Chevron reflags Liberian tankers The Liberian ship register has started to lose one of its biggest fleets as a result of the crisis created by the legal battle between Liberia and International Registries Inc (IRI), which has run the register for almost 50 years.
Tyne yard workers slam use of Greek tradesmen Tyneside shipyard workers are angry with their employer for hiring Greek tradesmen to carry out work on a multimillion conversion contract - with managers claiming that their own men are not skilled enough.
Default situation worsens The number of charterers who default, with little or no prospect of ever recovering payment, is on the increase, and could further deteriorate with the present parlous state of the shipping industry, the Swedish Club has warned.
Vonau named to lead Inmarsat unit Poland's permanent representative to the International Maritime Organisation, Jerzy Vonau, has been appointed to head the oversight body of Inmarsat which will oversee its public service obligations after the anticipated privatisation of the intergovernmental communications organisation takes place later this year, writes Michael Grey.
China's new freight rules to be revised International uproar over China's new freight rules is partially due to an error in translation, said a senior Chinese maritime official.
Japanese oil firms begin merger talks A pair of Japanese oil firms are in talks to create the country's largest refinery operations, writes Matt Flynn, North Asia Correspondent.
STCW: When push comes to shove WE are naturally inclined to look upon anniversaries as happy occasions. However, usually they also remind us of things less worthy of celebration.
New era for Atlantic trade set to begin A meeting in London next week could mark the passing of an era.
MUA facing legal landslide Stevedore Patrick was piling the pressure on the Maritime Union of Australia on Friday by taking more action in the Federal Court. Friday's application for penalties and costs was for the union's breach of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission's order, issued under section 127 of the Workplace Relations Act as well as for a breach of the company's enterprise agreement. Last Wednesday, the commission ordered officers and members of the union to start work on the Kapitan Betkhar at Newcastle's Eastern Basin Distribution Centre.
TEL falls to P&O Nedlloyd P&O Nedlloyd on Friday finally verified months of industry rumors after it announced the acquisition of Tasman Express Line. The decision was expected last month and, in fact, a statement issued by the company on Friday said the shareholders of TEL would sell their business "with effect January 1999". Since October there have been regular and confident industry predictions a deal had been done -- strenuously denied by both parties -- but DCN understands final price details were not ironed out until last week.
Holyman in merger talks Holyman Limited on Friday confirmed it is holding talks over a possible merger with another, unidentified Australian-based company. Earlier, trading in Holyman shares was suspended following hectic trading during the morning session on the Australian Stock Exchange, which saw prices in the stock rise from a close of 37 cents on Thursday to 49 cents at 11.30 am on Friday. The suspension came amidst speculation that Holyman may be the subject of a hostile takeover by either P&O Australia or Adsteam Marine, or a combination of both.
Aratere expected to resume After being withdrawn from the Cook Strait run on her first day in service due to a nagging mechanical problem, TranzRail's new 150-metre passenger/freight ferry, Aratere, is expected to re-enter the service early this week. A TranzRail spokesman said the problem, involving the burn-out of a rubber coupling connecting one of the vessel's two power trains to a propeller shaft, had first manifested itself on the Aratere's delivery voyage from Vigo in Spain to Wellington. After being repaired in Panama and successfully crossing the Pacific Ocean to Wellington, an inspection of the coupling raised concerns that the problem might recur.
- Via Raffaele Paolucci 17r/19r - 16129 Genoa - ITALY
phone: +39.010.2462122, fax: +39.010.2516768, e-mail
VAT number: 03532950106
Press Reg.: nr 33/96 Genoa Court
Editor in chief: Bruno Bellio No part may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher
- Via Raffaele Paolucci 17r/19r - 16129 Genoa - ITALY
