Ocean carriers Yang Ming and RCL will commence a new service between Southeast Asia, China and Hong Kong with the Feb. 28 sailing of the Methi Bhum from Singapore, according to a joint statement from the companies.

The port has plans to dredge the harbor channels and the berths at Conley Container Terminal to accommodate larger containerships.

Ocean carriers Maersk Line and CMA CGM announced general rate increases.

Lines are avoiding the Panama and Suez Canals on some backhauls from Europe and the U.S. East Coast despite having to speed up vessels in order to maintain transit times, according to a recent analysis by ocean shipping industry consultant SeaIntel.

The key objective of the two-week National Transportation Safety Board mission in April will be to locate the voyage data recorder or “black box” dislodged from the TOTE Maritime general cargo vessel when it sank Oct. 1 during Hurricane Joaquin.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board took steps this week to improve safety practices and regulations involving lithium batteries carried by airlines.

The $1.5 million program at the Port of Oakland will provide an incentive to terminals to stay open longer as they handle business relocated from Outer Harbor Terminal.

Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles “continue to demonstrate progress in moving larger container volumes per ship call,” according to Executive Director Gene Seroka.

Trade groups, which worked for more than seven years to get a Customs reauthorization, applauded Congress for completing work on legislation that streamlines trade compliance functions and strengthens enforcement of trade laws.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is proposing that the express carrier pay civil penalties for improperly handling seven shipments of hazardous material.