We can currently offer a UK-New York freight rate of only $25 w/m, the lowest rate in the market. We also have big discounts on all other US destinations and we think it’s something worth shouting about. If you have any US cargo to book, give Dave Ingle a call on 0845 272 2456 or email dave.ingle@cardinalmaritime.com.

Each charity has been chosen for personal reasons by various members of staff, and we hope that other businesses will be encouraged to do the same. We also have two great opportunities for you to show your support!

Rick White our Managing Director is taking on the Wall Run – an ultra-marathon following the route of Hadrian’s Wall – in aid of St James Liver Support Group. Rick’s wife Hannah underwent a life-saving operation last year so we hope you’ll show your support by visiting www.justgiving.com/Rickwhiteultra.

CEO Andrew Smithurst is also putting on his running shoes by taking part in the London Marathon on 22^nd April. Andrew’s chosen charity is St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds which provides specialist care for people with life-threatening illnesses and support for their families. Please help him to reach his fundraising goal by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/andrewsmithurstcatherinegarrett.

While the waters around Somalia have long been known as a hot spot for piracy, a group of maritime insurers have now designated the coastal waters of Nigeria and Benin in the same category of danger. The big difference is that while the East African pirates hijack ships and hold the crew to ransom, their West African counterparts play a much shorter term game by simply attacking and robbing ships before fleeing. In this case it is oil industry based around the oil-rich Niger Delta that has become the target of the criminals. Nigeria’s government is taking steps to combat piracy but does not have naval capacity needed to effectively deal with the situation.

The Save Our Seafarers organisation has been set up to highlight the global cost of piracy both in economic and human terms. The organisation lobbies governments and business leaders to take more effective steps to deal with the ongoing piracy issues, and has highlighted 7 key actions that need to be prioritised. Find out more and sign up to support this important campaign at http://www.saveourseafarers.com/

You’ve found the Captain’s Easter Egg! Now email chris.bartram@cardinalmaritime.com with the special code 87HgX1 to be in with a chance to win!

It is estimated that the port currently moves around 750,000 TEU per year, with around 58 train movements per day into the port. Once completed the new terminal will be able to handle 30-wagon freight trains, capable of carrying 90 TEU each.

Hutchison Ports, the owner of Felixstowe port, are behind the investment which is benefiting from a £4.2million grant from the Trans-European Transport Network Programme (TEN-T). This latest development follows hot on the heels of last autumn’s expansion, which added two new deepwater berths aimed at accommodating the world’s largest containerships.

“This is a very welcome investment by Hutchison Ports,” said Penning. “It shows that rail freight continues to thrive with private sector investment through difficult economic conditions.” With the future addition of Bathside Bay, the total capacity of the port will eventually rise to 8 million TEU a year.

With highly experienced staff on hand at each end of the journey, you won’t find a smoother transit on the market! For more information, contact our Key Account Manager Michael Wilson on 0161 492 1775.

One of the cornerstones of the Cardinal ethos is a strong commitment to social and corporate responsibility. We’ve been involved with the Bambisanani Partnership for a number of years now, shipping much needed equipment to Mnyakanya School at no cost and providing financial support to the project. As well as providing equipment, the partnership involves exchange visits between the two schools and provides funding support for AIDS orphans in Kwa Zulu Natal. The project is one of a number supported by the Cardinal Trust, and was chosen due to our strong links with South Africa. We look forward to reporting back from the trip with news and photos from Mnyakanya.