Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 23 August.

SHIPPING: Panama Canal adds additional transit slot, raises maximum draft allowance
As the water level in the freshwater lake that feeds the Panama Canal’s locks continues to rise, the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) has increased the maximum allowable draft to 50ft (15.25m), effective immediately, and will add an additional transit slot beginning 1 September.

Canada needs to act on rail stoppage, now – chem group CIAC
Canada’s federal government needs to exercise its authority and act quickly on the complete freight rail stoppage, set to start midnight at 00:01 Eastern Time, trade group Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) said.

Canada government reluctant to intervene as freight rail shutdown begins
As the unprecedented work stoppage at both of Canada’s freight railroads began on Thursday at 00:01 Eastern Time, it remains unclear how or when it may end as the government is reluctant to intervene.

LyondellBasell declares FM on rail shipments to Canada amid CPKC, CN work stoppage
Global chemicals major LyondellBasell has declared force majeure on all rail shipments to Canada after that country’s two largest railroads shut down operations after negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement stalled.

Canadian freight railroads prepare to resume operations after brief shutdown
Freight railroads Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) are preparing to restart operations after the federal government stepped in to end a labor dispute with workers – although it remains unclear on Friday when exactly a full freight rail service will resume.

Canada rail dispute: Union issues fresh strike notice, despite government order for binding arbitration
-Labor union Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) on Friday issued a strike notice for Monday, 26 August, against railroad Canadian National (CN).