On 29 July, Sobolak in Austria had the opportunity of helping out the local fire service in a time of need.
Ocean Relocation | Update on Service Delivery in Israel
Dear Clients and Partners,
As of June 24, 2025, a ceasefire has been declared between Israel and Iran. In light of this development and the easing of emergency restrictions, we would like to provide a brief operational update as conditions in Israel begin to stabilize.
Important Update – New Indonesian Customs Regulation Effective June 27, 2025
An update from Asian Tigers Indonesia
Dear Valued Agents and Partners, We would like to inform you of an important update from Indonesian Customs regarding changes to import regulations, which will take effect starting June 27, 2025.
The Indonesian Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has issued a new regulation concerning the importation of Household Goods shipments.
Asian Tigers Indonesia Achieves ISO 45001:2018 Certification
PRESS RELEASE
Strengthening Our Commitment to Workplace Safety and Service Excellence
Jakarta, Indonesia – Asian Tigers Indonesia is proud to officially announce the successful achievement of the ISO 45001:2018 certification, a globally recognized standard for occupational health and safety management systems. This accomplishment marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to create a safer, healthier, and more professional working environment for all employees.
Ocean Relocation share an update.
Dear Clients and Partners,
As you may have seen in the news, today, June 13, 2025, Israel launched a major military operation—“Operation Rising Lion”—targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. The situation is still unfolding, and with the weekend now underway, we want to share a brief update regarding current conditions and operational status.
Air Travel – Ben Gurion Airport
Ben Gurion Airport is currently closed to all civilian air traffic, both inbound and outbound. While Israeli media reports suggest the closure may last three to four days, no official reopening timeline has been confirmed. We expect to receive further clarity in the coming days.
Daily Life & Safety Guidelines
The Israel Home Front Command has issued emergency directives across the country. Schools are closed, and access to workplaces is limited to essential services only, including healthcare, food supply, and utility providers. Residents are advised to remain in proximity to protected shelters, prepare emergency essentials, and limit non-essential movement. All hospitals and emergency rooms remain fully operational and accessible.
Shipping & Freight Operations
Our operations continue under the framework of an essential service provider, and our teams will remain active. That said, we may experience occasional disruptions. Air freight is also delayed due to the airport closure.
Relocation Services
Local relocation services and on-the-ground support remain available. We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, Ocean’s management remains fully accessible. Please see our contact information below.
Daniel Drenger: +972 523 69 19 12 | Eran Drenger: +972 523 69 19 11
We appreciate your understanding and ongoing cooperation during this time.
Warm regards,
Daniel
An update from Sonigo International Shipping Packing and Moving Ltd
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is no secret, we are going through challenging times.
Fortunately, our team is all well, but concerned about the situation.
We continue to operate as usual, including packouts and deliveries. Our in-house Customs Brokers are clearing shipments, although Customs itself is working with a skeleton crew.
**Please note: we are fully booked through the end of July and are not able to reschedule / delay packouts
Sea ports continue to provide service and vessels continue to come to port, although some skipped Ashdod and Haifa over the weekend. Vessels with hazmat are not allowed in the port and they are off loading hazmat containers, prior to arrival in Israel.
Airports are closed for all commercial flights and may remain closed until the end of the week.
Due to the situation, please anticipate delays and extra storage charges, although we will do our best to limit them as much as possible.
Best Regards,
Shmuel Mantinband
VP Sales & Marketing
End of customs strike in Brazil
The Brazilian Supreme Court of Justice has ordered customs authorities to stop the strike / go slow with immediate effect and to back to normal working hours or there will be a daily fine of R$ 500.000 per day.
The court has classified the customs work as essential for the society and the State integrity and continuity.
FINK expect customs to return to normal work today (9th June 2025).
The Moving Company Partners with Save the Kiwi
The Moving Company in New Zealand has announced its sponsorship of Save the Kiwi, a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting New Zealand’s most iconic native bird. As a sponsor, the company is helping to ensure the survival of the kiwi for generations to come. Save the Kiwi is the only national charity dedicated solely to protecting New Zealand’s beloved kiwi. Their mission is simple but powerful: to grow kiwi populations and return them to safe places in the wild, where they can live and thrive without the threat of predators.
Through the development of predator-free habitats, partnership with iwi (the indigenous Māori society), and a network of passionate volunteers, Save the Kiwi has helped give thousands of kiwis a fighting chance. There are currently fewer than 70,000 kiwis left in the wild and their numbers declining. A spokesperson for The Moving Company said that the company is proud to sponsor Save the Kiwi. “As a New Zealand-owned and operated business with a strong connection to our heritage, we’re passionate about supporting initiatives that make a real impact. Our sponsorship directly supports kiwi conservation projects and contributes to long-term goals of increasing kiwi numbers and returning them to the wild. We’re excited to be taking part in meaningful, future-focused work that aligns with our company values and our connection to New Zealand.”
The Moving Company has its own kiwi (called MC), aligned with its sponsorship, seen hatching in the photo. The company will track the growth of MC through to its release into a predator free sanctuary for kiwis.
Photo: MC hatching
New environmental certification for New Zealand Van Lines
New Zealand Van Lines has announced that it has achieved Toitū carbon reduce certification — a first for the New Zealand moving industry. The company said that the achievement reflected its long-term commitment to sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building a more responsible future for the moving and storage industry. “This certification reinforces our leadership and demonstrates to our customers and partners that we are serious about the role we play in addressing climate change,” said Karlene van Zyl, the company’s Marketing Manager. Toitū Envirocare is New Zealand’s leading environmental certification provider, trusted by businesses committed to meaningful climate action. Their carbon reduce programme, based on ISO 14064-1 — the international standard for greenhouse gas emissions measurement and reduction — provides a science-backed framework to monitor and lower climate impact. “With Toitū’s independent verification, our customers can be confident that our sustainability efforts are real, measurable, and aligned with global best practices,” said Karlene.
Achieving certification required a detailed audit of the NZVL operations — including fleet fuel consumption, electricity use, logistics, and waste management systems. Establishing this baseline allowed the company to set clear, long-term emission reduction goals. These have included: upgrading to energy-efficient systems and technologies; reducing fuel use; optimising logistics to minimise unnecessary emissions; and personnel training in sustainable practices.
In the future the company also intends to: expand the use of electric vehicles; make smarter use of energy; and improve waste reduction and recycling systems.
Customs strike in Brazil
OMNI member FINK Mobility in Brazil has advised of a strike by customs inspectors in the country. Customs inspectors have been on ‘go slow’ since 26 November but have now announced a full strike. This is likely to affect import and export procedures for some time.
Members are advised to contact their local agent regarding movements to or from the country and for the latest updates.