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Shipping News

Nigerian crude oil scam takes new twist
AN on-going crude oil scam in Nigeria has taken a new twist with fraudsters now seeking to fool crude buyers into chartering the services of non-existent tankers, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
PSA stalwart Goon to retire next month
THE man who led PSA Corporation's international expansion, Goon Kok Loon, will retire on March 1 after 37 years at the terminal operator.
'Pots and pans' protest against Prestige oil pollution
FIVE thousand Spaniards beat pots and pans in an ear-shattering demonstration of their displeasure at the way authorities reacted to the sinking of an oil tanker that has caused widespread pollution.
Crew safe after 20-hour ordeal in rescue boat
A CARGO ship from Indonesia carrying 360 metric tonnes of sawn-wood sank due to engine failure and high waves during a storm.
Greenpeace ship hauled away to end UK port blockade
BRITISH port authorities hauled Greenpeace flagship the Rainbow Warrior clear of the entrance to a military port allowing a supply ship laden with tanks and helicopters to sail for the Gulf.

Air and Land Transport

Shuttle explosion likely to hit Boeing profits
THE explosion of the space shuttle Columbia will present yet another challenge for Boeing Co, the largest Nasa contractor, as it struggles through an unprecedented downturn in commercial aviation that has sharply hurt its profitability.
US airlines want to stop ticket tax, access to oil reserves if war erupts
UAL Q4 loss hits US$1.4b; costs up 16%
EC to govts: no flying solo with US
MAS to lease 8 planes to meet demand

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Shipping News

Nigerian crude oil scam takes new twist
AN on-going crude oil scam in Nigeria has taken a new twist with fraudsters now seeking to fool crude buyers into chartering the services of non-existent tankers, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
PSA stalwart Goon to retire next month
THE man who led PSA Corporation's international expansion, Goon Kok Loon, will retire on March 1 after 37 years at the terminal operator.
'Pots and pans' protest against Prestige oil pollution
FIVE thousand Spaniards beat pots and pans in an ear-shattering demonstration of their displeasure at the way authorities reacted to the sinking of an oil tanker that has caused widespread pollution.
Crew safe after 20-hour ordeal in rescue boat
A CARGO ship from Indonesia carrying 360 metric tonnes of sawn-wood sank due to engine failure and high waves during a storm.
Greenpeace ship hauled away to end UK port blockade
BRITISH port authorities hauled Greenpeace flagship the Rainbow Warrior clear of the entrance to a military port allowing a supply ship laden with tanks and helicopters to sail for the Gulf.

Air and Land Transport

Shuttle explosion likely to hit Boeing profits
THE explosion of the space shuttle Columbia will present yet another challenge for Boeing Co, the largest Nasa contractor, as it struggles through an unprecedented downturn in commercial aviation that has sharply hurt its profitability.
US airlines want to stop ticket tax, access to oil reserves if war erupts
UAL Q4 loss hits US$1.4b; costs up 16%
EC to govts: no flying solo with US
MAS to lease 8 planes to meet demand

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Air cargo US up 3.7 per cent in 2002 In 2002 US carriers transported 23.3 million tons of air cargo, 3.7 per cent more than in 2001. China Southern Airlines eyeing cargo service to Australia China Southern Airlines is considering introducing dedicated freighter services between Australia and Guangzhou, following strong growth in cargo uplift in 2002. Better result Airborne, but not optimistic Airborne today reported net earnings of $14.8 million, or $.31 per share in 2002, compared to a net loss of $19.5 million, or $.40 per share a year ago. 2002 results include after-tax, nonrecurring restructuring and impairment charges of $.08 per share and a gain on sale of securities of $.02 per share. Hays in UK for sale UK logistics company Hays is on the look out for potential bidders for the logistics sector that was once central to its operations. Lufthansa sees tough 2003 The global aviation industry faces a difficult year in 2003 and the key to maintaining profits will be tight management of capacity, Wolfgang Mayrhuber, deputy chief executive of Deutsche Lufthansa, told a news conference. Ryanair slips after buying Bizz from KLM Shares in Ryanair have slipped this morning following the airline's announcement that it is to buy rival low cost carrier Buzz from KLM for 23.9 million euro. Net sales Geodis down in 2002 Net sales of the Franch logitics group Geodis was down 4.1 per cent on a comparable base in 2002.

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Orient Ship Agency 'A' team receives Sheth Narottam Morarjee Cricket trophy CP Ships announces $ 34 m Q4 profit - Volume at 550,000 TEUs up by 17 pc Seaways Shipping to continue handling Nalco containers at Paradip Port D. M. Gandhi confers with M. P. Pinto Greenwich Meridian Logistics (India) bags coveted ISO 9001:2000 award Indonesia to buy 50,000 tonnes of Indian sugar Hamriyah Free Zone chief invites Indian business to Sharjah Leather trade hopes to capture 4 pc of world trade: CLE Iran, FAPCCI sign MoU to boost trade CSL floats vessel built for Abu Dhabi company Vizag-Kakinada Chambers' plea for adequate rail wagons to ports Finance Ministry may continue tax sops for EOUs/EPZs & SEZs CBDT keeps close watch on tax exemption claims of exporters Alkali industry seeks import duty of less than 5 pc on captive power plants SRTEPC happy over SAD decision 9 apparel parks to be established - Modi lays stone for Surat Park Commerce Ministry comes out with list of NTBs faced by exporters Natural rubber prices up, tyres likely to cost more Shinde promises to wipe out Maharashtra's Rs 78,000 crore deficit NDC sets four-point agenda for growth Saudi official to meet CII members today Risks facing exporters brought out at workshop Rajashree Birla to speak at IMC on Feb. 4

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Venezuela: PDVSA announce future cutbacks Daily bunker market report from Praxis Energy Agents Crude markets remain docile amid little fresh news Tight avails in many African ports Suez's suppliers seem happy despite local market fluctuations Hong Kong: Traffic ban for fireworks display Rotterdam opens firm this morning

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Schenker's Portugal airfreight unit voted best Cargo Agent Planned capital spending in 2003 at Norforlk Southern Railway Foreign trains running on French railways? Exel extends its relationship with Carrefour DHL will acquire 5% stake in Sinotrans

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Increased loss for B&N Sweden support maritime surveillance in Russia Massive job for UK yards

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JANUARY 31, 2003
ACBL files for Chapter 11 Continues normal business operations. IACS publishes Prestige audit report IACS has now completed its ad hoc audit of all ABS records relating to the tanker Prestige. FGH offshore division sale completed Friede Goldman Halter, Inc. says it has completed the previously announced sale of substantially all of the assets of its offshore division Houma delivers first of six for Candies De Hoop Houma, Houma, La. has just delivered the 56.47 m long by 12.8 m beam shelf supply vessel Amy Candies, the first of six for Otto Candies, LLC. More RRF mobilizations MARAD has reactivated more Ready Reserve Fleet ships and has issued a notice reminding U.S. seafarers who volunteer for RRF duties of their reemployment rights.

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Sea-Tac Airport parking garage again open to taller vehicles Intermodal posts strong showing for weekly U.S. rail traffic numbers Customs will enforce 24-hour rule beginning Sunday, February 2nd NYK ordering three tankers from three different shipyards TOTE temporarily closing terminal for electrical system switch-over

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Nasa launches investigation into shuttle disaster AVIATION experts have been called in to help investigate Saturday's space shuttle disaster in which seven astronauts died, writes Janet Porter. Wreckage from the shuttle Columbia, which exploded over Texas at a height of 200,000 ft as it returned to Earth after a 15-day space mission, is strewn across several states. Owners outraged at P&I terror charge CONTROVERSY is sweeping shipowning circles after P&I clubs decided to charge members and clients for a higher $400m backstop cover against war and terrorism risk. Harland settles GlobalSantaFe rig dispute HARLAND and Wolff has reached a settlement with GlobalSantaFe on its long-standing claim relating to two sophisticated drillships constructed for the US drilling contractor, writes Tony Gray. Greece reinforces faith in IMO role A powerful endorsement of the International Maritime Organisation as the appropriate organisation for maritime safety measures has been given by the Greek Minister of Mercantile Marine Yiorgios Anomeritis.

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Engine majors seek lower emissions PDV officers vindicated but sacked Infinity problems go on and on Operator encourages Bengal trade Cuba calls cause Costa rejection NCL unmoved by crew settlement US replaces 'four at the border' Venezuela strike hits medical goods Iran discusses $5.5Bn renewal plan Sweden defies Brussels on CSI B&N issues severe loss warning Maersk boosts Indian box stake Arab states to cut out Suez Canal Livestock shipments hit record Coastguard seizes smuggled rice China calls for cross-Strait growth Shippers celebrate Adelaide link North Korean ship grounded in Japan PSA stalwart Goon to retire PM urged to probe Laem Chabang bid

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Homeland Security hones reorganization The plan would bring the various border agencies under one section and change the name of the proposed Bureau of Border Security to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to focus on homeland inspection and investigation functions. Hong Kong pushes for China bridge The bridge would help to ease frequent congestion in moving containers to and from the Pearl River Delta in Southern China. FMC fines Sea-Land $4 million Ward named Snow's successor as CSX chief executive UAL loses $1.5 billion CSX earnings surged in fourth quarter Russian cargo plane crashes in East Timor China Southern eyes freighter service to Australia Bangladesh, Myanmar launch direct shipping links Martinair names director of North American cargo sales Ship terror attacks increase Singapore Airlines sets China-U.S. cargo flights

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JANUARY 31, 2003
Docenave defection from Suape sparks exodus fears Brazil's troubled port of Suape has denied that the defection of Docenave to a neighbouring port heralds the beginning of an 'exodus' by customers. Poor infrastructure keeps cargo shy of India, Iran, Russia corridor Maersk and Concor form north Indian intermodal venture Europe/ANZ: conference rates rise as MSC revamps string K Line, Gemartrans reshuffle offers Japan/Vietnam direct Bonner issues final warning to comply with 24-hour rule Maruba hopes for healthier Argentine trade and flag

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JANUARY 31, 2003
IACS publishes ABS Prestige audit report Class grouping recommends but shies away from ordering survey changes. ACL files for bankruptcy Top American inland waterway operator seeks Chapter XI reorganisation. New Zealand hunts oil spill ship Authorities hope tests will reveal culprit behind slick on Oreti Beach. Prestige could have been saved Bahamas Maritime Authority says industry needs to learn single hull lessons first. Euro MP blasts EU on Prestige master Greek MEP Emmanouil Bakopoulos says EU is being "unhelpful" and "bureaucratic." Outlook gloomier at Rieber Norwegian offshore shipowner expects operating profit to have fallen in 2002. Profits a write-off at Fred Olsen Energy Asset write-down slashes $114m off Norwegian shipping and yard group's operating result in fourth quarter. SCI profit doubles But third quarter profits show fall in sales figures. Srab begins search for Swahn successor Swedish tanker owner's boss Lars Swahn to step down after ten years in top job. Singapore sees traffic throughput growth More tonnage passed through Singapore in 2002, but less of it called at the ports.