IN D U ST RY N EW S Highest-cost shipping revealed Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are the most expensive countries to ship to, all showing an average of 143.74 (US$153.36), according to a study by UBuy Switzerland. It compared shipping costs to all European countries, and calculated the average. Belgian bankruptcies up Belgian moving association BKVCBD has warned its members to adjust their costs as the number of companies in the sector filing for bankruptcy has grown. The organisation told De Tijd newspaper that 14 Belgian movers had gone under so far in 2023, 44 per cent more than the long-term average. Signs of recovery in China A sharp downturn in Chinas economy appears to be easing, with betterthan-expected trade figures during August, according to Bloomberg. Overseas shipments from the country fell 8.8 per cent on the previous year, while imports decreased by 7.3 per cent a significant improvement on Julys figure. There was also a trade surplus of US$68bn. Chinas government has rolled out measures to stimulate business confidence and boost the property market. FIDIs team in Toronto FIDI exhibited at the IAM Convention in Toronto, with an eye-catching FIDIred booth manned by Jesse van Sas, Lydia Cope, John Prooij and Isabel Chillopa from the FIDI office. The team was extremely busy, warmly welcoming prospective members, suppliers, and Affiliates with a FIDI chocolate and sponsored coffee, provided with special thanks to FIDI Canada. FIDI hosted a cocktail reception for new Affiliates and a FIDI 39 Club member meet-up at the booth. Many new prospective members have already submitted a FIDI application since the event. Sterling Lexicon rebrands Sterling Lexicon has released a revamped brand image, which includes a new logo and Your people. Our passion strapline. A release from the company said the relaunch is designed to: bring greater emphasis to what this business is all about people; better communicate our focus on building strong connections and lasting partnerships; and reinforce our reputation as a strong mobility partner with global capabilities, while highlighting the benefits of our personal, caring approach. Alfa parent company acquires Freys Pamica Group, the majority owner of Alfa Mobility, has acquired household goods and office moving specialists Frey Express Group. The group is expected to integrate the two businesses to benefit from crosssales and sharing systems. However, it is also expected to retain the Freys Express brand, with Alfa Mobility focusing on international operations and diversifying into local services. Frey Express has seven branches in Sweden and had a net income of more than SEK300m (US$ 27.6m) in 2022. Cyber attack costs boom A report by law firm HFW and maritime cyber security company CyberOwl says that the cost of cyber attacks and online ransom demands has increased dramatically in the shipping industry during the past year. The average cyber attack in the sector now costs the target organisation US$550,000 up from $182,000 in 2022. The report of 150 industry professionals also shows that the number of ransom demands has increased by more than 350 per cent, with the average ransom payment now US$3.2m up from US$3.1m last year. It states that 24 per cent of cyber-attack victims were tricked into transferring funds to criminals, while 25 per cent of survey respondents said their organisation was not insured against cyber crime. Analysis of incidents so far in 2023 revealed that a typical fleet of 30 cargo vessels faces an average of seven cyber incidents a month more than 80 incidents a year. Digital shipping alliance targets further stakeholders The Future International Trade Alliance (The FIT Alliance) has launched a declaration on digital shipping, asking for new signatories to progress the adoption of industry-wide electronic bills of lading (eBLs). The organisation made up of shipowners association BIMCO, the Digital Container Shipping Association, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the international payment network SWIFT is aiming for a unified drive towards digitalisation. This includes 100 per cent adoption of eBLs by 2030. The FIT Alliance believes this will make international trade more efficient, reliable, sustainable, and secure. New branches for AGS Paris-based Mobilitas has announced two new AGS Worldwide Moving projects in Bahrain and Oman. These are a new AGS branch in Bahrain and a joint venture with an Omani company, Allied Logistics, which will be integrated into the AGS network. These are not FIDI Affiliated. 16 FF312 Dec_Feb 23 pp10-17 News.indd 16 05/12/2023 09:00