorldACD market data based on over 450,000 weekly transactions in mid-November, average global spot rates are up 25% compared to 2023, with the Middle East and South Asia still at significantly high levels (+73%) and rates from Asia-Pacific up by 22%. Please click here to find helpful information about the Maersk air freight network and our services to and from Europe. In November, our teams attended Intermodal Europe in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and connected with customers and partners and discussed key trends and planning for 2025. When it comes to planning ahead for the upcoming year, here are three forecasting questions every business should ask for their supply chain. The upcoming year will also see the phase-in of our Network of the Future ocean network, that is now open for bookings. In our inland teams, preparations for the phase-in of the new network are in full swing. We are working closely with customers to understand the needs of their inland supply chains in the upcoming year, and at the same time evaluating our own network and procuring capacity through our partners. To make sure our customers are set for success in 2025, we encourage them to stay close to their usual contacts and provide their estimates for the upcoming year as soon as possible, so that our teams can secure the needed capacity along specific routes. To make sure our customers are set for success in 2025, we encourage them to stay close to their usual contacts and provide their estimates for the upcoming year as soon as possible, so that our teams can secure the needed capacity along specific routes. The implementation of tariffs around the world has made headlines of late, with some companies looking to relocate operations in order to avoid them. However, when considering this, businesses must ensure the move is economically justified beyond just escaping trade measures. Authorities will likely scrutinise such relocations, emphasising the need for genuine economic reasons to steer clear of legal and financial repercussions. If you are looking to change your duty mitigation strategy, we encourage you to reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our customs experts are on hand to provide the right tools and directives that not only reduce import duties, but also ensure compliance and the meeting of legal requirements. Elsewhere, China has implemented new regulations from 1st December 2024 on the export control of dual-use items. The newly published Export Control List outlines about 700 goods and technologies that could have civilian and military applications. Consolidated with existing export control rules, the new framework simplifies licensing, unifies controls, and tightens high-tech oversight like semiconductors and AI. Proactive compliance measures will minimise penalty risks and ensure smooth operations under the stricter regulatory framework. Effective from 13th December 2024, the EU has updated its General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) to replace the 2001 General Product Safety Directive. It applies to all consumer goods except specific exclusions like food, medicines, living plants, pesticides, aircraft, and antiques. Importers face stricter obligations, including ensuring product safety, providing detailed labelling, and addressing unsafe goods swiftly. Customs will be key in market surveillance, checking for compliance documentation and authorised representatives. The GPSR applies to Northern Ireland, and UK retailers shipping to the EU must also comply. The sales frenzy of Black Friday has long moved across the Atlantic, and European consumers have become accustomed to sales events throughout November. Combined with Singles Day and Cyber Monday, it is estimated that online shops worldwide generate around 20% of their annual sales in November. In the EU, consumers on the western side of the continent are expected to spend the most on Black Friday sales – German consumers lead the way with an average budget of 317 euros per capita, followed by consumers in Austria and Spain, budgeting 303 and 282 euros, respectively. Delivery person loading parcels into Maersk last mile delivery van. With an increase in sales, businesses can also expect to see an increase in returns during this period – some reports suggest up to half of Black Friday purchases will be sent back. Within the EU, consumers have the right to return products within 14 days and receive a refund, regardless of return reason, provided they order from a European retailer. For businesses, this means offering convenient return options like drop-off points or home pick-ups will enhance the consumer shopping experience and set them apart from the competition. Though returns often seem to overly complicate operations of e-commerce businesses, reverse supply chains can equally be seen as another optimisation opportunity. Cost efficient returns solutions can minimise the extra logistics cost spent on returns, and fast returns lead time will allow restocking of eligible items quickly to maximize resale opportunities during the extended holiday shopping period. Source: MaerskGermany pauses all pending Syrian asylum cases after al-Assad ouster
The road is long and uncertain for those seeking the removal of Vice President Sara Duterte via impeachment, but impeachment is by no means the only path in the pursuit of accountability for the P612.5 million in confidential funds allegedly misspent under her leadership. The reality is that impeachment is not just a constitutional instrument to make high officials answerable for wrongdoing. Too often, it serves as a bargaining chip for partisan gain or monetary benefit; in other words—a political tool. But the allegations leveled at Duterte, being imbued with public interest, require a legal response and potentially, a judicial reckoning. Which results in a glaring contradiction: Why must Congress seek a political remedy for a fundamentally criminal matter? More importantly, why must the alleged squandering of taxpayer money be left to politicians’ whims and agenda? Impeachment, as our history has shown, has its uses and advantages, but it is a double-edged sword that one must wield with an abundance of caution. The two impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President last week offered contrasting approaches in their bid to oust the second most powerful official of the land. The first complaint, filed by civil society leaders and a relative of a drug war victim, employed an all-but-the-kitchen-sink strategy, heaping on Duterte a litany of accusations that invoked all possible grounds for impeachment, except treason. The second, filed by progressive activists, elected to zero in on one—betrayal of public trust—as it focused on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) 11-day spending spree of P125 million in confidential funds in December 2022. On top of this, both complaints took issue with the unaccounted spending in 2023 of P375 million and P112.5 million in the hard-to-audit secret funds by the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd), respectively, during Duterte’s tenure. What stands out in the allegations is the chilling resemblance to other funding shenanigans, like the P10-billion pork barrel scam masterminded by Janet Lim-Napoles, the country’s poster child for large-scale corruption, who is now serving time for multiple convictions while still on trial for other charges. In a wide-ranging conspiracy that implicated top lawmakers and officials, Napoles was accused—and found guilty in some cases, including plunder, for orchestrating the diversion of congressional allocations to ghost projects with fake beneficiaries. A similar trail of questionable transactions has now emerged in Duterte’s funding controversy, including the curious cases of Mary Grace Piattos and Kokoy Villamin, who are both listed as signatories to receipts used by the OVP and DepEd to liquidate their respective expenditures. The Philippine Statistics Authority has since confirmed suspicions that Piattos and Villamin do not exist, at least in its birth, marriage or death records, and the agency is now in the process of checking hundreds of other signatories. It only adds to the cloud of doubt surrounding Duterte’s use of public funds that she has responded to congressional inquiries with stonewalling tactics and defiance. Let us not forget that confidential funds are intended for pressing national security concerns. That the OVP and DepEd, both civilian agencies, were even granted these funds reflects serious flaws and misplaced priorities in public spending. And like the pork barrel scam, the Duterte scandal demonstrates the dangers of intertwining political and financial interests in the budgeting process and the absence of robust oversight mechanisms in the use of such appropriations. But the stakes are too high for this issue to be brushed aside as partisan squabbling, as President Marcos suggested when he said impeaching Duterte was a “waste of time.” On the contrary, the House of Representatives and the Senate must act decisively on the impeachment complaints, lest they be seen as enablers of malfeasance. If anything, their inaction would render the House inquiries a toothless spectacle. As former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño put it: “[This] impeachment complaint is a challenge to Congress to show its independence, that it can stand on the side of the people.” It’s too early to say whether the President’s position has doomed the chances of Duterte’s impeachment, but there is precedent for the House and the Senate defying the presidential line. In either case, her critics should know that impeachment is not the only way to hold Duterte to account—the VP is not immune from criminal suits. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Whether in trial courts or the halls of Congress, the government is duty-bound to unmask each ghost beneficiary, account for every misspent peso, and punish all erring officials. Anything less would be a failure of justice and a betrayal of the very public trust that Duterte stands accused of undermining.Sir Keir Starmer said he would be looking towards a “better, brighter future for every person” in a Christmas message following a turbulent year for the UK. The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”
PM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’Is ‘SNL’ New This Weekend? Here’s Everything to Know
The Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed their second straight victory within the AFC North on Sunday as they took down the Cleveland Browns. The win brings Pittsburgh's record to 10-3 on the year, and the group is 3-1 within its division. Many fans were nervous coming into this game due to the challenging upcoming schedule for Pittsburgh, as well as the fact that Cleveland had won the first matchup of the season between the two teams. Another challenge for the Steelers going into this game is that the offense was going to be without its best wide receiver in George Pickens. The third-year wideout popped up on the injury report on Friday with a hamstring injury, and he was ruled out ahead of the game on Sunday. Tight end Pat Freiermuth stepped up in his place, scored, and then celebrated by punting the ball into the crowd. This move was pulled off by Pickens in Week 13, and Freiermuth had some jokes when asked about it after the game. TE Pat Freiermuth, who punted in high school, said he decided earlier this week if he scored he was going to punt the ball into the stands. “Someone had to get fined,” he said, laughing. Freiermuth added: “My grandfather's probably pissed on me, but man, it's all good.” This was obviously a playful jab towards Pickens, as the wide receiver has been getting fined a pretty decent amount by the league. Pickens was fined twice for two separate unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during the Steelers Week 13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Typically players are fined for throwing the ball into the stands, but Pickens escaped without a fine for punting the ball after scoring. Freiermuth may receive a fine for punting the ball into the stands, especially after making his playful comment to the media after the game. The tight end was the leading receiver for the Steelers in their victory, and he found the end zone for the second consecutive game. Freiermuth is clearly starting to build some chemistry with Russell Wilson , and it has been on full display in recent weeks. Freiermuth has become a reliable target for Wilson as the tight end has caught three touchdowns from Wilson, and that number will continue to climb as the season goes along. Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Is On Pace To Have His Best Season Yet Freiermuth had a rough season in 2023. The year was riddled with injuries for the tight end, and when he was on the field, it seemed like he had trouble producing. It was by far the worst season of his career, and he has certainly bounced back in 2024. The tight end caught three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown during the win over the Bengals. His production on Sunday brings his season total to 44 receptions for 470 yards and five touchdowns, which easily surpasses his 2023 totals. The tight end is currently having his most complete season. He hasn't struggled to stay on the field, he is finding ways to impact the season in both the running and passing game, and he is a strong leader on the offense. Freiermuth has been proving throughout the year that he is a top-end talent at the tight end position, and he is certainly deserving of the four-year contract extension that he signed ahead of the season. This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.Sam Altman Calls OpenAI's New Video Generator 'So Compelling'
New Complaint Contends 'Vaporware' Strategy and Systematic Anti-Competitive Practices Destroyed Competition for Internet Connectivity in Business Aviation CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartSky Networks, LLC today filed a comprehensive antitrust lawsuit against Gogo, Inc. and Gogo Business Aviation, LLC ($GOGO) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina (Case 3:24-cv-01087), alleging illegal monopolistic practices in the air-to-ground (ATG) broadband inflight connectivity market for business aviation. The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of federal antitrust laws, including the Sherman Act and Clayton Act, as well as North Carolina state tort laws and the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, claiming that Gogo engaged in predatory pricing, misleading advertising, and exclusive dealing agreements to maintain its monopoly position in the ATG market. SmartSky is pursuing this case to protect innovation as well as to seek justice for unfair business practices. The company's complaint contends that a systematic campaign of misinformation and exclusive dealing arrangements effectively blocked SmartSky's access to critical distribution channels and created insurmountable barriers to market entry, stifling the innovation and competition customers depend on. The lawsuit seeks substantial damages potentially exceeding $1 billion . The legal action aims to address the alleged harm to competition and consumers in the aviation connectivity market. This new Complaint is separate and apart from the Intellectual Property case (Case 1:22-cv-00266-JLH) SmartSky previously filed against Gogo in Delaware . The trial of that case is scheduled to begin in April, 2025. SmartSky is represented by Rik Tozzi , of Burr & Forman, LLP. About SmartSky Until ceasing business operations in August, 2024, SmartSky Networks, LLC was an aviation technology company that developed and launched an innovative air-to-ground network for business aviation, offering superior connectivity solutions through advanced telecommunications technology and infrastructure. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smartsky-files-1b-antitrust-lawsuit-alleging-gogo-business-aviation-acted-as-an-abusive-monopolist-302334142.html SOURCE SmartSky Networks
OTTAWA — The RCMP will create a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of Canada’s border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers. The move is part of the federal government’s $1.3-billion upgrade to border security and monitoring to appease concerns of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump about the flow of migrants and illegal drugs. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S. as soon as he is inaugurated next month unless both countries move to improve border security. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he has discussed parts of the plan with American officials and that he is optimistic about its reception. Canada will also propose to the United States to create a North American “joint strike force” to target organized crime groups that work across borders. The government also intends to provide new technology, tools and resources to the Canada Border Services Agency to seek out fentanyl using chemical detection, artificial intelligence and canine teams. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024. Jim Bronskill, The Canadian PressIs ‘SNL’ New This Weekend? Here’s Everything to Know