web site Norwegian in fleet boost plan REJUVENATED Norwegian Cruise Line yesterday disclosed plans, potentially worth over $1bn, to expand its fleet by 50% from 10 to 15 ships and re-emerge as a major player in the cruise industry. Egypt officials 'abducted' after ship arrest row A DIPLOMATIC row is brewing between Egypt and Turkey after nine Egyptian officials were trapped on board a Turkish flag combination carrier sailing for Istanbul. CSX earnings cut as low rates impact Sea-Land STUNG by unfavourable rate pressures affecting its container shipping subsidiary Sea-Land Service, giant US intermodal firm CSX Corporation has suffered a 7.2% overall decline in third-quarter earnings, which fell to $206m ($0.95 per share), against $222m ($1.04 per share) in the 1996 quarter. Fire-fighting helicopters AN Antonov heavy transport aircraft chartered by the Japanese government is loaded with fire-fighting helicopters at Narita airport east of Tokyo. The helicopters, of the Tokyo Fire Defence Agency, have been sent to help extinguish fires on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are equipped with infra-red cameras to pinpoint the extent of a blaze through haze and back up firefighters on the ground. Outcry over new STCW release policy A NEW ruling requiring Filipino seamen to apply personally for the renewal of their STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) endorsement certificates is creating problems for the local manning industry. Five missing from 'Vanessa' FIVE crew members from the refrigerated cargo vessel Vanessa were missing yesterday after she sank in heavy seas about 450 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, writes Sandra Speares. Port of Spain goes on marketing trail PORT of Spain port has embarked on an international marketing programme in an effort to establish itself as the key Caribbean transhipment gateway between North/South America and Europe. United Arab Shipping set to increase sailings UNITED Arab Shipping is hoping to increase the number of sailings from northern Europe to the Arabian Gulf next year. web site OCTOBER 24, 1997 Helsingborg to have direct US service link THE Swedish port of Helsingborg is to receive a direct call on a trans-Atlantic container service next month. Salved ship to be auctioned SALVORS of the Western Ruby, a Honduras flag vessel operated by HK Baoxin Shipping, are to sell the vessel at auction. Shanghai to restructure its operations SHANGHAI is planning to restructure its port operations in anticipation of its role as an international hub port. Shahi Shipping to raise funds for expansion MUMBAI-based coastal operator Shahi Shipping proposes to offer about 20 per cent of its equity to financial institutions to fund its acquisition programme. Malta profits boosted by cruise calls MALTA Maritime Authority has posted a profit for 1996-97 of 'm2.14m ($5.46m), almost 'm500,000 more than forecast. Rostock Atlantic to sail in mid-November ROSTOCK Atlantic Line, the new container line to be set up in Rostock, is to start sailings on the north Europe-North Atlantic route on November 14. Filipino unions slam crew blacklisting FILIPINO unions have described the practice of blacklisting seafarers by manning agencies as an affront to basic human and trade union rights. Ten of Vanessa's crew picked up (Update 2) CANADIAN radio reports this morning have spoken of ten of the 15 crew members of the Vanessa picked up. Hope dwindling for missing crew (Update) HOPE is dwindling for the five missing crew members of the reefer ship Vanessa, which sank yesterday 800 km off the Newfoundland coast. Australian shipowners warn government FRUSTRATED Australian ship owners and shippers have warned the Australian government it will lose the industry unless it formulates a national shipping policy immediately. 'Put house in order' Reith tells industry AUSTRALIA'S shipping industry is "dead in the water" unless it lifts its game quickly, according to the nation's maritime reform minister. Disney delays maiden voyage of first ship CONSTRUCTION delays at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard at Marghera have caused Disney Cruise Line to reschedule the maiden voyage of its first ship. EL Niño hits Panamanian banana exports EFFECTS of the El Niño weather phenomenon have caused a nine per cent drop in Panama's banana exports compared with January-September figures last year. SCI orders bulkers at Hindustan SHIPPING Corp of India has signed contracts with the state-owned Hindustan shipyard to build two 42,750 dwt handymax bulk carriers. India urged to replace tax breaks INDIA'S surface transport ministry has urged the finance minister to restore full income tax exemption to shipping. One dead, five missing as reefer sinks REPORTS are coming in of the sinking of the small Bahamian-registered reefer ship about 800 km from Newfoundland. web site OOCL plans to develop China container depot Connie winners named U.S. railroad freight traffic down slightly for the week Evergreen moves service to southern Italian port Small businesses chasing export business web site Miami airport joins Latin route push Amtrak strike looming large again Singapore port agency challenges tanker group's account of crash New Swiss airline banks on Geneva Five firms bid to privatize New York's Stewart Airport Asia may build more trade with NY-NJ port Breaux: Japan deal must include fine payments, FMC role Vancouver's already-busy Deltaport terminal is getting busier as the Global Alliance switches over Video map to get truckers out of jams Call of the sea? Entrepreneur in Russia vows to build a port Morass of restrictive red tape means rough sailing for US-flag fleet web site OCTOBER 24, 1997 DHL by boat and cycle in Amsterdam Swedish and Danish railways in collaboration move Italian and Swiss railways in joint venture Austrian Airlines gets robbery file Standards for bigger swap bodies Transport problems in Austria