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Shipping News

Star Cruises revenue, stock take a beating from Sars
STAR Cruises, like many of its travel industry counterparts, is taking a beating at the hands of the Sars virus as it sees its revenue stream bleed and share price plummet nearly 8 per cent in recent trading on the Hong Kong and Singapore mainboards.
NCL buys 2 historic US ships
STAR Cruises US-based subsidiary Norwegian Cruise Lines has continued its fleet expansion, saving from the scrap yard the historic S/S United States for its intra-American business, and a second classic, the S/S Independence for possible cruise deployment.
Canada to have 24-hour cargo rule from next April
CANADA will require 24-hour advance cargo notification from next April in a move that mirrors that of the US which came into effect earlier this year.
Kwai Chung port's throughput surges in first quarter
HONG Kong's dominant Kwai Chung port enjoyed strong growth in the first quarter, handling 2.85 million TEUs .
Saudi shipping firm strikes 3-year deal with Chevron
THE National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia said it has signed a three-year contract with Chevron Shipping of the United States to transport its crude oil worldwide.

Air and Land Transport

Taiwan cuts landing fees to aid Sars-hit airlines
TAIWAN has become the first Asian authority to cut landing fees as airline groupings urged governments to share the financial consequences of the Sars outbreak.
American Airlines lines up bankruptcy financing plan
US Airways' gain from United deal better than thought: source
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Strait Talk

Rational IMO response needed to EC tanker proposals
AS expected all 15 European Union states have put their names to a set of formal proposals, formulated by the European Commission following the Prestige casualty, to change the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships.

web site

Shipping News

Star Cruises revenue, stock take a beating from Sars
STAR Cruises, like many of its travel industry counterparts, is taking a beating at the hands of the Sars virus as it sees its revenue stream bleed and share price plummet nearly 8 per cent in recent trading on the Hong Kong and Singapore mainboards.
NCL buys 2 historic US ships
STAR Cruises US-based subsidiary Norwegian Cruise Lines has continued its fleet expansion, saving from the scrap yard the historic S/S United States for its intra-American business, and a second classic, the S/S Independence for possible cruise deployment.
Canada to have 24-hour cargo rule from next April
CANADA will require 24-hour advance cargo notification from next April in a move that mirrors that of the US which came into effect earlier this year.
Kwai Chung port's throughput surges in first quarter
HONG Kong's dominant Kwai Chung port enjoyed strong growth in the first quarter, handling 2.85 million TEUs .
Saudi shipping firm strikes 3-year deal with Chevron
THE National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia said it has signed a three-year contract with Chevron Shipping of the United States to transport its crude oil worldwide.

Air and Land Transport

Taiwan cuts landing fees to aid Sars-hit airlines
TAIWAN has become the first Asian authority to cut landing fees as airline groupings urged governments to share the financial consequences of the Sars outbreak.
American Airlines lines up bankruptcy financing plan
US Airways' gain from United deal better than thought: source
Log Book

Strait Talk

Rational IMO response needed to EC tanker proposals
AS expected all 15 European Union states have put their names to a set of formal proposals, formulated by the European Commission following the Prestige casualty, to change the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships.

web site

Shipping News

Star Cruises revenue, stock take a beating from Sars
STAR Cruises, like many of its travel industry counterparts, is taking a beating at the hands of the Sars virus as it sees its revenue stream bleed and share price plummet nearly 8 per cent in recent trading on the Hong Kong and Singapore mainboards.
NCL buys 2 historic US ships
STAR Cruises US-based subsidiary Norwegian Cruise Lines has continued its fleet expansion, saving from the scrap yard the historic S/S United States for its intra-American business, and a second classic, the S/S Independence for possible cruise deployment.
Canada to have 24-hour cargo rule from next April
CANADA will require 24-hour advance cargo notification from next April in a move that mirrors that of the US which came into effect earlier this year.
Kwai Chung port's throughput surges in first quarter
HONG Kong's dominant Kwai Chung port enjoyed strong growth in the first quarter, handling 2.85 million TEUs .
Saudi shipping firm strikes 3-year deal with Chevron
THE National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia said it has signed a three-year contract with Chevron Shipping of the United States to transport its crude oil worldwide.

Air and Land Transport

Taiwan cuts landing fees to aid Sars-hit airlines
TAIWAN has become the first Asian authority to cut landing fees as airline groupings urged governments to share the financial consequences of the Sars outbreak.
American Airlines lines up bankruptcy financing plan
US Airways' gain from United deal better than thought: source
Log Book

Strait Talk

Rational IMO response needed to EC tanker proposals
AS expected all 15 European Union states have put their names to a set of formal proposals, formulated by the European Commission following the Prestige casualty, to change the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships.

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Disinfection certificates required by Spain from Sars zones Customs clearance restored for HK to Israel parcel deliveries OrderPro hired to build national logistics database for Pakistan Schenker receives Q1 Certification from Ford Golden Sparrow named Singapore agent by Maruba/Clan Ryder appoints Greg Greene as senior vice president Haffa appeals to Hong Kong government for help on Sars Maersk Logistics opens airfreight office in Dubai SAS credit downgraded by rating agency Cargolux lowers fuel surcharge

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SRX Service commences with LT Power's maiden call at Tuticorin Port UK Club's poster campaign on safety of ships Parliamentary Committee moots formulation of comprehensive policy on coastal shipping IWAI to construct cargo terminals, jetties Ukraine smelter may prefer to buy Indian bauxite Egypt to import wheat from India Steel exports jump 36.8 pc in 2002-03 Korean envoy sees vast scope for tie-ups with India to rebuild Iraq Kolkata Port Trust handles 5.3 m tonnes more traffic in 2002-03 - ER to revamp rail connectivity to boost KoPT traffic Shell developing all-weather port, LNG terminal at Hazira Waltair rly division moves record 29.40 m tonnes cargo Atlas De Cargo wins Nepal Chamber's award for 5th consecutive year - 'First & Best Cargo Forwarder' S. Rly introduces refrigerated vans All-India truckers' strike hits exim cargo movement Forex reserves swelled by $ 984 million to $ 74,805 million Forex reserves cross $ 75-bn mark Jaitley sees scope for doubling seafood exports AIAI's plea to bring down crude oil prices Inflation rate rises to 2-year high of 6.24 pc All Exim Policy notifications issued Gems, jewellery exporters may get credit insurance Simplified excise procedure for small garment exporters IDFC assistance for 2 key infrastructure projects New wheat, rice export regime on anvil Edible oil importers seek simplified, time-bound clearance procedures IMC: Implement VAT expeditiously Vandrevala elected CII Chairman, Western Region 3 foreign delegations visit WTC, Mumbai

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APRIL 15, 2003
New York steady to firm after month-long fall Tight Panama market waits for Easter replenishments Daily Bunker market report from Praxis Energy Agents Oil prices turn from loss to gain as OPEC meeting confirmed Oil market bears and bulls maintain equal strength Fujairah market quietens as buyers watch and wait Suez rebounds after month's lowest prices, MGO still tight Hong Kong's tight avails irrelevant as demand stays low Daily Bunker market report from Praxis Energy Agents (Monday) Uruguay: Last chance for Easter nominations Another slow morning in Rotterdam

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APRIL 15, 2003
"K" Line orders new panamax containerships Hamburg Süd Group confirms Kien Hung deal and improves Mediterranean service Eva Air signs up with Plane Handling Militzer & Münch: New airfreight boss in Moscow Intermodal trains via Wels to Slovakia and Hungary

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APRIL 15, 2003
Rasmussen in legal wrangle over Torm shares Wilh. Wilhelmsen orders new car carriers NCL buys "United States"

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APRIL 15, 2003
Battle for LCS program heats up Rival teams led by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin unveil proposals South Korean shipbuilding orders reach an all-time high Shipbuilding orders awarded South Korean shipbuilders in the first quarter of 2003 reached 4.03 million compensated gross tons (CGT) CEO appointment at V.Ships V.Ships has appointed Richard Hext as CEO of its Marine Services Division. Jurong completes FPSO Singapore's Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd has completed construction of the 356,400 dwt Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) Fluminense on schedule

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Levene urged to sort out Salvage Association pension 'catastrophe' LORD Levene (above), chairman of Lloyd's, has been asked to intervene in the Salvage Association pensions row, writes James Brewer. Carnival says merger will see it through tough times WITH completion of its hard fought merger with P&O Princess close at hand, Carnival has said that present economic uncertainties offer even more compelling reasons to link with its UK rival. Stelios to launch easyCruise STELIOS Haji-Ioannou - the tanker shipping heir who helped revolutionise European air travel through his firm easyJet - will next month reveal how he plans to do the same for the cruise industry. EGL ready to sail into Umm Qasr WITH post-war Iraq clearly in its sights, US freight forwarder EGL has announced plans to launch scheduled commercial-cargo sailings into the port of Umm Qasr. Coup for NCL as it bags legendary liner United States NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has bought two venerable cruise liners, including the legendary SS United States, which it intends to add to its US-flag fleet after substantial refurbishment, writes John McLaughlin in New York. US 'trading with the enemy' cases settled ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco, Barwil Agencies and Zim Israel are among a list of 59 prominent corporations who recently reached financial settlements with the US Treasury Department, or were assessed fines, related to charges of 'trading with the enemy', writes John McLaughlin in New York.

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APRIL 15, 2003
LR-F provides IMO company numbers US Treasury fines sanction busters Japan/Brazil venture set to sail TMM sells port stake to clear debt NCL buys vintage cruise ships Maputo port handed over Philippines tightens ferry safety Carnival awaits Princess approval IMO vulnerable over Marpol battle Double downgrade for Tranz Rail Eastland (Gisborne) starts dredging Star repositions to Australia Paris court launches Le Joola probe No delay to Costa Fortuna schedule NSCSA secures shift of focus SARS: cruise ships to be screened Korean yards set for bonanza

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APRIL 15, 2003
Grocery logistics costs rising: Study Trade group: As consumers demand faster services, retailers are pushing more responsibility down the supply chain to manufacturers while demanding shorter order-to-delivery cycles. Trade bolsters Sinotrans profit Booming trade spurred a 26.5 percent increase in profits for China's state-owned freight forwarder. TACA lowers fuel surcharge Trans Atlantic Conference Agreement cuts bunker fee for traffic to and from Atlantic/Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast ports. No virus ills for HK cargo American Airlines bankruptcy looms after union rejects concessions Lufthansa lifts war surcharge U-turn for Roadway results Pols push for NY rail freight tunnel Sri Lanka, India ports step up virus screening Mercedes-Benz signs with Port of Baltimore Reed to lead U.S. sales for TNT International Express Maersk Logistics expands in U.A.E. Panalpina chooses Freightgate for ocean contracts

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APRIL 15, 2003
Durban concession: state seeks to protect fragile SA liner competition South Africa is determined that Durban container terminal's concessioning will not further 'skew' competition in the SA liner market, but terminal operators' independence from lines will remain a secondary criterion. SSA gains new terminal business as TMM founders Ratings downgrades see Tranz Rail struggle to remain on track Santos threatened with 'operational collapse' Capacity restrictions to limit Yantian volumes this year Multi-million dollar losses claim, as Australian cargo abandons key intermodal artery Zim's North America agency falls foul of US sanctions Conferences cleared of predatory pricing Kombiverkehr extends Mozart services into Eastern Europe

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APRIL 15, 2003
Cuba costs Zim Barwil joins list of sanction breakers, as Zim pays the price for dealing with Cuba. Moody's cuts Carnival rating Tie-up with Princess Cruises results in downgrade. Zim hit by sanctions-busting Israeli line receives largest fine in US sanctions crackdown. Sinotrans unveils first results Chinese shipowner that listed in Hong Kong in February made a healthy profit in 2002. Varna attracts four bids Bulgarian yard sell-off rolls onwards as potential buyers declare their interest. Minoan Lines to sell Forthnet holding to raise cash Debt-saddled Greek ferry owner could pocket EUR 17m from shares in phone company. Rasmussen rejects Sanyo ultimatum Norwegian owner threatens Greek group with costly legal battle over disputed purchase of Torm stock. Stena Bulk lines up big tanker order Swedish owner eyes deal for up to eight products carriers in Croatia. Star Cruises ship leaves Singapore Asian giant eyeing Australia as alternative to SARS-stricken Asia. Troubled Polish yards detail sales targets Gdynia and Stocznia Szczecinska Nowa plan to deliver 21 ships in 2003. US Coast Guard bars Iraqi ships Iraqi-controlled vessels will not be allowed to enter US ports or waters. Costa cruiseship damaged by fire Nine workers hospitalised after blaze on newbuilding at Fincantieri's Genoa yard. JNSL slips into loss Sale of Arab Bridge Maritime stake pushed Jordanese company into the red during 2002. Korean yard orders rocket to record highs But Ministry says yards will face "downward correction" from here. Grupo TMM sells ports to reduce debt Mexican shipowner raises $120m from sell-off, but still cannot repay bonds due in May. World-Wide opens in Shanghai Fresh from its acquisition of Bergesen the Hong Kong owner joins the rush for China. NCL acquires vintage cruise couple In a surprise move the US-based Star Cruises subsidiary picks up United States and Independence. Umm Qasr still closed Despite being under allied control for several weeks Iraq's only deepwater port remains shut. Genmar and Columbia in crew tie-up New York-listed tanker firm inks crewing strategic alliance with Cyprus-based shipmanager. Japan halts shipmanagement visits SARS outbreak prompts delay in fact-finding trips to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

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APRIL 15, 2003
Norwegian Cruise Line buys "United States" TACA carriers lower bunker surcharges U.S./Brazil carrier grouping plans additional container service Maersk to take Florida/Caribbean/South America slots on Crowley ships Magistral upgrades Russian Far East/Korea service Short Line to use federal loan for track rehabilitation "Captive" rail customers back SENATE's rail competition bill Econocaribe appoints Coello Puerto Rico manager NCBFAA adopts contract management system FSA to push non-fat powdered milk aid shipments in 2003 Panalpina picks freightgate software to manage full loads Land O'Lakes picks G-Log to handle agricultural services Exel starts independent service centers in England Geologistics wins Spanish contract to move disposal units Food aid agencies feel crunch from African famine, Iraqi war Mercedes signs lease with port of Baltimore Long Beach explores use of electricity to power ships at berth Grupo TMM sells stakes in Mexican ports to SSA to lower debts