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Rise in crew kidnappings may signal terror training
THE rise in pirate attacks and kidnappings involving tankers in Malacca Straits may be the start of a maritime terrorism build-up as terrorists learn how to navigate tankers, according to a senior UK-based maritime security expert.
Some Singapore facilities fail to meet self-imposed ISPS Code target
SOME Singapore port facilities and 30 per cent of Singapore-flagged ships failed to meet yesterday's self-imposed early compliance target for tough new security requirements, but authorities have vowed 'no let-up' in the lead up to the looming global deadline.
PTP volumes soar record 27% in Q1
JOHOR's Port of Tanjung Pelepas said its first quarter volumes grew 27 per cent over 2003 - a new throughput record for the young port.
Indians rescue 11 seamen as Malaysian vessel sinks
ELEVEN Indonesians were rescued from life rafts on the high seas by India's coast guard after a Malaysian vessel sank in the Andaman Sea, officials said.

Air and Land Transport

Air France cuts Europe fares by up to 92%
AIR France, Europe's second biggest airline, is slashing fares within France and to other European countries by as much as 92 per cent to fight competition from low-cost carriers such as EasyJet plc and high-speed trains.
Pentagon review faults procurement strategy in Boeing tanker deal
European Parliament rejects US passenger data deal
Air Canada, union reach pension accord
Japan Airlines System merges ops
Thai Airways seeks early delivery of 8 Airbus jets

Admiralty Casebook

Ship owners and charterers liable for worker safety
THE International Safety Management Code has changed the way in which the maritime industry operates and has increased the burden on ship owners to ensure the safety of workers on decks and cargo holds, a US court ruled last month.

web site

Shipping News

Rise in crew kidnappings may signal terror training
THE rise in pirate attacks and kidnappings involving tankers in Malacca Straits may be the start of a maritime terrorism build-up as terrorists learn how to navigate tankers, according to a senior UK-based maritime security expert.
Some Singapore facilities fail to meet self-imposed ISPS Code target
SOME Singapore port facilities and 30 per cent of Singapore-flagged ships failed to meet yesterday's self-imposed early compliance target for tough new security requirements, but authorities have vowed 'no let-up' in the lead up to the looming global deadline.
PTP volumes soar record 27% in Q1
JOHOR's Port of Tanjung Pelepas said its first quarter volumes grew 27 per cent over 2003 - a new throughput record for the young port.
Indians rescue 11 seamen as Malaysian vessel sinks
ELEVEN Indonesians were rescued from life rafts on the high seas by India's coast guard after a Malaysian vessel sank in the Andaman Sea, officials said.

Air and Land Transport

Air France cuts Europe fares by up to 92%
AIR France, Europe's second biggest airline, is slashing fares within France and to other European countries by as much as 92 per cent to fight competition from low-cost carriers such as EasyJet plc and high-speed trains.
Pentagon review faults procurement strategy in Boeing tanker deal
European Parliament rejects US passenger data deal
Air Canada, union reach pension accord
Japan Airlines System merges ops
Thai Airways seeks early delivery of 8 Airbus jets

Admiralty Casebook

Ship owners and charterers liable for worker safety
THE International Safety Management Code has changed the way in which the maritime industry operates and has increased the burden on ship owners to ensure the safety of workers on decks and cargo holds, a US court ruled last month.

web site

Shipping News

Rise in crew kidnappings may signal terror training
THE rise in pirate attacks and kidnappings involving tankers in Malacca Straits may be the start of a maritime terrorism build-up as terrorists learn how to navigate tankers, according to a senior UK-based maritime security expert.
Some Singapore facilities fail to meet self-imposed ISPS Code target
SOME Singapore port facilities and 30 per cent of Singapore-flagged ships failed to meet yesterday's self-imposed early compliance target for tough new security requirements, but authorities have vowed 'no let-up' in the lead up to the looming global deadline.
PTP volumes soar record 27% in Q1
JOHOR's Port of Tanjung Pelepas said its first quarter volumes grew 27 per cent over 2003 - a new throughput record for the young port.
Indians rescue 11 seamen as Malaysian vessel sinks
ELEVEN Indonesians were rescued from life rafts on the high seas by India's coast guard after a Malaysian vessel sank in the Andaman Sea, officials said.

Air and Land Transport

Air France cuts Europe fares by up to 92%
AIR France, Europe's second biggest airline, is slashing fares within France and to other European countries by as much as 92 per cent to fight competition from low-cost carriers such as EasyJet plc and high-speed trains.
Pentagon review faults procurement strategy in Boeing tanker deal
European Parliament rejects US passenger data deal
Air Canada, union reach pension accord
Japan Airlines System merges ops
Thai Airways seeks early delivery of 8 Airbus jets

Admiralty Casebook

Ship owners and charterers liable for worker safety
THE International Safety Management Code has changed the way in which the maritime industry operates and has increased the burden on ship owners to ensure the safety of workers on decks and cargo holds, a US court ruled last month.

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Australia warns of terror strikes on SE Asian shipping routes CP Ships to acquire Roe Logistics MOL Logistics releases Starlink system PRD logistics providers should work closer together: report Bob Stoffel named UPS Supply Chain senior vice president NOL group to sell OMPL Insurer warns ports of consequences of non-compliance with ISPS code Norfolk Southern joins US customs security programme Dragonair to increase cargo flights to Europe Qantas Brisbane maintenance base to open later this year Singapore Airlines codeshares with bmi

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India, Bangla closing in on trade pact Export of coffee husk through Malpe port allowed Gems, jewellery exports may exceed $ 10 bn Codissia to import pig iron for foundry units Record-breaking fiscal year for Jawaharlal Nehru Port - JNPCT registers over 40 pc growth in box handling Private ports, terminal operators upset at new dredging policy guidelines Mumbai Port posts robust 11.8 pc rise in cargo traffic during 2003-04 IA signs MoU with S'pore Airlines' body US expert sees bright future for India in global trade - 8th AMTOI lecture series GDP registers impressive 10.4 pc growth in Oct.-Dec. 2003-04, says CSO data Dredging companies seek protection from entry of foreign firms Implement VAT soon, CII tells Centre Workshop on 'e-filing of service tax returns'

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APRIL 1, 2004
Pre-booming soon to become Washington bunker requirement Washington state governor Gary Locke yesterday signed Senate Bill 6641 which enacts improved oil spill prevention measures. A Puget Sound bunker spill at the end of 2003 was the catalyst for the new bill. Volatile ARA markets see demand surge Port Kembla 'back to business' with expanded product range Port Kembla Marine Fuels announces return to normal operations and availability of 180 cst ex-pipe. Singapore product stocks rise with arrival of arbitrage cargoes Despite bloated storage tanks and softer overnight crude, the Singapore HSFO market held its value today on sustained strong demand from China. Good demand keeps Tokyo avails lean Further good demand in Tokyo Bay has seen commitment on expected resupply cargoes increase. 'End of an era' as barge retires, port dues rise FFS Bunkers announces retirement of its bunker barge in Richards Bay and blames rising port dues for a drop in bunker-only calls in South Africa. Rotterdam little changed despite crude losses Augusta congested as Italian numbers come off

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APRIL 1, 2004
TomTom launches "TomTom GO" Swaziland gets funding for vital highway TNT Express (Germany) awarded ISO certification Sterling Trucks expands North American dealer network Lufthansa Cargo AG posts positive results for 2003 Increased congestion surcharges Barcelona elects new Port President

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APRIL 1, 2004
Strong markets and new ventures boost Clarksons SSY in Indonesian agency JV UK MCA detains four in Feb New Intertanko chairman sets eyes on expansion

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APRIL 1, 2004
Alaska to offer leases offshore ANWR Gov. says state "won't submit to the dictates of America's extreme environmental community" Deepwater rig market set for upturn New forecast from ODS Petrodata

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APRIL 1, 2004
Honolulu Freight Service buys Hawaiian transport firm Royal Olympic announces sale of pair of cruise vessels Willamette Falls Locks making early opening BNSF working with K-State to educate grain buyers Tsakos orders first liquefied natural gas vessels

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Letts says Lloyd's is global laughing stock over archaic approach to IT LLOYD'S has become a laughing stock worldwide because of its failure to adapt to the technological world, outspoken e-commerce expert Alex Letts (above) told an audience of underwriters and brokers yesterday. UK limbers up for IMO double hull duel with Greeks THE UK has pledged to robustly defend the concept of mandatory double hulls for bulk carriers over 150 m in length against Greek attempts to revisit the issue at the International Maritime Organisation's Maritime Safety Committee meeting in May. Italian banks face '170m exposure if Festival goes under ITALIAN banks are facing a black hole of €170m ($209m) if tottering cruise company Festival goes down, it was revealed yesterday. Basque review piles pressure on ABS THE Basque regional government is turning up the post- Prestige heat on ABS with a 21-page dossier of questions relating to the classification society and its work, writes Brian Reyes.

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APRIL 1, 2004
Erika trial set for 2005 THE Erika trial is expected to take place next year following the end of more than four years of investigations. The Maltese registered tanker sank off Brittany in December 1999, causing one of France's worst oil spills Costa shakes up management COSTA Crociere reported a drop in operating income of 10% for 2003, falling to '105M ($129M) from '120M the year before as a result of "strong pressure on prices" Have your say! WHAT is the real danger of a catastrophic spill of an entire ship's cargo of vegetable oil? Is the risk really so great that we need to distort the future market? Have your say! Mayflower Energy escapes MAYFLOWER Energy, which installs wind farms, has escaped administration facing its sister companies, following the resignation of Mayflower plc's senior executives Canadian coast guard report out THE Canadian Coast Guard should be completely overhauled and re-equipped, a House of Commons committee has recommended Dutch inaugurate knowledge centre TWO Dutch universities have decided to join forces to sell their technical and maritime knowledge through the academic research centre TransPORT Subic project moves forward Albany port avoids shutdown Dutch minister talks subsidies LUKOil fixes Caspian oil flow year May decision for Hapag share sale Superferry 14 salvors acquire tugs Wilson's hits box milestone CMA CGM moves into terminals

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APRIL 1, 2004
FMC grants Chinese lines exemptions Sino-U.S. agreement hinged on ruling permitting Chinese carriers to change rates on a day's notice. APL launches Pakistan-U.S. service New direct, weekly sailings designed to speed transit times for Pakistan exports. Trade asks Bush to support single-entry data system UPS supports revived pension bill propsal TUI could sell 49% of Hapag-Lloyd Trailer Bridge delays 2003 results Report recommends arming Canadian Coast Guard Tanjung Pelepas volume up 28% COAC meeting slated Air France offer soon for KLM Wilhelmsen relocates subsidiary to Norway RosettaNet launches e-logistics council

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APRIL 1, 2004
FTA rail against UK parliamentary report into rail services The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has attacked a Transport Select Committee (TSC) report - which damned the UK railway's management - saying the 'radical' recommendations could ruin rail-freight. Adelaide could beat Melbourne to channel deepening goal The South Australian Government has renewed its commitment to dredging at Port Adelaide, and plans to complete work bby 2006, up to a year ahead of rival Melbourne's dredging project. FMC spotlights China trade Soaring charter rates drive SCI to the S&P market Freezone and local cargo boosts PTP volumes Cross-Channel freight trains will not cease, says EWS Panalpina Austria opens logistics centre in Graz

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APRIL 1, 2004
Cosco wins tariff rule battle FMC grants three Chinese carriers the right to lower rates immediately, in line with competitors. Trailer Bridge misses SEC deadline US firm asks for more time to file annual report after change of accountants. ABS signs new deal with Greek ministry Society wins right to audit passenger vessels, including inter-island tonnage. RCCL convertible notes hit threshold Bondholders can now swap debt for equity under terms of 2001 deal. Limburg five on trial Suspects accused of bomb attack on VLCC to be brought to justice in Yemen. Aframax resales touted Greek owner said to be looking for $55m price tag on late 2004 deliveries. Van Dyck attacks detentions New Intertanko chairman warns criminal charges for crew hits industry recruitment. Costa Crociere regroups for 2004 Cruiseline talks up first quarter bookings as it gears up for expansion. Syria, Tunisia launch line Joint venture intended to counter dominance of European owners in the Mediterranean. Murmansk FSU shipments start Novoship aframax loads first cargo from storage vessel Belokamenka. QE2 captain fuming over visas Cunard's Ray Heath threatens never to return to Mumbai after temporary landing permit refusal. Aussies hold Astor German cruise ship detained in Port Adelaide just a week before it went aground off Australia. Scrap prices sink First quarter demolition totals show little change on last year despite tonnage shortage. Earnings hike for Humpuss Indonesian tanker owner pushed up net profit in 2003, despite falling revenues. Eimskip becomes Burdaras Icelandic shipowner adopts name of investment arm to signal change in tactics. New route for DFDS Danish ro-ro owner to link Gothenburg with its terminal in Rotterdam from May. Docenave in doldrums Brazilian owner's bulkers improve performance, but net profit falls. Bollore's bottom-line boost French boxship owner thankful for tobacco firm disposal as profits increased in 2003. Torch hit by cost overruns US dollar devaluation plus project delays add 20% to offshore operator's conversion project.

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APRIL 1, 2004
FMC moves to improve U.S. industry position with China "K" Line, MOL join Hanjin, Zim in new U.S./South America VSA Delmas joins the Box Club Panama Canal congestion leads to surcharge Bouchard pleads guilty in oil spill, will pay $10 million fine IATA forecasts modest growth for airlines Lufthansa Cargo maintains profitability in 2003 House bill addresses missile threat to airliners UPS Supply Chain Solutions gets new leaders USTDA awards grant for Belgrade airport cargo study FedEx rolls out hybrid delivery trucks U.S. railroads, STB oppose "captive shipper" legislation CP Railway concentrates cross-border duties Econocaribe expands outbound U.S. Northeast LCL services FMC reviews OTI application, revokes nine licenses Honolulu Freight Service buys City Wide Transportation NIT League, Cameron Group, American Shipper team up for trade seminar SDDC tests PowerTrack on household goods shipments Rochford appointed to AIIS board Four more join U.S. Maritime Security Discussion Agreement Tanjung Pelepas' box traffic up 27% in first quarter Ex-Im Bank approves loan for U.S. X-ray equipment at Egypt's Sokhna port

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APRIL 1, 2004
New ships to Stena Bulk Stena Bulk has named and taken delivery of "Stena Consul", the second vessel in a series of four 47,500-DWT ... Barber International back to Oslo Ship management company Barber International is to move it's headquarters from Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to Oslo. Barber, which manages ... RCCL may leave NIS Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) may reflag six cruise vessels from the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS). The company denies ...