web site Singapore arrests tanker masters POLICE in Singapore have arrested the masters of the oil tankers, Evoikos and Orapin Global, which collided off the coast of Singapore last Wednesday causing the country's worst ever oil spill. PGS acquiring Awilco floating production side NORWEGIAN seismic survey group Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) is to acquire the floating production business of Awilco, in a $860m transaction. Slower growth for Philippines lines THE domestic shipping industry of the Philippines will experience slower growth this year due to poor economic conditions, according to the president of the country's largest dom-estic shipping line. Maryland 'broke law' with Maersk rates THE US Federal Maritime Commission has ruled that the Maryland Port Administration violated the 1984 US Shipping Act by granting preferential rates and facilities to Maersk Line which were unavailable to Ceres Marine, the terminal, stevedoring and barge operator. Miami must prepare for mega-cargoships THE Port of Miami needs a major upgrade if it is to handle next-generation 6,000 teu containerships and so remain competitive in the next century, a Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce task force study has found. 'Bel Best' call heralds start of LAXT operation DESPITE a running two-year skirmish with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and continuing protests from environmentalists, the Los Angeles Export Terminal has swung into operation, loading its first ship with 62,700 tonnes of coal destined for Japan. Fire hits Manila Coast Guard HQ THE headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard at the Port of Manila's South Harbour terminal was swept by fire at the weekend. SA shipbrokers earn high praise "WE WILL not get young people into our business without showing them they have a career," said Eric Shawyer, president of the London-based Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. web site Collision: poor visibility, congestion ruled out Both masters of ships involved arrested; MPA still probing cause of accident 'Captain please check your course, check your course' Shipping lines assess exposure to US threat Aussie govt, maritime union to discuss reforms APL's logistics division sets up joint venture in Brazil Asia-Pac airlines expand fleets to record high 2,128 aircraft in service in 2nd qtr but total plane orders have dipped: report Ford seeks 10% of Asia-Pacific sales by 2005, up from 1% now Mercedes to challenge Rolls-Royce Proposal to build underwater UK-Ireland rail tunnel American Airlines and Asiana Airlines form alliance BAe confident of group bid to buy Siemens' electronics unit Finnair and BA in talks to form alliance US may bar Russian carrier from landing Two Chinas vie for influence As the US withdraws, Taiwan's presence has brought money to Panama, but also political pressure from China web site DSR-Senator sera de retour à Anvers en 98 avec ses partenaires de l'alliance France: risques de barrages routiers en cas d'échec des négociations salariales Etats-Unis/Japon: pré-accord sur le dossier portuaire B-Cargo et De Wael construisent un centre de ferroutage à Malines DSR-Senator keert in 1998 met alliantiepartners terug naar Antwerpen Franse chauffeurs dreigen met blokkades bij falen loonoverleg VS en Japan bereiken voorakkoord over havendossier B-Cargo en De Wael bouwen spoor/wegoverslagcomplex in Mechelen web site OCTOBER 20, 1997 MarAd approves APL transfer MARAD has approved a ship management transfer for American President Lines. Cemar sets up new French feeder service THE French port of La Rochelle/La Pallice is to launch its own weekly feeder service to and from Le Havre and Rotterdam. Owners take stake in Thai venture THE Thai Shipowners' Association has agreed to take part in a joint venture to operate the country's first National Merchant Fleet by accepting a 25 per cent stake in the fleet. UK supply vessel scheme for tax-efficient funding AN enterprise investment scheme (EIS) is to be set up in the UK to attract tax-efficient funding to order a platform supply vessel for charter to rig and platform operators. Frontline considers options after ICB-Astro merger FRONTLINE is considering its position after ICB's egm on October 17 approved the merger with Astro Tankers. Saferoute opens Baltic/CIS link SAFEROUTE, the non vessel operating division of SCL (Safmarine and CMBT Lines,) has expanded its global network to include the Baltic and CIS regions. North of England Club reports strong performance NORTH of England Club has reported a 13 per cent increase in entered tonnage and 35 per cent uplift in its free reserves. Drifting reefer taken under tow UK COASTGUARD tug Portosalvo took the drifting reefer vessel Bolivar under tow at 09.30 local time today and is heading for west coast Scotland at seven knots. Indian registry and BV in co-operation deal INDIAN Register of Shipping and Bureau Veritas have entered into a comprehensive co-operation agreement. Severe weather closes Mexican oil ports TWO of Mexico's main crude oil loading ports on the Gulf coast were closed last week due to severe weather. Halter to reactivate Florida shipyard HALTER Marine Group has announced it will reactivate the former Eastern Marine Shipyard located near Panama City, Florida. PSA Corp keen on Tuticorin development PSA Corp (formerly Port of Singapore Authority) is keen to participate in the development of Tuticorin port including construction of an outer harbour. Australian minister and MUA get down to talks AUSTRALIA'S new minister for maritime reform has received rare praise from the Maritime Union of Australia as both parties prepare to negotiate productivity improvements. Standard Club adopts firm stand on ISM THE Standard P&I Club is taking a firm stand over compliance with the ISM Code. ICB shareholders approve Astro deal AN extraordinary shareholders meeting of ICB Shipping, the Stockholm-based tanker group, has approved the board's proposal to merge with Astro Tankers. web site US-Japan feud still not quite resolved Conrail deal bull's-eyed Turkish Air, Boeing sign leasing deal Parise begins serving jail term Golden Compass Award to be presented to John Bowers, ILA president, in April 'Ghost Ship' at last sets sail for Central America Maryland pricing is ruled unfair House preparing to vote on Amtrak reform bill Defiant Carey attacks GOP, greed of big US corporations Taiwan-owned yard casts net for buyer with deep pockets 'Black Monday' ghost haunted JofC index Kvaerner to take over mothballed Philadelphia yard 2 captains are arrested over collision, oil spill Port association joins agricultural interests in challenging methyl bromide ban Advocates of national coastwise cruising bill will be on board at Senate hearing today web site OCTOBER 20, 1997 Italian government seeks alliance with Air France Plan for tunnel between UK and Ireland Transit firm refuses to accept labor pool rescue PTT post registers on NY Stock Exchange Undercover police in action against road piracy