BRIEFS

web site

Shipping News

MPA to restrict use of line-towed barges
From June 1, 2000, their use is prohibited in western sector of port at night
Leader of Asian piracy syndicate not a S'porean
S'pore ship detained in Sydney
M'sia will not impose fee on users of Malacca Straits

Air and Land Transport

Swissair ordered to check wiring on MD-11 fleet
US aviation agency wants inspection of aircraft to be completed by mid-April
Ansett to code-share with ANA, lease jets from SIA
Air Canada turns in 4th-qtr loss
Aeroflot chief revamps management
GM disappointed by Jan sales

Features

Asia urged to combine forces
Region has the will but needs a more concerted approach if it wants to win the fight against piracy

Columns

Shortfall in fuel does not entitle charterer to cancel charterparty

web site

Shipping News

MPA to restrict use of line-towed barges
From June 1, 2000, their use is prohibited in western sector of port at night
Leader of Asian piracy syndicate not a S'porean
S'pore ship detained in Sydney
M'sia will not impose fee on users of Malacca Straits

Air and Land Transport

Swissair ordered to check wiring on MD-11 fleet
US aviation agency wants inspection of aircraft to be completed by mid-April
Ansett to code-share with ANA, lease jets from SIA
Air Canada turns in 4th-qtr loss
Aeroflot chief revamps management
GM disappointed by Jan sales

Features

Asia urged to combine forces
Region has the will but needs a more concerted approach if it wants to win the fight against piracy

Columns

Shortfall in fuel does not entitle charterer to cancel charterparty

web site

Shipping News

MPA to restrict use of line-towed barges
From June 1, 2000, their use is prohibited in western sector of port at night
Leader of Asian piracy syndicate not a S'porean
S'pore ship detained in Sydney
M'sia will not impose fee on users of Malacca Straits

Air and Land Transport

Swissair ordered to check wiring on MD-11 fleet
US aviation agency wants inspection of aircraft to be completed by mid-April
Ansett to code-share with ANA, lease jets from SIA
Air Canada turns in 4th-qtr loss
Aeroflot chief revamps management
GM disappointed by Jan sales

Features

Asia urged to combine forces
Region has the will but needs a more concerted approach if it wants to win the fight against piracy

Columns

Shortfall in fuel does not entitle charterer to cancel charterparty

web site

Shipping News

MPA to restrict use of line-towed barges
From June 1, 2000, their use is prohibited in western sector of port at night
Leader of Asian piracy syndicate not a S'porean
S'pore ship detained in Sydney
M'sia will not impose fee on users of Malacca Straits

Air and Land Transport

Swissair ordered to check wiring on MD-11 fleet
US aviation agency wants inspection of aircraft to be completed by mid-April
Ansett to code-share with ANA, lease jets from SIA
Air Canada turns in 4th-qtr loss
Aeroflot chief revamps management
GM disappointed by Jan sales

Features

Asia urged to combine forces
Region has the will but needs a more concerted approach if it wants to win the fight against piracy

Columns

Shortfall in fuel does not entitle charterer to cancel charterparty

	web site

Hutchison becomes world's largest port operator Future bright for Hong Kong Japan top of China's trade list Japan rejects customs revamp Shipping companies look to balanced trade Canada Maritime adds tracking facility to web site HAFFA offers help to members hit by airport opening India despondent over freight rates after poor 1998 results New London-New York flight scheduled for Continental Hellmann open Scottish office

	web site
FEBRUARY 4, 1999
Reorganisation Intercontainer complete Dangers of El Al plane's cargo kept quiet $200 million contract CSC and U.S. Postal Service Brussels starts legal proceedings against Open Skies treaties Paccar earnings surge 21 percent

web site

Home

US looks to ease ban on fruit imports
Jackson offers his own bill on Africa trade
Deregulation approaches; shippers try to find niche
FedEx pilots approve labor agreement
Polish Ocean Line says rumors of Chapter 11 are false
CP Rail looking to sell its Winnipeg welding operation
North Korea can't pay, so China halves crude oil sales
Mercury Air Group continues merger discussions
Frozen Food Express gets $20 million in new contracts
Tank truck hauler MTL Inc. is folding its two main units under a new name
UniCapital forms rail lending group

Transportation

Service performance varies at reporting railroads
STB closes option of filing US tariffs on FMC's system
STB raises filing fees in rail, truck cases
KCS' operating income fell, WC rose 40%
Innovation to be kernel of meeting

Maritime

Stevedores at odds over subsidies in Hamburg, Bremen-Bremerhaven
Russia may need foreign ships if river fleet keeps shrinking
Malaysia's Bintulu adds equipment, studies expansion of LNG facilities
POL refutes bankruptcy rumors
Clarification
Global lines knock China box plan
US port roundup

web site

Home

US looks to ease ban on fruit imports
Jackson offers his own bill on Africa trade
Deregulation approaches; shippers try to find niche
FedEx pilots approve labor agreement
Polish Ocean Line says rumors of Chapter 11 are false
CP Rail looking to sell its Winnipeg welding operation
North Korea can't pay, so China halves crude oil sales
Mercury Air Group continues merger discussions
Frozen Food Express gets $20 million in new contracts
Tank truck hauler MTL Inc. is folding its two main units under a new name
UniCapital forms rail lending group

Transportation

Service performance varies at reporting railroads
STB closes option of filing US tariffs on FMC's system
STB raises filing fees in rail, truck cases
KCS' operating income fell, WC rose 40%
Innovation to be kernel of meeting

Maritime

Stevedores at odds over subsidies in Hamburg, Bremen-Bremerhaven
Russia may need foreign ships if river fleet keeps shrinking
Malaysia's Bintulu adds equipment, studies expansion of LNG facilities
POL refutes bankruptcy rumors
Clarification
Global lines knock China box plan
US port roundup

web site

Home

US looks to ease ban on fruit imports
Jackson offers his own bill on Africa trade
Deregulation approaches; shippers try to find niche
FedEx pilots approve labor agreement
Polish Ocean Line says rumors of Chapter 11 are false
CP Rail looking to sell its Winnipeg welding operation
North Korea can't pay, so China halves crude oil sales
Mercury Air Group continues merger discussions
Frozen Food Express gets $20 million in new contracts
Tank truck hauler MTL Inc. is folding its two main units under a new name
UniCapital forms rail lending group

Transportation

Service performance varies at reporting railroads
STB closes option of filing US tariffs on FMC's system
STB raises filing fees in rail, truck cases
KCS' operating income fell, WC rose 40%
Innovation to be kernel of meeting

Maritime

Stevedores at odds over subsidies in Hamburg, Bremen-Bremerhaven
Russia may need foreign ships if river fleet keeps shrinking
Malaysia's Bintulu adds equipment, studies expansion of LNG facilities
POL refutes bankruptcy rumors
Clarification
Global lines knock China box plan
US port roundup

	web site

MSC Set to Revamp Asia/Australia Service UP to Revise Free Time Provision Air Exports from Japan for 1998 Dip 3.2% EU Watchdog Opens Probe into KLM/Martinair Deal Air Canada Suffers Net Loss of C$16 Million

	web site

El transporte aumenta las emisiones de CO2 en la Unión Europea La compra de AOM hace fuerte a SAirGroup en Francia TNT ampl'a con SATA su presencia en Portugal Monitores cardíacos en los aviones de British Airways Iberia firma un acuerdo con la aerolínea polaca LOT "La auditoría logística" Subaru comercializa en España el "outback" Goodyear firma una alianza con Sumimoto

	web site

Zim upgrades India-Europe direct service IMC seminar on National Road Transport policy P&O Nedlloyd given ISO 9002 certification Farm export policy draft stalled Panalpina World Transport (I) to expand operations in South India Electronics units seek zero import duty on IT Thirteen companies allowed to issue bonds to fund core projects Plastic scrap import ban lifted Pune-Gulf cargo flights from February 7 IETF '99 major expo for S Korea Road, rail transport accords with France KVSS draws 734 applications Ennore may be declared as Major Port Naphtha prices lowered IFC resumes lending to private firms in India with $ 35 million loan Cotton import duty ruled out TN to improve three arterial roads Garment exports up 4 per cent Plan paper feels user agencies should fund new port facilities China a major market waiting to be tapped Excise panel for 3-tier duty structure

	web site
FEBRUARY 4, 1999
Lithuania can get all the oil they need oil if they pay more, says LUKoil South Africa: Business as usual from mid-February

	web site

L'armatore Navarma-Moby lines chiede l'intervento Ue Onorato all'attacco di Tirrenia: «Ha un regime fiscale distorsivo» Nei due scali pugliesi un 1998 positivo anche per i passeggeri Per Bari e Brindisi traffico merci in crescita E Moby acquista due ferry Dal porto di Salerno no all'accorpamento con l'Autorità di Napoli

	web site

Bank wins $20m in damages after fraud by shipowners BERLINER Bank has won more than $20m in damages from five London Greek shipowners after a seven-week fraud trial in the High Court. Clarkson's exclusive link with Sasebo Leading shipbroker H. Clarkson is taking on the international marketing of Japan's Sasebo Heavy Industries on an exclusive basis, it was disclosed last night. Cammell Laird is still hungry Cammell Laird's hunger for acquisitions shows no signs of abating as profits for the UK's largest shiprepair and conversion group continue to power ahead. Freight mover shines in gloom AN economic downturn in the second half of 1998 failed to dampen UK-based parcels and logistics operator Nightfreight, which saw full year profits rise 16% to '3.5m ($5.7m). Ferry licence system in firing line Greece's methods of awarding domestic ferry operating licences looks certain to come under renewed fire in the coming days after two rival companies have signalled they intend to compete for the chance to establish a toehold in the trade between Piraeus and the Dodecanese islands. Pressure on boxship charter rates set to ease in second half A DOWNWARD trend in containership charter hire, caused by oversupply, could experience some relief during the second half of this year. Seven bid for Argentina port plan Seven international consortia have prequalified for the construction of the controversial megaport of Buenos Aires, which has a notional price tag of $450m. Festival Cruises' new ship Mistral THIS is Festival Cruises' new ship Mistral which has just been floated out from dry dock to go into her final stage of construction, writes David Mott.

	web site
FEBRUARY 4, 1999
IMB reveals pirate mastermind THE International Maritime Bureau has released details of the arrest of the mastermind in an international pirate syndicate. Casjens denies Hapag liner division sale GUNTHER Casjens, head of Hapag Lloyd's liner shipping division said today that the division would not be sold despite Preussag's focus on tourism. Berliner Bank wins fraud case BERLINER Bank has won its High Court action against several shipowners, following a sophisticated shipping fraud involving five Romanian newbuildings in the early 1990s. ICB in bareboat deal as profit slides ICB SHIPPING has sold a 158,000 dwt suezmax tanker to undisclosed buyers under a bareboat charter back deal. Safmarine sale fears hit shares SAFREN shares tumbled on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange yesterday for the second day running amid fears over its planned sale of Safmarine. New Jersey fights to keep Sea-Land terminal NEW Jersey's governor has asked officials to study further cost reductions to persuade Sea-Land and Mærsk to build a new terminal in New York and New Jersey. Malta Freeport strike ends MALTA'S second largest trade union yesterday agreed to end a two-day strike at the Freeport. US LNG owner seeks to re-flag in Marshalls WILMINGTON Trust Co has asked the Maritime Administration for permission to transfer two US-flag lng ships to the Marshall Islands registry. India blocks lng venture INDIA'S Surface Transport Ministry has demanded a higher stake for the Shipping Corporation of India in an lng joint venture with Mitsui OSK Lines and Enron Corporation. transport. Steel war hots up THE WTO has agreed to investigate US anti-dumping laws amid a wave of US steelmakers seeking bankruptcy protection. Australian stevedores given deadline STEVEDORES in Australia have been given a 90-day deadline by the transport minister to complete redundancy deals or face losing government funding. Pan United to sell stake in Chinese firm SINGAPORE shipyard-company Pan United Corp has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Xinlong Cast Iron is to sell its stake in a Chinese pipe company. Incat under fire AUSTRALIAN fast-ferry manufacturer Incat has hit a wave of political turbulence over links with the government in its home state of Tasmania. ISF backs Syndarma over smoke-screen allegations SPECULATION that Syndarma has been interfering with attempts to resolve the 'Visa No 5' controversy have been refuted by the International Shipping Federation (ISF). Indian ports press for more power CHAIRMEN of India's eleven major ports have pressed for more power, demanding the freedom to fix tariffs for both cargo and port related charges. Storm warning for UK waters SEAFARERS working in UK waters can expect the remainder of the winter to be unusually stormy, according to climate physicist Mark Saunders. Pequot wins fast ferry order PEQUOT River Shipworks in Connecticut, owned by the Pequot Indian tribe, is to build a fast ferry for Bahamas Fast Ferries Service of Nassau.

	web site

Le Rhin d'Acier pourrait être opérationnel en six mois Le bruit des avions qui atterrissent à Maastricht, un ballast impeccable, des rails rouillés, bien sûr... Puis, sur une centaine de mètres à peine, à la frontière entre les Pays-Bas et l'Allemagne, l'assiette du Rhin d'Acier est quelque peu envahie par les herbes. Ensuite, du côté allemand, de nouveau un ballast impeccable. De l'avis de tous les experts, pour une ligne soi-disant désaffectée depuis 1991, le Rhin d'Acier se porte bien et peut théoriquement être rouvert immédiatement pour une exploitation réduite. Il serait toutefois souhaitable de rembourrer ci et là le ballast et surtout d'adapter la signalisation. L'affaire de quelques mois... Telle est la principale conclusion qu'on peut tirer d'une très intéressante visite in situ, à l'initiative de la Commission Infrastructures de la Chambre et de son président André Schellens, à laquelle avait été invité le ministre fédéral des Transports Michel Daerden. Paccar a battu tous ses records en 1998 Le groupe américain Paccar, qui possède les marques DAF et Foden en Europe et Peterbilt et Kenworth aux Etats-Unis, a annoncé des résultats record pour l'année 1998. Il a été aidé en cela par le fait que le marché du camion a atteint un niveau très élevé des deux côtés de l'Atlantique. Dans le passé, les deux marchés étaient anticycliques, mais cela fait six ans qu'ils sont tous deux en hausse. Pour 1999, Paccar s'attend à une baisse modérée, tant en Europe qu'en Amérique du Nord. CMA développe un troisième grand service EastMed/Japon/Chine L'armement CMA continue à lancer de nouvelles initiatives. Il vient en effet de démarrer l'exploitation d'un troisième grand service intéressant l'Est méditerranéen, le Japon et la Chine, auquel il a affecté neuf porte-containers de 1.750 à 1.800 TEU.

	web site

SCT starts reefer van ops Melbourne-based transport group Specialized Container Transport has made moves to shore up its revenue base, with the start-up last week of its first refrigerated van operation on the east-west rail corridor. The refrigerated van service, which is initially running once a week as part of SCT's thrice-weekly train between Melbourne and Perth, is unique to Australia and represents the company's first move into refrigerated rail operations. The company said it hoped to grab a share of the interstate transport of perishable products through the introduction of the purpose-built and temperature-controlled rail vans. It claims to already have a 30 per cent share of the dry freight market on the corridor. NR sale 'on track' despite delays The federal government has indicated that National Rail could still be sold by the end of this year, despite the apparent stalling of the protracted privatisation process as a result of the looming NSW state election. The government's Office of Asset Sales, which is acting on behalf of all three NR shareholders, is understood to have delayed the appointment of advisers for the NR divestment until after the NSW election on 27 March. A spokesman for the OAS conceded yesterday that the looming NSW election could hold up the long-awaited NR privatisation process, but said the sale could still be finalised by the end of the year. Patrick cleared to sue MUA The Australian Industrial Relations Commission yesterday issued stevedore Patrick with a certificate allowing it to proceed against the Maritime Union of Australia in the civil courts. The certificate was granted in terms of section 166A of the Workplace Relations Act after union members failed to start work on the bulk carrier Kapitan Betkhar at Newcastle's Eastern Basin Distribution Centre. On Wednesday, Commissioner Wilks issued orders under section 127 of the Act, ordering officers and members of the union to start work on the vessel which is caught up in the dispute over whether members of the Transport Workers Union have the right to work on the wharf. Cairncross awaits 'market interest' In line with expectations, Monday's meeting of Keppel Cairncross Shipyard Limited's creditors decided to retain the voluntary administrators appointed by the company's board and to form a creditors' committee to simplify the liaison process with the administrators on the future of the Brisbane ship repair yard. The board's decision to appoint Rick Dennis and Angus Blackwood of professional services firm, Ernst & Young, as voluntary administrators came after chairman Loh Wing Siew said there was little prospect of improvement in the company's recent ability to attract additional business. Japan trade THCs on the way The substantial reduction of freight rates in the Australia to Japan trade over the past 12 months has forced the Australia Northbound Shipping Conference to impose terminal handling charges in Japan. The rates are believed to have fallen by as much as 20 per cent. An industry source confirmed the drop in rates and said lines were no longer in a position to absorb rising terminal handling costs at a time of falling freight rates. The Australia Northbound Shipping Conference discussed the imposition of the charges with the Australian Peak Shippers Association as required by the relevant legislation, the Trade Practices Act. The APSA opposed the move. APSA executive director Frank Beaufort told DCN yesterday that as far he was concerned the conference did not provide convincing arguments to justify its move. However, he admitted that rates have fallen.

web site

Tabletalk

"Agents have to conquer new fields of activity" Fonasba president Edouard de Clebsattel expresses his view on the future role and possibilities of shipping agents.

Maritime

TMM and CP Ships establish Americana Ships. TMM and CP Ships have now finalised their new container shipping partnership which they announced three months ago.
Lykes Lines upgrades its trans-Atlantic service.
Israeli carrier Zim now offers a second Pacific service.
Hapag-Lloyd again reports higher turnover and profit.
The role of the World Trade Organisation WTO is changing.
SCL acquires Roadwing from the Rennies group.

Ports and Terminals

The Rotterdam Municipal Port Management is dealing with the millennium problem.
Malta Freeport inaugurates Terminal Two and is on course for another record in 1999.
Advanced Strategies for Port & Terminal Management will be held in Kent in March.
Klaipeda opens a new terminal.
Long Beach is planning a new container terminal.

Forwarding

FedEx and Caliber join forces in European countries.
Stinnes wants to buy the remaining BTL shares.
CNF reported a record result for financial 1998.

Aviation

Arrow Line expands its schedule.
Air Canada introduces flights to Sky Harbor, the airport of Phoenix AZ.
Martinair now flies to Shannon/Ireland.
Northwest Airlines will soon open a route to Oslo/Norway.
BAX Global slithers into the loss zone.
Eagle USA has reported a satisfactory financial year.
Lufthansa: strong basis for a leap forward. Showing good transport figures, the Lufthansa group aims for stable long-term results through diversification.
Swisscargo's X-Presso is developing strongly.
New customers for Mercury.

web site

Tabletalk

"Agents have to conquer new fields of activity" Fonasba president Edouard de Clebsattel expresses his view on the future role and possibilities of shipping agents.

Maritime

TMM and CP Ships establish Americana Ships. TMM and CP Ships have now finalised their new container shipping partnership which they announced three months ago.
Lykes Lines upgrades its trans-Atlantic service.
Israeli carrier Zim now offers a second Pacific service.
Hapag-Lloyd again reports higher turnover and profit.
The role of the World Trade Organisation WTO is changing.
SCL acquires Roadwing from the Rennies group.

Ports and Terminals

The Rotterdam Municipal Port Management is dealing with the millennium problem.
Malta Freeport inaugurates Terminal Two and is on course for another record in 1999.
Advanced Strategies for Port & Terminal Management will be held in Kent in March.
Klaipeda opens a new terminal.
Long Beach is planning a new container terminal.

Forwarding

FedEx and Caliber join forces in European countries.
Stinnes wants to buy the remaining BTL shares.
CNF reported a record result for financial 1998.

Aviation

Arrow Line expands its schedule.
Air Canada introduces flights to Sky Harbor, the airport of Phoenix AZ.
Martinair now flies to Shannon/Ireland.
Northwest Airlines will soon open a route to Oslo/Norway.
BAX Global slithers into the loss zone.
Eagle USA has reported a satisfactory financial year.
Lufthansa: strong basis for a leap forward. Showing good transport figures, the Lufthansa group aims for stable long-term results through diversification.
Swisscargo's X-Presso is developing strongly.
New customers for Mercury.

web site

Tabletalk

"Agents have to conquer new fields of activity" Fonasba president Edouard de Clebsattel expresses his view on the future role and possibilities of shipping agents.

Maritime

TMM and CP Ships establish Americana Ships. TMM and CP Ships have now finalised their new container shipping partnership which they announced three months ago.
Lykes Lines upgrades its trans-Atlantic service.
Israeli carrier Zim now offers a second Pacific service.
Hapag-Lloyd again reports higher turnover and profit.
The role of the World Trade Organisation WTO is changing.
SCL acquires Roadwing from the Rennies group.

Ports and Terminals

The Rotterdam Municipal Port Management is dealing with the millennium problem.
Malta Freeport inaugurates Terminal Two and is on course for another record in 1999.
Advanced Strategies for Port & Terminal Management will be held in Kent in March.
Klaipeda opens a new terminal.
Long Beach is planning a new container terminal.

Forwarding

FedEx and Caliber join forces in European countries.
Stinnes wants to buy the remaining BTL shares.
CNF reported a record result for financial 1998.

Aviation

Arrow Line expands its schedule.
Air Canada introduces flights to Sky Harbor, the airport of Phoenix AZ.
Martinair now flies to Shannon/Ireland.
Northwest Airlines will soon open a route to Oslo/Norway.
BAX Global slithers into the loss zone.
Eagle USA has reported a satisfactory financial year.
Lufthansa: strong basis for a leap forward. Showing good transport figures, the Lufthansa group aims for stable long-term results through diversification.
Swisscargo's X-Presso is developing strongly.
New customers for Mercury.

web site

Tabletalk

"Agents have to conquer new fields of activity" Fonasba president Edouard de Clebsattel expresses his view on the future role and possibilities of shipping agents.

Maritime

TMM and CP Ships establish Americana Ships. TMM and CP Ships have now finalised their new container shipping partnership which they announced three months ago.
Lykes Lines upgrades its trans-Atlantic service.
Israeli carrier Zim now offers a second Pacific service.
Hapag-Lloyd again reports higher turnover and profit.
The role of the World Trade Organisation WTO is changing.
SCL acquires Roadwing from the Rennies group.

Ports and Terminals

The Rotterdam Municipal Port Management is dealing with the millennium problem.
Malta Freeport inaugurates Terminal Two and is on course for another record in 1999.
Advanced Strategies for Port & Terminal Management will be held in Kent in March.
Klaipeda opens a new terminal.
Long Beach is planning a new container terminal.

Forwarding

FedEx and Caliber join forces in European countries.
Stinnes wants to buy the remaining BTL shares.
CNF reported a record result for financial 1998.

Aviation

Arrow Line expands its schedule.
Air Canada introduces flights to Sky Harbor, the airport of Phoenix AZ.
Martinair now flies to Shannon/Ireland.
Northwest Airlines will soon open a route to Oslo/Norway.
BAX Global slithers into the loss zone.
Eagle USA has reported a satisfactory financial year.
Lufthansa: strong basis for a leap forward. Showing good transport figures, the Lufthansa group aims for stable long-term results through diversification.
Swisscargo's X-Presso is developing strongly.
New customers for Mercury.

web site

Tabletalk

"Agents have to conquer new fields of activity" Fonasba president Edouard de Clebsattel expresses his view on the future role and possibilities of shipping agents.

Maritime

TMM and CP Ships establish Americana Ships. TMM and CP Ships have now finalised their new container shipping partnership which they announced three months ago.
Lykes Lines upgrades its trans-Atlantic service.
Israeli carrier Zim now offers a second Pacific service.
Hapag-Lloyd again reports higher turnover and profit.
The role of the World Trade Organisation WTO is changing.
SCL acquires Roadwing from the Rennies group.

Ports and Terminals

The Rotterdam Municipal Port Management is dealing with the millennium problem.
Malta Freeport inaugurates Terminal Two and is on course for another record in 1999.
Advanced Strategies for Port & Terminal Management will be held in Kent in March.
Klaipeda opens a new terminal.
Long Beach is planning a new container terminal.

Forwarding

FedEx and Caliber join forces in European countries.
Stinnes wants to buy the remaining BTL shares.
CNF reported a record result for financial 1998.

Aviation

Arrow Line expands its schedule.
Air Canada introduces flights to Sky Harbor, the airport of Phoenix AZ.
Martinair now flies to Shannon/Ireland.
Northwest Airlines will soon open a route to Oslo/Norway.
BAX Global slithers into the loss zone.
Eagle USA has reported a satisfactory financial year.
Lufthansa: strong basis for a leap forward. Showing good transport figures, the Lufthansa group aims for stable long-term results through diversification.
Swisscargo's X-Presso is developing strongly.
New customers for Mercury.

	web site

Vardinoyannis' meteoric rise to top THE VARDINOYANNIS FAMILY is well known in shipping for operating an extensive fleet of tankers and products carriers. But the family s influence goes much further, covering oil, banking, property, media interests, hotels, charity work and control of a famous football team. The vast fortune now held by the family has been put together in a relatively short time and its lifestyle today is a world away from its origins in a small village in southern Crete. Ship scam exposed in court Fredriksen will appeal Dry cargo exception Japan sees Chinese red London reshuffle ahead Little fish in a big pond A tough week ahead

	web site

Mike Jenkins was careful to warn his audience at the International Warehouse Logistics Association convention that they might not like everything he had to say. And he wrapped up his speech with a plea not to shoot the messenger. But the members applauded their chief executive officer, even after he pointedly warned that unless warehouse operators adapt to provide value-added services, they'll be passed by. It was a message of "tough love," said one attendee. Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf has ensnared the Federal Highway Administration, its Office of Motor Carriers and at least four OMC officials in an influence-peddling scandal. The Department of Transportation's inspector general confirmed that OMC officials shirked their official responsibilities in favor of buddying up to truckers and improperly lobbying Congress in opposition to Wolf's desire to shift OMC from FHWA to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. OMC Associate Administrator George Reagle and three other OMC officials have been reassigned by FHWA Administrator Kenneth Wykle. At Toyota North America, inventory management is a matter of hours, not days. That's why the automaker that pioneered just-in-time inventory and lean manufacturing systems decided it was time to speed delivery of parts to its dealers. Last year Toyota's Parts Distribution Center in Mansfield, Mass., asked Exel Logistics North America, a Toyota supplier since 1986, to create a solution that would ensure next-day delivery to its 110 dealerships in the Northeast, an achievement that cut standard delivery times in half. ABF Freight System soon will announce a formal partnership in Mexico with MultiPack, an established small parcel carrier unofficially known as the "UPS of Mexico." ABF officials say MultiPack is an excellent fit for this nation's fourth-largest LTL carrier because of its technological reach and commitment to quality. U.S. carriers increasingly are looking toward Mexico to build market share in that fast-growing north-south border traffic. New commercial life is sprouting in the Arctic as mining, oil exploration and tourism unlock the economic potential of this vast region. Maritime trade is a beneficiary as more vessels ply polar waters. The challenge for shipping interests is how to regulate these hostile waters without imposing crippling costs on the companies that operate there. Progress is being made on several fronts. The International Maritime Organization is developing a nonmandatory Polar Code that will set standards for pollution control and safe navigation. A harmonized code for polar-class vessels is also in the works. A sudden jump in rail fatalities, along with complaints by customers trying to get competitive pricing for business, has called the question, who's minding the store at Conrail? The question seems even more important given the fact that the railroad recently announced that its closing date will be June 1, three months later than initially hoped for. It could mean three more months of service and safety issues for Conrail customers. However, Conrail officials insist that the snafus are isolated and that there's no reason to worry. Will Costa Rica be as lucrative a market for the United Parcel Service as its name promises? UPS certainly hopes so. The Atlanta-based carrier is following its customers to what it calls its "last frontier" - Latin America. UPS announced that it would begin offering dedicated round-trip service, five days a week, between Miami and San Jose, Costa Rica. It expects the new dedicated service to significantly improve transit times and provide earlier delivery and later pickup times. The service comes in response to the company's 16 percent growth rate in Latin America last year and is one of a number of steps UPS has taken in the past year to expand its presence in the region. Manugistics, once the undisputed king of the supply-chain software vendors, has taken a serious beating. Its stock price has plummeted, its management is in flux and its competitors - chief among them archrival i2 Technologies - are riding high. Manugistics saw its stock price fall from a high of about $66 last April to a little over $9 last week. Both Legg Mason and BT Alex. Brown downgraded the company late last month after it broke off merger talks, announced plans to cut its work force by 30 percent and launched a search for a new CEO. However, the supply-chain software race isn't over yet, and Manugistics still has some advantages. The Port of Montreal notched its 19th consecutive year in the black in 1998 as increasing container and liquid bulk traffic more than compensated for a fall in grain shipments. Dominic Taddeo, port president and CEO, reported a 1.2 percent increase in traffic over 1997, to 21 million tons of freight, the highest since 1990. The strong performance will enable the port to invest more than C$180 million in the expansion and improvement of its facilities during the next five years.