web site Dry bulk market expected to weaken in short term El Nino, economic crisis and haze will have negative effect: Fearnresearch Ship calls, cargo handled at Hongkong up in 2nd qtr Manila to cut red tape, introduce reforms to make domestic shipping safer Australia to try to refloat NOL ship French economy under threat as truckers strike European neighbours view indefinite strike for higher wages with concern Saudis hard put to pay for US$7.5b aircraft order Delays in Boeing plane delivery may stretch into 1999 BMW, Al Fayed eyeing Rolls-Royce US Airways pilots vote for labour pact Home truths on Japan ports Its dockworkers are part of a global movement defending work conditions, says Jack Heyman web site Battle to break French siege SPANISH ports geared up for a sharp increase in business with the UK yesterday as shippers cast around for methods of by-passing the French haulage strike. Consortium lobbies to build new UK flagship THE prospect of building a new cruiseship to replace the Queen Elizabeth 2 as Britain's national flagship has been raised by a consortium which wanted to build a new royal yacht before that project was abandoned by the British government. Australia port targets deadlock LAST Thursday's talks on waterfront issues between the federal government and the Maritime Union of Australia went well enough for both sides to issue a joint communique. Safety now at top of agenda IN the absence of any move on productivity, the Australian government has begun pushing safety as a key problem. Mosvold shares move to fund fleet expansion NORWEGIAN shipowning group Mosvold Shipping is set to expand its fleet of mid to late 1970s-built large crude carriers which it plans to finance through a private placement of shares which has raised $13m. Early decision expected on Bengal Port A FINAL decision on the proposed Bengal Port is to be taken by early January, following the submission of a report on the Hooghly river hydrographic model by the Pune-based Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). MTL axes 375 jobs in cutbacks move HONG Kong terminal operator Modern Terminals Ltd (MTL) has fired some 375 employees in a retrenchment exercise. Unicorn revamps coastal runs DURBAN-based shipping line Unicorn has integrated its South African coastal and its Mozambique services with a new vessel and port call configuration, writes Nicci Botha. web site NOVEMBER 3, 1997 NSCSA orders box ships from Samsung THE National Shipping Co of Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries of South Korea for the purchase of three 4,400 teu vessels. Trasmediterránea obtains World Trade Center share SPANISH ferry company Trasmediterránea has struck a preliminary agreement to acquire a share of Barcelona's World Trade Center. ATI re-thinks Subic Bay terminal deal HIGH interest rates following Asia's financial crisis have prompted Manila-based Asian Terminals Inc (ATI) to express reservations about the Subic Bay container terminal project. MOL profits upturn forecast MITSUI OSK Lines is expected to post a parent company profit of about six billion yen (US$50m) for the six months ended September 30, up 56 per cent from the same period last year. Frontline has 79.7 per cent of LOFs FRONTLINE holds 79.74 per cent of the shares in London & Overseas Freighters (LOF) after the close of a recommended bid. Cenargo interested in the UK/Channel Islands route UK shipping group Cenargo has confirmed that it is currently investigating a proposal to re-introduce a conventional passenger car ferry onto the UK/Channel Islands route. Swan Reefer acquires Chacabuco SWAN Reefer, the Norwegian reefer shipping company which went public last summer, has acquired the 677,000 cu ft reefer Chacabuco for $22.75m. Mosvold Shipping raises $13m through shares MOSVOLD Shipping, a Norwegian company which owns four turbine-driven vlccs, has raised Nkr 92.3m ($13m) through a placement of 7.1m shares at a price of Nkr 13 each. Singamas to take stake in China container maker HONG Kong-based container manufacturer Singamas Container Holdings is to pay $3.52m for a 40 per cent stake in a China-based container maker. Australian waterfront disputes down NEW Australian government figures show a significant reduction in industrial disputes in Australia's stevedoring industry. Calcutta channel opened THE 15-km long, 1,000 foot wide Bedford channel, 150 km from Calcutta has been opened to shipping. Ennore port at vanguard for corporatisation THE new port under construction at Ennore near Chennai is likely to be the first South Indian port to be corporatised. World's largest container terminal for LA PORT of Los Angeles has announced it will build the world's largest container terminal on its Pier 400 development. Avondale posts increased third quarter earnings AVONDALE Industries of New Orleans has reported a 23 per cent increase in profits for the third quarter. Geogas sells lpg vessel GEOGAS, the Geneva-based but French controlled lpg operator, is reported to have sold the 1982-built, 6,000 m3 Jean Alleaume. French truckers blockade ports and borders FRENCH truck drivers are blockading French ports and border crossings following stalemate in pay talks between employers and the truckers' union. Canada talks tough on ISM CANADA will take a tough stance on enforcing the ISM Code next July. web site Ahlers développe sa présence "logistique" en Baltique et dans la CEI Les routiers français montent des barrages ciblés Polaris Shipping change de cap web site Singapore services unaffected by dollar's dive Malaysia to foster trend of growth Bidding finished for new port Chinese port upgrades docks Lep head office set for closure Dress is success for Ningbo export Philippines' cargo has real pulling power China-US air service grows Turnaround for JAL's fortunes Nosedive for ANA profits web site Port of Olympia moves China plant Maritrans wins court ruling in OPA suit Rail group to control DOT transport center Trucking firm’s hauling scheme gives crabs ride of their lives Yang Ming sets December to open LA terminal gate web site Amtrak strike averted, but hurdles remain CAL aims for 3rd weekly flight Firm plans to build box terminal outside Rio de Janeiro port China Ocean Shipping Co. will streamline operations Jones Act: Scuttled debate sparks bickering Hvide buys two firms Tropical chief broaches flag issues with Clinton Amerijet to serve Central America Collision keeps portion of Calcasieu River closed Firm, ex-executive fined, sentenced in river dumping case Port of Vancouver has best-ever Alaskan cruise season this year AA cargo chief has more on his plate than just bacon and eggs JofC stock index declines for the week France once again stings EU transport plan APL fears proposed merger will hurt intermodal competition web site NOVEMBER 3, 1997 Already over 100 blockades in France French truckers promise 'a harsh campaign' Police only intervene haphazardly Shippers fall back on rail and air freight Hauliers try to recover damages