Ian Ackerman
VerifiedArticles by Ian Ackerman
Introducing Feature Views
In a perfect world, ML Features are built only once. But for many teams, a feature that works in a notebook still turns into duplicated logic, fragile pipelines, one-off backfills, online store plumbing, and governance overhead. For real-time use cases like fraud detection, personalization, and recommendations, that complexity gets even harder to absorb because models depend on fresh signals to make accurate predictions.
MLflow System Tables: Analyze Data Across All Your Experiments
ML teams are under pressure to move faster, but fragmented experiment data makes that impossible. When experiment tracking is scattered across workspaces and APIs, even simple questions become hard to answer: Which models are improving? Where are we wasting GPU cycles? How many runs failed this week? Without unified visibility, ML leaders can’t see performance trends or spot regressions early. The result: slower iteration, higher costs, and models that take longer to reach production.
Finding Common Ground: IDD Sector Risks Across the US and Australia
Authors: At a recent Gallagher global conference, US-based consultant Ian Ackerman and Australia's Gail Murray came together to explore key risk trends impacting the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) sector in their respective countries. What emerged was a shared understanding of the pressures these mission-driven organizations face, as well as potential strategies to help them respond.
How to Win at the Nonprofit Insurance Game
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Author: Effective risk management plays a pivotal role for nonprofit organizations seeking to control their total cost of risk (TCOR) while safeguarding their operations, assets and mission. Navigating the insurance marketplace strategically can set nonprofits apart, especially during challenging market cycles. Here we share key strategies to help you win the nonprofit insurance game. Nonprofit insurance differs significantly from the broader market.
Charge filed in Kaitaki Ferry power loss incident
MARITIME NZ has filed one charge against KiwiRail in relation to the January 2023 loss of propulsion incident involving the Interislander ferry Kaitaki. The charge follows a year-long investigation. Kaitaki lost power on its approach into Wellington Harbour on 28 January last year, with more than 800 passengers and 80 crew on-board. It then issued a mayday. After regaining limited power, the ferry made its way to port where its passengers were able to safely leave it and come ashore.
Owner and director of PNG logistics company charged with drug smuggling offences
A BRISBANE woman, who is the owner and director of a logistics company in Papua New Guinea, was charged on Tuesday (16 January) for allegedly facilitating a black flight importing 71.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from PNG to Australia in March last year. The woman, 41, appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday (17 January) and was refused bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for 1 March in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
DNV to class very large ethane carriers
DNV will class shipowner Purus’ two newbuild very large ethane carriers (VLECs). The vessels have been contracted at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea and scheduled for delivery in 2026-27. The new ships will have a cargo-carrying capacity of 98,000 cubic metres. They will be fitted with GTT’s Mark III membrane containment system. The vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel ethane engines and optimised cargo-handling systems to reduce emissions.
Nuyina researchers discover subsea Antarctic canyon
ACOUSTCIANS onboard Australian icebreaker RSV Nuyina have discovered an underwater canyon. The canyon was discovered when wild weather forced a temporary suspension of resupply work at Casey research station. Rather than sit and wait for the weather to pass, voyage leadership used the time to map the seafloor at the nearby Adams Glacier, about 70 kilometres from the station. They found a 2100 metre-deep, 9000-metre-wide canyon, extending more than 25 nautical miles off the glacier front.
Singapore-based PSA sees record container throughput for 2023
SINGAPORE-based container terminal operator PSA International saw a record-breaking year in 2023. The company’s terminals handled a total of 94.8 million TEU across its port terminals for the 12 months ending on 31 December 2023. This was an increase of 4.3% compared with 2022. PSA’s flagship terminal in Singapore handled 38.8 million TEU (and increase of 4.8%) and PSA terminals outside Singapore handled 56 million TEU (an increase of 3.9%).
Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore shipments increase in Q4
MINING company Rio Tinto has reported it shipped a total of 86.3 million tonnes of iron ore from its Pilbara operations over the course of the last three months of 2023. This is an increase of 3% on the previous quarter, but a 1% decrease on the fourth quarter of 2022. For the whole year, the company’s Pilbara operations produced 331.5 million tonnes of iron ore. This was an 2% higher than the previous year.
Albo urges DPW and MUA to “sort this out”
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese called on DP World and the Maritime Union of Australia to negotiate an end to the ongoing protected industrial action on the wharves. In an interview on radio network 2SM Tuesday morning (16 January), Mr Albanese said: “I think the company and the union should sit down in good faith and sort this out, that’s what I think.
Pilbara Ports throughput sees small December decline
PILBARA Ports reported a total monthly throughput of 66.5 million tonnes of cargo for December 2023. This throughput was a 1% decrease compared with December 2022. The Port of Port Hedland handled a monthly throughput of 50.4 million tonnes, of which 49.9 million tonnes was iron ore exports. This was a 1% increase to total throughput compared with December 2022. Imports through the Port of Port Hedland totalled 220,000 tonnes, an increase of 34% compared with December 2022.
MUA cancels some DPW PIA
THE MARITIME Union of Australia has backed down on some of its protected industrial action at DP World. The union has withdrawn some partial work bans and work stoppages through 22 January. The withdrawn PIA covers all four ports and include bans on working ships from certain shipping lines, bans on loading and unloading trucks, bans on working on ships for eight hours after all-fast and bans on performing upgrades.
South Australian exports hit record levels
SOUTH Australian exports grew 12% in the 12 months through November last year, reaching a value of $17.9 billion, according to the latest data available from the state. China is SA’s biggest export destination, with the value of goods going from the state to the country increasing 46% year-on-year to $3.2 billion. SA welcomed China’s recent removal of trade impediments on products such as barley, and the SA government has continued to advocate for eased restrictions on lobster and wine.
BREAKING NEWS: Disruption deepens at DP World as dispute with MUA ratchets up
DISRUPTION at DP World’s Australian container terminals has increased today as the company commenced its policy of not tolerating partial work bans in its ongoing dispute with the Maritime Union of Australia. From today, DP World employees engaging in work bans will not receive wages until they return to their normal duties – this is in line with the company’s new stance announced on Monday (8 January) in what it said is a bid to stop the MUA from accelerating and prolonging industrial action.
Maersk to bypass Panama Canal with “land bridge”
MAERSK is deploying a “land bridge” in Panama to mitigate issues with the drought-affected canal. Based on current and projected water levels in Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has made reductions to the amount and weight of vessels that can pass through the canal.
Orders for alternative fuelled vessels grow: DNV
IN 2023, 298 ships with alternative fuel propulsion were ordered globally – a year-on-year increase of 8%, according to the latest stats from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform Last year also saw big gains for methanol, with an increase of orders for methanol-enabled ships. There were 138 orders for methanol ships, more than orders for LNG-powered ships (there were 130 orders for these). Also, there were 11 orders for ships that can run on ammonia, and there are more in the pipeline.
Air cargo demand up in November
DEMAND for air cargo (measured in cargo tonne-kilometres) increased by 8.3% in November of last year, according to data available from the International Air Transport Association. IATA attributed the increase (when compared with November 2022) to weakness in 2022, but also is the fourth consecutive month of increasing demand for air cargo. IATA said capacity (measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres) was up 13.7% compared with November 2022.
Approval in principle for ammonia FSRU
CLASSNK has awarded Mitsui O.S.K. Lines an approval in principle for a design of a floating storage and regasification unit for ammonia. MOL and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding jointly developed the FSRU. The approval in principle gives MOL further assurances in its design and development of the FSRU, which enables the large-scale of storage and distribution of seaborn ammonia. FSRUs are designed to receive liquified gas at sea before vaporizing it and sending it to shore.
Maersk Tankers acquires Penfield Marine
MAERSK Tankers has acquired Penfield Marine, a US-based pool operator. The combined company is to manage about 240 vessels, including about 45 vessels owned by affiliated companies. Maersk Tankers CEO Tina Revsbech, said Penfield Marine has over the years built a solid position and presence in the industry.
New IMO Secretary-General announces senior team
INTERNATIONAL Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has announced his leadership team a week after taking up the top job. In his new year message, Mr Dominguez pledged to build on IMO’s successes and do more. “With me as the 10th Secretary General, I welcome you to join us in an era of progression of the organisation, one that leads by example and with higher values from inclusion, diversity, and transparency,” he said.
Trans-Tasman service to call Port Chalmers again
PORT Otago is welcoming back ANL’s Transtaz service after a hiatus of four years. CMA CGM Semarang is due at Port Chalmers this week The Transtaz service has operated in New Zealand for several years, calling Sydney, Melbourne, Tauranga and Lyttelton. This month it will visit Port Chalmers, Nelson and Napier as well. Port Otago commercial manager Craig Usher said the return of ANL is great news for the port.
New CFO for Australian logistics company
ASX-listed Silk Contract Logistics announced on Monday (8 January) that James Nicholias had been appointed its new chief financial officer. According to an ASX announcement, Mr Nicholias comes to Silk Logistics with more than 20 years of financial experience across several industries, including logistics and supply chain. Prior to joining Silk, Mr Nicholias held several roles at Bingo Industries from 2017 to 2022. He was also previously CFO at Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics.
More MUA PIA, DPW calls for govt intervention
THE MARITIME Union of Australia has announced more protected industrial action at DP World’s terminals in Australia and the company has announced it would no longer tolerate partial work bans starting this Friday (12 January). The company has also called on the federal government to intervene in the ongoing dispute. The union began industrial action in early October 2023 after negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement collapsed.
Adelaide sees November slowdown in container throughput
PORT of Adelaide saw a year-on-year decrease in container throughput in November, according to the latest available statistics from Flinders Ports. Adelaide handled a total of 20,895 TEU of full containers this past November. This was a decrease of 9.6% on the same month last year. However, full container throughput plummeted last month when compared with the previous month. November’s throughput was 27% lower than that of October 2023. Full containerised imports decreased year-on-year in November.
AMSA repairs lighthouse after it is eaten by birds
BIRDS had been eating Cape Northumberland Lighthouse. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the local birds were attracted to the high salt content of the stonework on the historic South Australian lighthouse. To repair the bird damage, AMSA invested $2 million in a restoration project, which was completed this month after about 10 months of work.
Inland Rail publishes report confirming it generates environmental benefits
INLAND Rail has published its fifth annual sustainability report. It outlines the positive social, environmental and economic outcomes generated by Inland Rail and its project delivery partners in 2022-23. The report details the Inland Rail sustainability priorities, achievements and how it strives to create a sustainable asset beyond regulatory requirements.
PPA sees November throughput decrease
PORTS in the Pilbara have handled a total monthly throughput of 61.5 million tonnes for November 2023, according to the latest available statistics from the Pilbara Ports Authority. This total throughput was a 4% decrease compared with November 2022. The Port of Port Hedland saw a monthly throughput of 45.8 million tonnes. This was a 5% decrease to total throughput compared to November 2022. Of Port Hedland’s total throughput, 44.9 million tonnes was iron ore exports.
Svitzer takes delivery of new tug
GLOBAL towage operator Svitzer has taken delivery of the Svitzer Estelle. The tug is a new-build Robert Allen-designed RAstar 3200W and will be deployed on the River Thames and the River Medway for the Port of London. Svitzer Estelle is the second tug from the Turkish Uzmar Shipyards to be delivered to Svitzer. The first tug from Uzmar was delivered May 2023. Svitzer Elizabeth is currently in service in the Port of Liverpool.
New minister for transport and main roads in QLD cabinet shakeup
BART Mellish was named this week as Queensland’s new minister for transport and main roads. Mr Mellish came into the portfolio with a major cabinet reshuffle that came after the new state Premier, Steven Miles, was sworn in. Mr Mellish takes over the role from Mark Bailey, who had been the minister since 2015. This is the first portfolio that Mr Mellish has been in charge of; he has previously been assistant to the minister for veterans’ affairs.
Bulk wheat port code no longer fit for purpose: ACCC
THE AUSTRALIAN Competition and Consumer Commission has called for the Port Terminal Access (Bulk Wheat) Code of Conduct to be allowed to sunset on 1 October 2024. In its submission paper to the second review of the Wheat Port Code – published this past week – the ACCC said the code increasingly applies to smaller-scale providers of bulk grain export loading services that already face strong competition.
Botany container trade sees November slump
THROUGHPUT at Port Botany decreased in November, compared with the same month last year, according to the latest available statistics from NSW Ports. Last month, the port handled a total of 201,065 TEU, which was a decrease of 19.6% on the same month last year, when throughput reached 250,112 TEU. This decrease was driven by significant decreases in both import and export containers. Full container imports through Port Botany in November were down 17.2% on the same month last year to 101,943 TEU.
Port Authority of NSW joins Blue Visby Consortium
PORT Authority of NSW has joined the Blue Visby Consortium, which aims to reduce international shipping carbon emissions by potentially 15%. Port Authority of NSW CEO Philip Holliday said Blue Visby provides a platform that optimises ships’ arrival times at their destination, eliminating the practice of “sail fast, then wait”. The platform can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, he said.
MYEFO boosting ag export funding
THE MID-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook includes investment in Australia’s export trade system, which the federal government says will help secure biosecurity defences and help the live cattle trade, among other initiatives. The Agriculture Trade and Exports package, worth $104.3 million over three years, is to continue to build resilience into the agricultural sector, the government said.
Victoria publishes statement on rail freight access
THE VICTORIAN government has released the first Rail Freight Network Capability Statement, which it says provides clarity and certainty for rail freight operators and customers. The statement provides operators with detailed rail knowledge such as line speeds and axle-loads so they can accurately plan with network managers to schedule services, confirm access to train paths and meet the needs of their customers and our producers.
Police prevent 49 tonnes of illicit drugs from being smuggled to Australia
THE AUSTRALIAN Federal Police and its partners have prevented up to 49 tonnes of illicit drugs from entering the country during joint operations and investigations over the past financial year. Police said about 29 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursors seized were recorded as being directly linked to an Australian crime group or likely to be sent to Australia.
Miners, BIMCO outline progress on trade digitalisation
FOUR major mining companies, together with international shipowners association BIMCO, have published a position paper that proposes ways to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies across the metals and mining supply chain. The companies – Anglo American, BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale – have formed a working group, the Metals and Mining Digitalization Forum (MMDF) and, with the support of BIMCO, aim to engage all parties involved in the digitalisation of trade.
AMSA CEO Mick Kinley to retire
THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority board will be on the hunt for a new CEO in the new year. The current CEO, Mick Kinley, is to step down at the end of his current term, which will be at the end of June 2024. “Under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990, AMSA’s CEO is appointed for a period of five years, and can be eligible for re-appointment,” Mr Kinley said.
World Container Index inches up
THE DREWRY World Container Index increased this past week by 4$ to $1521 per 40-foot container. The composite index has dropped by 28% when compared with the same week last year. The latest WCI is now 7% more than average 2019 (pre-pandemic) rates of $1420. The average composite index for the year to date is $1674 per 40-foot container, which is $998 lower than the 10-year average rate of $2672 (which was inflated by the exceptional 2020-22 covid period).
Freo sees October increase in containers
PORT of Fremantle saw an influx of container throughput in October, driven by an increase in both imports and exports. Fremantle Ports handled a total of 77,436 TEU in October this year. The port’s total throughput for the month was an increase of 10% on the previous month, and an increase of 6% on October 2022. The influx of containers through the port was driven by increases in both exports and imports – up 14% and 9%, respectively, compared with the previous month.
Woodside to employ 70 Aussie seafarers on LNG carrier
WOODSIDE Energy will employ about 70 Australian seafarers on an LNG vessel under an agreement with the Australian Institute of Maritime and Power Engineers, the Australian Maritime Officers Union and the Maritime Union of Australia. In a statement, Woodside said the agreement builds on a co-operative relationship with the unions that dates back to the commencement of LNG exports from the North West Shelf Project in the 1980s.
Minister extends Coastal Shipping Act exemption for cruise
MINISTER for infrastructure and transport Catherine King has extended an exemption from the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 for cruise ships. The exemption will mean eligible cruise operators do not need a licence for coastal trading. The exemption applies from 1 January 2024 through 31 December 2024 and replaces the current exemption which ends on 31 December 2023.
ACCC flags completion concerns as stevedore profits increase
OPERATING profit margins of the container stevedoring industry in Australia increased to 24.9% in 2023, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Container Stevedoring Monitoring Report 2022-23. This latest increase continues a trend of rising profit margins since a low of 5.8% in 2018-19. While the industry profits have rapidly increased in the past few years, the ACCC said it is too soon to know whether the current profit margins are likely to be sustained.
Australia and UAE to commence trade agreement negotiations
THE AUSTRALIAN government is to begin negotiations with the United Arab Emirates on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in the new year. A statement from the government said the agreement would drive Australian exports and economic growth. The UAE is a gateway to the Middle East region and beyond, with two-way goods and services trade valued at $9.26 billion in 2022.
FWC knocks back DP World’s application for PIA suspension
THE FAIR Work Commission has knocked back an application from DP World that sought to suspend the Maritime Union of Australia’s ongoing protected industrial action for 90 days. The union began industrial action in early October after negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement collapsed. According to a DP World spokesperson, the FWC has not yet published its reasons for not granting the orders the company sought.
MUA’s industrial action continues at DP World terminals
THE MARITIME Union of Australia is continuing protected industrial action at DP World’s Australia terminals after several days of negotiations last week. Also, on 9 December, DP World asked the Fair Work Commission to issue an order suspending industrial action for 90 days. On 12 December, the FWC advised it would not grant these orders.
Two Aussie companies sign MOU to develop WA shipbuilding capabilities
ASX-listed shipbuilder Austal has signed a memorandum of understanding with Port Macquarie-based maritime engineering company Birdon to develop defence shipbuilding capability in Western Australia. The agreement is to deliver the Australian Department of Defence Landing Craft-Medium (“LC-M”) Project.
Three jailed over 99kg shipping container meth smuggling
THREE men have each been sentenced to more than 13 years’ imprisonment for their roles in a plot to import 99 kilograms of methamphetamine into Western Australia ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2021. The trio was sentenced in the Perth District Court on Friday 8 December after earlier pleading guilty to attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug. The methamphetamine was smuggled into Australia inside a shipment of bed pillows.
New TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence opens
A NEW $11.8-million TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence has officially opened at Coomera in the Gold Coast. The TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence at Coomera will train up to 500 students each year in a range of qualifications from marine craft construction to marine mechanical technology. The facility includes workshops for electrical and mechanical work, fibre glass and lamination, marine textiles and upholstery, and an outdoor boat workshop, welding facilities and more.
Cargo cruise ship heading to French Polynesia
ARANUI Cruises will start delivering freight on its Austral Islands voyages in 2025. In the 2025 program, 125-metre mixed freight and passenger vessel Aranui 5 will offer 22 voyages, all carrying cargo to either the northern Marquesas Islands or southern Austral archipelago. Aranui’s 2025 schedule includes three 13-day Australs voyages.
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