NEWS AND UPDATES

JULY 2020:

ACL AWARDED AGCO'S TOP-PERFORMING SUPPLIER

ACL was recognized by AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, as a new partner-level suppliers and presented was recognized during its first annual 2020 AGCO North America Virtual Supplier Event held in Duluth, GA. AGCO’s partner-level suppliers have surpassed the top level of achievement in innovation, world-class service, global growth, and cost savings, and have helped the company maintain the highest levels of capacity and innovation during challenging economic conditions.

“AGCO’s global suppliers are critical elements of our mission to deliver dependable and technologically advanced products, parts, and solutions to dealers and growers across North America,” said Robert Crain, senior vice president and general manager, North America.

“Andrew Abbott, President & CEO of Atlantic Container Line accepted the nomination via virtual video acceptance. Mr. Abbott said, “I am honored and grateful for the nomination on behalf of ACL. We are fortunate to work with talented AGCO staff who do what they can to make our job easier.”

As part of the day’s virtual sessions, senior AGCO executives briefed attendees on topics such as the COVID-19 response and recovery, global market outlook, 2020 key initiatives, and benefits for high-performing suppliers. Innovative technology provided for live and interactive breakout sessions that were filled with insightful information and opportunities for direct Q&A.

Philip W. Byrne, Vice-President of Sales, North America for ACL virtually participated in the event and said, "We are honored to earn the trust of AGCO with this prestigious award. Being recognized as one of 13 tops vendors is a true honor. We are proud to serve AGCO as a transportation partner for over 10 years."

“AGCO and our suppliers have built a world-class supply chain that has proven to be robust and responsive in very challenging environments,” said Michael Clem, vice president, purchasing and logistics, Americas. “These awards celebrate suppliers who have provided exceptional services in areas such as corporate sustainability, innovative solutions, quality products, and effective collaboration. AGCO, our dealers, and the world’s growers are well-served by these relationships and the outstanding capabilities they deliver.”

October 2019:

ACL HONORED AS AMERICA HONDA TOP SUPPLIER 2019

On Wednesday, October 2, American Honda Administration Department Head and Senior Manager Charles Harmon presented Atlantic Container Line (ACL) with Honda’s annual Premier Partner Award at a special ceremony in Manhattan Beach, Calif. ACL was recognized for providing excellent quality, value and customer service in support of Honda businesses and operations. Philip W. Byrne, Vice-President of Sales, North America for ACL said, "We are honored to earn the trust of American Honda as an eight time recipient of this prestigious award. Being recognized in the top 15 of over 1,400 vendors is a true honor. We are proud to serve American Honda as a transportation partner for over 25 years." “This year marks the 60^th anniversary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., a milestone that would not be possible without the strength and commitment of our supplier community,” said Harmon. “We hold our partners in high regard and we thank them for their unwavering dedication to our business.” ACL is an eight time winner of the award. In addition to ACL, 14 other American Honda suppliers were honored as Honda Premier Partners. This year’s award recipients were selected from more than 1,000 eligible companies, as nominated by American Honda associates. They represent multiple industries and include small businesses and minority-owned operations.The Premier Partner award program was established in 1998 to recognize suppliers who embrace American Honda's philosophy of exceeding customer expectations.

October 2018:

ACL CHRISTENS NEWEST G4 VESSEL, THE ATLANTIC SUN

On October 10, 2018 ACL christened its G4 vessel, the ATLANTIC SUN, at FAPS Port Newark Auto Marine Terminal at the Port of New York & New Jersey. Mrs. Katherine LoBue served as Godmother of the vessel. Dignitaries and Port Officials joined in the celebration of ACL's new G4 vessel. The ATLANTIC SUN is registered in the United Kingdom. The ATLANTIC SUN was the last of the five vessels in ACL's new G4 fleet entered into their transatlantic service in August of 2017.

September 2018:

ACL CHRISTENS NEWEST G4 VESSEL, THE ATLANTIC STAR

On September 21, 2018 ACL christened its G4 vessel, the Atlantic Star, in the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore's Dundalk Marine Terminal. Commissioner Rebecca Dye of the Federal Maritime Commission served as Godmother of the vessel. The ATLANTIC STAR is registered in the United Kingdom. The original ATLANTIC STAR, which was part of the original ACL G1 fleet 50 years ago and also flew the British flag. The ATLANTIC STAR was the first of the five vessels in ACL's new G4 fleet and she entered into their transatlantic service in December of 2015

February 2018:

NORTH AMERICAN TRUCKING UPDATE: CHICAGO AND ST. PAUL:

Truck availability across North America has continued to deteriorate, and has now reached a tipping point in some markets. Most particularly, in the Chicago metropolitan area, our key Midwest hub.

Driver and tractor issues, coupled with worsening congestion, and a lack of chassis across the city, has completely undermined our ability to offer a viable Carrier Haulage (C/H) operation.

Given the severity of the current situation, with immediate effect, ACL is now suspending all pre and post ramp C/H operations in Chicago. This suspension is on all traffics, WB and EB, and for all ramps in the Chicago area. The suspension also affects cargoes to/from St Paul, as wheels are required to crosstown boxes between the two rail ramps in Chicago.

We will continue to monitor the situation, but we do not envisage the situation to improve for some time. We apologize for any inconvenience, but it is apparent, given the challenges at hand, that it is currently not possible to provide a full intermodal service to/from Midwest points via rail ramps in Chicago. Thank you for your understanding.

January 2018:

ACL'S MAJOR UPGRADE TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE:

Atlantic Container Line is in the process of a major upgrade to our computer software. We are experiencing intermittent issues related to this systems switch. ACL is doing everything we can to perform this maintenance in a timely manner. We apologize for the inconvenience you may be experiencing. If a product you are trying to use is not working, please contact your local customer service center for further assistance.

STATUS UPDATE: Friday, January 26, 2018:

Track and Trace on home page is now working
If using S6 numbers on your booking you can still track your cargo using it: S6-123456-00
If you have one of the S6 numbers on your booking you can do what you have been doing and just key in the middle six digits or can enter the full S6 number: S6-123456-00
If using the new SA numbers on your booking you will need to use the full number which looks like this: SA-12345678
However if you have one of the new SA numbers on your booking you will need to use the full number which looks like this: SA-12345678
There is NO change if you track by container number. It is still: XXXX1234567
Customers that have a user ID for MyACL may have additional options.
The SOLAS VGM filing screen is operating.
Varying customers have access to the Statement of Account Page. At the moment this module is down. We are working on this and we expect to have it up and running soon.

ACL SCHEDULE CHANGE:

ACL has finally decided on its 2018 schedule, now that all of its new G4 vessels are in service. The big change is the conversion of the Gothenburg service from a direct call to a dedicated feeder. The new ACL weekly feeder service will deploy a container vessel that will load Swedish export cargo each Monday in Gothenburg (same as today) and discharge Wednesday morning at AET Antwerp. The transatlantic ACL vessel arrives AET on Wednesday night and will discharge Swedish import containers first so the feeder vessel will load and depart Antwerp on Thursday, arriving back in Gothenburg by Monday morning. This service will start in the second half of January.

ACL will use public feeders between the other Swedish ports and Hamburg/Bremerhaven.

For Swedish RORO cargo ACL is setting up a relay service using the Grimaldi Euromed vessel between Wallhamn and Antwerp.

ACL has called at Gothenburg for all of its 50 years, so this is a big change for the company. However, the gradual decline in ocean freight rates over the past five years, combined with the inflexible berth availability, steadily increasing costs and lagging productivity at Gothenburg have given ACL no choice but to make changes to its schedule to improve the reliability of its service. This change will give ACL 3.5 days of additional time in the schedule, restoring reliability and precision to the ACL operation - factors for which ACL used to be well known. Starting in mid-January 2018, ACL will have a reliable day-of-the-week schedule again at all of its ports. A simple comparison of the changes to the European rotation (there are no changes to the current North American port rotation of Halifax-New York-Baltimore-Norfolk-New York-Halifax is shown below:

Current ACL European port rotation: Liverpool-Antwerp-Hamburg-Gothenburg-Antwerp-Liverpool
ACL 2018 European port rotation: Liverpool-Hamburg-Antwerp-Liverpool

Hamburg will enjoy a transit time improvement with this new schedule: 2 days faster eastbound and 3 days faster westbound. Gothenburg, Liverpool and Antwerp transit times will be similar to those of today. The new service will result in a dramatic reliability improvement to what ACL has been offering Swedish customers during the past 12 months. ACL will operate this new service for six months then review it afterward. All of the port's stakeholders - customers, terminal operator and labor - will play a significant role in determining whether ACL maintains, expands or reduces this service thereafter.

September 2017:

American Honda Recognizes ACL with Premier Partner Award:

William F. Kearns, Executive Vice-President, ACL was presented with American Honda�s distinguished Premier Partner Award September 12, 2017. American Honda Motor Company's Executive Vice-President of Automotive Operations, Masayuki Igarashi presented American Honda's Premier Partner Award for excellence in International Transportation between North America and Europe. ACL was one of 15 award recipients selected from selected from a pool of more than 1,000 eligible companies nominated by American Honda associates nationwide based on excellence in quality, value and customer service.

William Kearns, Executive VP for ACL said, "As a seven time winner of this prestigious award, we are proud and honored to continue to earn the trust and support of American Honda Motor these past 25 years."

August 2017:

Force Majeure on Philadelphia Express Voyage 7P18:

Because of the storm damage on August 26, 2017 from Hurricane Harvey and the aftermath, Atlantic Container Line AB is unable to safely operate in Port of Houston, Texas and no cargo is being moved in, out or through that area as of this time. In accordance with Clause 11 of ACL AB Bill of Lading Terms and Conditions, and/or any similar provisions contained in any applicable ocean shipping service contract, ACL AB, is unable to meet any obligations and is not otherwise legally responsible for any loss or damages because of this Act of God, and/or Force Majeure event and/or any subsequent civil unrest. Accordingly, performance under any such bills of lading or contracts is, to that extent, frustrated and no cause of action for breach or liability will arise as a consequence of this Force Majeure and any subsequent civil unrest. We are unable to determine how long this Force Majeure will continue and regret any inconvenience this event has caused you due to these circumstances beyond our control. ACL AB further assert any and all defenses available under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 46 U.S.C.A. 30701 and any and all other applicable laws as well as any provisions under the bill of lading and/or service contracts and/or any other applicable contracts. All Cargo that was loaded on board the Philadelphia Express Voyage 7P18 and due to discharge Houston, TX will now be discharged in Savannah, GA.

June 2016:

IMO - SOLAS Regulation Loaded Container Verified Gross Mass (VGM):

As of July 1, 2016 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention requires the shipper of a packed container to provide the container's verified gross mass (VGM) prior to stowage aboard ship. In accordance with the ruling if a VGM is not provided, cargo cannot be loaded. In order to be compliant, ACL must adhere to a strict NO VGM = NO LOAD POLICY!

ACL is fully prepared to assist our customers in meeting the new SOLAS Container Weight Verification. We have been working closely with our terminals to ensure our operational readiness, and will be implementing internal procedures and system enhancements to handle your verified gross mass (VGM) data submission timely and accurately.

THE FOLLOWING METHODS OF ENTRY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO OUR CUSTOMERS:

-WEB ACCESS: Via our website, ACLCARGO.COM for Customer VGM submission, ACL will add capabilities to our existing customer portal, "MY ACL", http://www.aclcargo.com/myacl.php (registration required). There is no charge for this service.

-EDI: will be able to send and receive VGM data with the VERMAS message as well as other messages already in place. This would include Terminal operators as well as customers.

-PORTAL ACCESS: The various portals such as INTTRA, DAKOSY, GT NEXUS are taking different approaches. ACL will receive VGM information via formatted e-mail when transmitted by customers through their portal providers.

- VGM DATA VIA EMAIL: ACL will manually enter the VGM data into the shipment record. ACL requires that the shipper's submission include the ACL shipment number, the container number, the VGM, a verification statement (disclaimer follows) and the authorized person's name in capital letters or an e-signature. Precise details can vary depending on location and additional details may be required, please see local office bulletins for more information. Direct E-mail to specific ACL VGM e-mail addresses created per ACL Booking Office (see addresses below).

ACL E-mail addresses for submission of VGM data:

Baltic States roro@transocean.ee
Belgium/Holland antvgm@aclcargo.com
Denmark acl@transocean.dk
Finland aclfinland@finnlines.com
France lehvgm@aclcargo.com
Germany hamvgm@aclcargo.com
Ireland dubvgm@aclcargo.com
North America aclnamervgm@aclcargo.com
Sweden aclsevgm@aclcargo.com
Switzerland info@natural-shipping.ch
UK aclukvgm@aclcargo.com

Please refer to the below WSC links which provides more detailed background and information.

WSC Guidelines: http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/cargo-weight
WSC FAQs: http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/faqs/

We will keep you informed of further updates including VGM documentation requirements and communication. Please contact your local ACL office for further information.

March 2016:

ACL and Ceres have signed a new contract that runs through 2022

ACL has decided to maintain its twice weekly call at Halifax with its new G4 RORO/Containerships. ACL will continue to serve the North American and European markets at the Fairview Cove Container Terminal of Ceres Halifax Inc.

Andrew Abbott, President & CEO of ACL, "We value our long-term working relationships with the Halifax Port Authority and Ceres. We looked long and hard at various schedule alternatives for our new ships. Some excluded Halifax. But we just could not ignore the close cooperation and support of the HPA and Ceres that removed every obstacle to a long-term agreement. The quality improvements to the CN Rail service and the consistent cooperation of our ILA colleagues were also influential factors in our decision. As a result of this, all the stakeholders of the port will benefit, as ACL volume via Halifax will eventually double as all of our new ships enter service. ACL looks forward to a long future in Halifax with our large, new, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly G4 vessels. The Port of Halifax will now remain our largest port in North America, and our gateway for Canada and the US Midwest."

ACL has been continuously calling the Port of Halifax since 1970 following the inaugural call of the ACL G1 vessel Atlantic Star in 1969. In January of this year, the Port of Halifax welcomed the newest "Atlantic Star" which is the first of the five new G4 ACL CONRO vessels.

December 2015:

Container Terminal Change at Baltimore:

ACL will commence container operations at the Port of Baltimore from Seagirt Marine Terminal, effective with Atlantic Conveyor Voyage #5227/5327 eta Baltimore December 14.

All loaded containers must be delivered to and collected from Ports America at Seagirt Marine Terminal:

Seagirt Marine Terminal
2600 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21222
Terminal Gate Hours: 0700-1700
Firms Code: C324

Empty Containers:

During the transition, empty containers may be available for collection at either Seagirt or Dundalk Marine Terminal. Once the container stock at Dundalk is depleted, all empty collections will be delivered from Seagirt Marine Terminal.

Prior to empty collection, please consult the Ports America website for specific information: http://www.portsamerica.com/DundalkPACT

Oversized cargo (RORO and breakbulk) will CONTINUE to be worked at Dundalk Marine Terminal.

June 2015:

ENS Documentation Amendment Fee Increase:

ACL confirms we will continue our policy of NOT implementing a bill of lading (b/l) fee for eastbound shipments of both containerized and roll-on/roll-off cargo. However, effective August 1, 2015 we will adjust our ENS Documentation Amendment Fee to $100 per incident.

Specifically, subsequent b/l instructions requesting changes or additions to the original submitted b/l instructions which are presented to the carrier AFTER the ENS filing, will be assessed an amendment fee of $100 per b/l per ENS amendment transaction. Our intent is to continue to provide the b/l free of charge (as part of our product) but to decrease the amount of incidents requiring change once we have filed with the authorities.

May 2014:

ACL announces changes to free time allowances & per diem rates on all ACL carrier-owned equipment effective June 02, 2014:

Interchange for the United States:

	FREE TIME (day of interchange)	PER DIEM (per calendar day)
Standard Equipment (dry vans, hicubes, flatracks, opentops):
Import Shipments:	5 working days	$100
Export Shipments:	10 working days	$100
Refrigerated Equipment:
Import/Export:	3 working days	$200
Trailers, Flatbeds & Other Special Project Equipment:
Import/Export:	5 working days	$125

NOTE: Where working days are the basis for free time, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays are not counted during the initial free time period. Upon expiration of free time, per diem is assessed on the basis of calendar days.

C-TPAT Container Seals Requirement Effective May 15, 2014:

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Mechanical Seal Standard: The revised tamper evidence and certification provisions of the 2013 version of the ISO mechanical seal standard (ISO 17712) will become applicable on May 15, 2014. Seals that were compliant with the earlier (2010) version of ISO 17712 will not be compliant with the 2013 version of the ISO seal standard unless such seals are backed by an accredited 3rd party certificate or letter regarding the revised tamper evidence and certification provisions. Hauliers whether they be merchant or carrier, may therefore want to ensure, and obtain written confirmation, that their seal vendors are marketing seals that comply fully with the 2013 version of ISO 17712.

Westbound RORO Forwarding Agents Commision:

Effective June 1, 2014, where applicable, ACL will pay Forwarding Agents Commission (FAC) on westbound RORO shipments moving between Antwerp, Belgium and Hamburg, Germany and its North American base ports at a level of 2.50%

April 2014:

Terminal Change at Baltimore:

ACL will return container operations at the Port of Baltimore to Dundalk Marine Terminal around April 30, effective with Atlantic Compass v4218/v4318. All cargo, (containers, roro, and breakbulk), must be delivered to and collected from Ports America at Dundalk Marine Terminal:

Dundalk Marine Terminal
2700 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21222

Terminal Hours: 0800-1600 oversized cargo must be delivered by 1500 hours
RORO/Breakbulk: Deliveries to Shed 12
Automobiles: Deliveries to Lot 1501
Empty containers: During the transition, empty containers for export loads will continue to be dispatched from Seagirt Marine Terminal at 2600 Broening Highway.

July 1, 2010:

Documentation for U.S. Export Cargoes and Automated Export System (A.E.S):

Timely submission of the required data to the appropriate body in an electronic format is the sole and exclusive responsibilty of the Shipper named on the bill of lading or its agent. Proof of same will be required by the Carrier in the form of a submitted master bill of lading showing AES filing citation, exemption, exclusion or legend, and inside the documentation cut-offs as published on Carrier's website. Any cargo(es) that do not meet the aforementioned cut-offs will be held on dock and subject to weekly Demurrage charges as stated in Carriers tariff ACLU-068, Rule 2-O.

November 2008:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issues interim rule on 10+2. Please click for more information: Security Filing "10+2".

August 2008:

There has been a major change with the U.S. Customer Export Regulations and the implementation of the AES Rule. Please click for the the key information: