The need to know
The need to know for the week ending 23rd April 2021
The need to know from Reuters’ global network of journalists
UK's Ocado invests in Oxbotica to develop autonomous deliveries
British online grocer Ocado will invest 10 million pounds ($13.8 million) in autonomous vehicle software company Oxbotica as part of a tie-up that aims to reduce the cost of last-mile delivery and other logistics, it said on Friday.
More Irish-British trade diverted via N.Ireland post-Brexit
More firms are shipping goods between Ireland and Britain via Northern Ireland to avoid post-Brexit red tape and delays, the head of Dublin Port said on Monday, describing it as a "worrying" and potentially permanent development.
'Our factories are hungry' - U.S. farm machinery maker faces dearth of components
Farmers flush with cash after a run-up in grain prices are clamouring for farm machinery maker AGCO Corp to get them new equipment in time for this year’s harvest.
J&J says supply chain for COVID-19 vaccine to include 10 sites
Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday it was establishing a vaccine supply network in which ten manufacturing sites would be involved in the production of its COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to its plant in Leiden, the Netherlands.
U.S. DOJ says it is examining 'dozens' of Russian companies for supply chain vulnerabilities
An official with the United States Department of Justice said the government is examining “dozens” of Russian companies for potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Maersk looks to diversify Indian revenue with new rail service for auto companies
Maersk has launched a rail service between its port in western India and the northern automobile manufacturing hub of Gurugram as the shipping group looks to boost revenue from its "non-ocean" business, its South Asia head told Reuters.
AB Volvo rides demand recovery, but chip woes loom
Swedish truck maker AB Volvo smashed forecasts for first-quarter core earnings on Thursday on the back of surging demand, lifting its shares, but cautioned a global chip shortage was set to hit production in the near term.
Russia's Yandex to launch e-grocery delivery in Paris then London
Russian internet giant Yandex is set to launch its online grocery delivery in Paris in the second quarter of this year, the company said on Friday, after strong demand in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
E-commerce pioneer Wenzel launches ‘Amazon on steroids’
German entrepreneur Ralf Wenzel, formerly of Delivery Hero and Softbank, is launching a global rapid delivery retail platform, entering a field that is attracting huge investment and experiencing explosive growth.
Meituan loads cash bazooka for e-commerce fight
Meituan is ready to fight. China's $220 billion food delivery app has raised $10 billion to take on larger Alibaba.
Suez Canal to allow two Ever Given crew members to go home
Two crew members aboard the cargo vessel that blocked global shipping in the Suez Canal last month will be allowed to return to India owing to urgent personal circumstances, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Thursday.
Dubai's DP World says near-term trading environment positive
Global port operator DP World on Thursday said the near-term trading environment was positive as it reported a 10.2% increase in first quarter shipping containers volumes.
Shell to trial use of hydrogen fuel cells for ships in Singapore
Royal Dutch Shell said on Wednesday it was conducting a feasibility study with partners to trial the use of hydrogen fuel cells for ships in Singapore, the first such move for the oil major.
Singapore port authority launches $90 mln decarbonisation fund
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced two initiatives on Wednesday to reduce the shipping industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, including a S$120 million ($90 million) fund for a decarbonisation centre.
BHP completes its first refuelling of a ship with biofuel
BHP Group Ltd said on Thursday it completed its first refuelling of a ship with biofuel this month in a trial run that is part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
U.S. to join effort to curb climate-warming emissions from shipping
The United States will join an international effort to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in the global shipping industry, climate envoy John Kerry announced ahead of a summit of world leaders President Joe Biden will host this week.
Coronavirus curbs in India disrupt supply chains, stoke economy worries
Restrictions imposed by Indian states to curb a rapid surge in coronavirus cases have disrupted supply chains, hit freight networks and caused labour shortages in the small companies that make up around a third of economic output, business owners said.
From elsewhere around the web:
100 days later, Brexit isn't working and business wants it fixed. [CNN]
Irish trucking firms are taking the pricier route around the UK to avoid Brexit red tape. [CNBC]
Fulfillment, Home Goods and Quarantine: The Perfect Storm.[SDC Exec]
Ports break records with off-peak import deluge in March.[Supply Chain Dive]
Intermodal traffic will shape the future of US container ports.[Port Technology]
‘Sky’s the limit’ for already lofty container-ship charter rates.[Freight Waves]