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MPA, NTU to set up maritime research centre
[SINGAPORE] The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) formalised their research links yesterday with the creation of a dedicated maritime research and development centre as part of the MPA's 10-year $50 million maritime R&D investment.
Asian Terminals to invest 1.2b pesos in Manila port
Operators told to improve efficiency before raising handling charges

Air and Land Transport

US to review big airline merger plans
[ARLINGTON, Virginia] The US Transportation Department will review aspects of airline merger proposals, according to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who said the new initiative would start with planned deals by American Airlines and United Airlines.
AA pilots lose appeal against strike penalty
Airbus wins US$1b order from Qatar Airways
Smaller airlines halt S African flights while bigger ones increase theirs
TBI to raise stake in Luton airport by 65%

Logistics

FedEx adds Vietnam to AsiaOne network
FEDEX Asia Pacific has added Vietnam to its AsiaOne network. At a press conference on Tuesday in Ho Chi Minh City, David Cunningham, president of FedEx Asia Pacific, announced the official opening of its new Ho Chi Minh facility and a schedule of flights in and out of Vietnam.
Swisscargo books record freight
GAC Philippine unit awarded ISO 9002

web site

Shipping News

MPA, NTU to set up maritime research centre
[SINGAPORE] The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) formalised their research links yesterday with the creation of a dedicated maritime research and development centre as part of the MPA's 10-year $50 million maritime R&D investment.
Asian Terminals to invest 1.2b pesos in Manila port
Operators told to improve efficiency before raising handling charges

Air and Land Transport

US to review big airline merger plans
[ARLINGTON, Virginia] The US Transportation Department will review aspects of airline merger proposals, according to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who said the new initiative would start with planned deals by American Airlines and United Airlines.
AA pilots lose appeal against strike penalty
Airbus wins US$1b order from Qatar Airways
Smaller airlines halt S African flights while bigger ones increase theirs
TBI to raise stake in Luton airport by 65%

Logistics

FedEx adds Vietnam to AsiaOne network
FEDEX Asia Pacific has added Vietnam to its AsiaOne network. At a press conference on Tuesday in Ho Chi Minh City, David Cunningham, president of FedEx Asia Pacific, announced the official opening of its new Ho Chi Minh facility and a schedule of flights in and out of Vietnam.
Swisscargo books record freight
GAC Philippine unit awarded ISO 9002

web site

Shipping News

MPA, NTU to set up maritime research centre
[SINGAPORE] The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) formalised their research links yesterday with the creation of a dedicated maritime research and development centre as part of the MPA's 10-year $50 million maritime R&D investment.
Asian Terminals to invest 1.2b pesos in Manila port
Operators told to improve efficiency before raising handling charges

Air and Land Transport

US to review big airline merger plans
[ARLINGTON, Virginia] The US Transportation Department will review aspects of airline merger proposals, according to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who said the new initiative would start with planned deals by American Airlines and United Airlines.
AA pilots lose appeal against strike penalty
Airbus wins US$1b order from Qatar Airways
Smaller airlines halt S African flights while bigger ones increase theirs
TBI to raise stake in Luton airport by 65%

Logistics

FedEx adds Vietnam to AsiaOne network
FEDEX Asia Pacific has added Vietnam to its AsiaOne network. At a press conference on Tuesday in Ho Chi Minh City, David Cunningham, president of FedEx Asia Pacific, announced the official opening of its new Ho Chi Minh facility and a schedule of flights in and out of Vietnam.
Swisscargo books record freight
GAC Philippine unit awarded ISO 9002

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Earthquake closes Seattle, Tacoma ports Vessel operations at the ports were shut down Wednesday after a strong earthquake struck the area. Sea-Tac International Airport also was closed. Graykowski: Don't ax Marad The former deputy and acting head of the Maritime Administration said Wednesday that the White House should think carefully before it proposes dismantling the agency. ACL profit triples in 2000 The strong U.S. economy helped fuel growth in the westbound North Atlantic trade. Cargo theft group develops prototype for national database The National Cargo Security Council is seeking funding to go live with a program it claims can track losses across all modes of transport. Eastman buys out G-Log's share of ShipChem Hvide will change name to Seabulk International India to impose tax on port services TACA reduces bunker adjustment charge Norwegian firm proposes shipbuilding merger with Kvaerner GoReefers launches online ocean marketplace Americana Ships, Spanish carrier to launch joint Med service Terminal operator Logistec reports record results ECT climbs back into the black despite decline in cargo Evergreen alliance with Lloyd Triestino takes effect MSC announces promotions

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Shippers' Council statement on mid-stream levy New HMM Indonesia service CSX renames Hong Kong and Xiamen branches Record exports for Shenyang Hong Kong reinforces number one container port status Malaysia to stage next TOC Asia National Express Group sells UK Airports holdings Big profit jump for China Cargo FedEx in airlift to Vietnam

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FEBRUARY 28, 2001
Rotterdam throughput slightly less Nike in rough weather European Shippers' Council and Cargo 2000 co-operate ECT improves figures FreightMatrix found e-loop for small packages

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47 m kg yarn exported in January Handicrafts exports up 12 pc in dollar terms More scope for Indo-Israel JVs visualised Futures trading in 2nd grade pepper urged Improved traffic volume elevates Calcutta Port to 4th position MbPT supervisory staff defer strike Rail freight hike makes imported coal cheaper near ports Congested rail routes to attract addl freight charge Passenger-to-freighter Boeing 757 makes its maiden flight Asia's leading, most dynamic air cargo hub DHL opens Argentina terminal Bright spots for Qantas in flat profit report likely TWA pilots support American Airlines deal Air New Zealand's H1 profit set to plunge FedEx Extends Pick-Up And Drop-Off Times Jolt to engineering exports: EEPC Rs 13.48 cr burden on Vizag Steel Tax proposals (2001-02) in a nutshell Sinha takes reforms to fast track - Union Budget 2001-02

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FEBRUARY 28, 2001
Intertanko warns members about short delivery of bunkers Weekly report from Argentina Chile and Ecuador bunker market report Good avails in Panama, resupply expected in St. Eustatius Bunker prices for Irish ports West Africa: Dakar avails still tight South and East African markets this week Competitive levels in Suez Fujairah market steady, resupply expected soon New supplier listing in Argentina New posted prices for Saudi Arabia

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40% of the firms buy online Gotthard tunnel construction delayed and more expensive Switzerland is Europe's best logistician ÖBB with new cargo structure Service Center Altenwerder Airfreight capacity Multiflex Carriers Hamburg Dresden, Riesa and Torgau Deutsche Post Swedish TT ferry line is satisfied

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FEBRUARY 28, 2001
More rig headaches for FGH Friede Goldman Halter, Inc. says that previously announced cost overruns and delays related to two offshore rig projects for Ocean Rig ASA and two for Petrodrill have "continued to create operational problems and financial losses for the company." Unions seek OECD action against Trico Marine Offshore Mariners United (OMU) -- a coalition of US maritime unions -- and the ITF (International Transportation Workers Federation) have asked the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) to investigate what the OMU describes as "Trico Marine Services, Inc.'s violations of the OECD's Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises." Major contract for Drew Marine Carnival Cruise Lines and Ashland Specialty Chemical Company's Drew Marine Division have signed a two-year chemical supply contract. Hvide slashes losses, changes name Get used to the name Seabulk International, Inc. From March 19 , that will be the new name of what's now Hvide Marine Inc. Aker Maritime unveils its proposals for Kværner Aker Maritime today gave details of its proposals for development of the Kværner Group. Aker Maritime is Kværner's largest shareholder, with a 17.8 per cent holding.

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Govan moves in as Green leaves Industry questions SAA's cargo outlook Concessions will reduce Spoornet operating costs Manuel commits to infrastructure development Duty calls ALS calls at Bangkok westbound DTI allays fears of footwear duty rise Emirates flies first freighter MOL strengthens West Africa presence New Swazi shipping procedures kick in SAECS service 'misrepresented' Debtor finance forms separate division Banks sending out clear message to smaller companies Credit enhancement mechanisms help extend payment terms Guardforce helps reduce financial risk and raise rewards Budget focuses on export growth Eikos enters finance arena Omar urges return to bicycles and donkey carts UK launches S'n African fund Coega roadworks begin It won't duplicate other port developments - Gama Step by step to Coega 2004 Go-slow hits Port Elizabeth exports Hauliers could end up employing anti-hijack squad Industry questions SAA's cargo outlook More European states moot free trade with SA Updated Importer's Manual out

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FEBRUARY 28, 2001
Gov. Locke asks Washington's unions to help fix toughest traffic choke points Port Tacoma seeks bids for $6 million for North Intermodal Yard paving project Mitsui O.S.K. Line eliminates two ferry companies and seven overseas shipowners Port Seattle adds construction safety services for $1.3 million Poll says Puget Sound voters prefer fare-free bus and vanpools to light rail

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Dar-Zambia Pipeline to be Replaced Merchant Navy Officers Change Admission Rules

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FEBRUARY 28, 2001
Lakes cruising catches on Aker/Kværner combine and conquer? Cruise lines fear disabled ruling 'Man' to blame for Manly grounding? Better performance boosts ECT Lakes still short of water Korean venture on the never-never MSCL worker wins damages Posco ups output to ward off Japan Greece bids for safety role Kristal 'has not sunk' Spain detains Angola arms ship Indian budget disappoints owners Iraqi crude exports rise Japan issues Mir warning Three dead, eight missing in sinking Berge attacked in Peninsular war Singapore sets up research centre Delay likely for SADC pact URAG sold to construction group Portnet reassures Port Elizabeth Greet goes free for $13M

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L’amélioration du rendement d’ECT passe par de meilleures prestations Europe Combined Terminals (ECT) a tiré les leçons du départ de divers clients. L’année 2000 a été placée sous le signe de l’amélioration des relations avec les clients. Le personnel a en outre été affecté d’une manière plus efficace, tandis que les coûts ont été réduits et que la politique d’achat de services chez des tiers a été repensée. Cette stratégie s’est traduite par un bénéfice de 15,3 mio. de NLG, contre une perte de 40,8 mio. de NLG en 1999. L’opérateur de terminal n’est pourtant pas satisfait. Le rendement actuel sur le patrimoine opérationnel, qui s’élève à 6%, doit être porté à 18% dans les trois ans à venir. Rouen développe son terminal à containers de Grand-Couronne S’il n’y avait pas eu le diktat des 35 h et les incidences de la politique céréalière aggravée par une forte pluviométrie - ce trafic a reculé de 25% - le Port autonome de Rouen aurait pu battre son précédent record de 1999 qui était de 24 mio. de t. Ces circonstances ont eu effectivement une incidence négative de sorte que le score final de l’an 2000 s’est situé à 22,8 mio. de t, soit un recul de 5,3%. Tous les autres secteurs de trafic étaient positifs de ce qui incite le PA à poursuivre une politique d’investissement pour accompagner le développement de certains trafics, plus particulièrement dans le secteur des diverses. Le cabotage illégal et les chauffeurs clandestins en point de mire des autorités allemandes Le secrétaire d’Etat allemand Steinmeier a promis de soutenir le secteur des transports contre la concurrence déloyale résultant du cabotage illégal et de l’utilisation de chauffeurs illégaux. Les autorités veulent aussi oeuvrer en faveur de l’harmonisation fiscale dans l’UE. L’association de transporteurs Bundesverband Güterkraftverkehr Logistik und Entsorgung (BGL) se dit réjouie des mesures, même si elles arrivent trop tard pour certaines entreprises de transport. MSC lance un service Europe du Nord-Inde-Pakistan C’est maintenant officiel, le 3 mars prochain l’armement MSC va lancer d’Anvers le service containérisé Europe (Nord et Sud)-Inde/Pakistan qui était en préparation depuis plusieurs mois. Dans une première phase la fréquence sera d’un départ tous les 15 jours avec une flotte de 3 PC d’une capacité exploitée de l’ordre de 1.500/1.600 TEU. Une seconde phase interviendra trois mois plus tard, qui impliquera une accélération de la fréquence à un rythme hebdomadaire, la flotte passant alors à 6, voire 7 unités.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2001
Molasses Ship Splits, Sinks RINA confirms Kristal class status Moody's Rates Proposed Costa Notes Minoan Profits Fall 82 Percent USCG Issues Upper Mississippi Safety Advisory Mediterranean Shipping Co. Announces Appointments SpecTec, W'rtsil' join forces Hvide Marine To Be Renamed Seabulk International

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FEBRUARY 28, 2001
Nepline scales back tanker acquisitions Pre-tax profits drop as Malaysian shipowner opts to acquire only one aframax. ACM confirms addition of Seascope brokers London broker ACM has gone public on its recent gearing up of its S&P team. Fund manager buys Frontline stock Neuberger Berman confirms its is buying but it is not the mystery stalker. RINA speaks out on Kristal The Italian classification society says the vessel which broke up off Spain Tuesday was fully in class. Pertamina eyes Athenian VLCC Indonesian charterer Pertamina is struggling to clear suitable VLCC tonnage for a time-charter contract. Team Shipping eyes up newbuildings Oslo-stocklisted Team Shipping expects to take in more modern tonnage, as it grows a 1990s-built fleet. Loki logs loss Strong tanker earnings on the ULCC Jahre Viking were not enough to swing owner Loki into the black for 2000. Awilco almost doubles its money The slimmed-down Norwegian tanker owner had a good year in 2000. ACL profits jump Sweden's Atlantic Container Lines says it had one of the best years ever. Hvide Marine to change name Seabulk International will be the new identity of the tanker and offshore vessel owner. Global Carriers cuts losses Malaysian owner Global Carriers is putting cash from ship sales to more profitable uses. Minoan Lines weighs options for MFD The parent of Minoan Flying Dolphins could either sell or increase its stake in the company, or aim for a merger. Ferries up for sale at Minoan Lines The Greek ferry operator wants to sell most of its older ships as newbuilding programme gathers pace. Houston Ship Channel remains closed Fog has interrupted shipping along the US waterway for the third day. Aker angles for Kvaerner yards The possibility of merging Aker Yards with Kvaerner's shipbuilding arm has been raised again. Borgestad boosted by ship sale The Norwegian owner has been lifted into profit by a bulker disposal. MIF triples earnings Tsakos-controlled MIF has logged record results on the back of 2000's steamy tanker market. MOL names yards for boxship newbuildings Mitsui OSK Lines has finalised its plans for a $400m boxship octet. B&N plumps for Swedish flag The Swedish shipowner says its own register is becoming more competitive. Farstad agrees charter deal with ASCo Latest contract takes number of Farstad ships on charter to ASCo to seven. Jinhui bottom line hit by write down provision One off devaluation of fixed assets pushes Hong Kong owner and trader further into the red. Attica traffic soars Greek ferry operator reaps newbuilding benefit but hit by higher bunker costs. ExxonMobil snaps up more aframaxes Oil giant ExxonMobil has been fixing prompt time-charter tonnage after its earlier newbuilding splurge.