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Shipping News

Jurong Shipyard wins $1.1b contract
JURONG Shipyard has won a $1.066 billion contract to convert a crude carrier into one of the world's largest oil rigs for a unit of the Brazilian state oil company Petrobras.
Trial of Cole attack suspects adjourned
THE trial of 11 suspects charged with bombing the US destroyer Cole opened on Sunday but was immediately adjourned for one month to allow further investigations.
US Navy protecting ME oil sites
THE United States Navy said it's working more closely with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to protect offshore oil loading facilities in the Persian Gulf after suicide bombers tried to attack Iraq's oil export terminals in April.
Indian ship scrap prices dive as local steel prices fall
THE prices offered by buyers of ships for demolition and conversion into recycled steel in India, the world's biggest market for shipbreaking, fell as much as a quarter as local steel prices plunged, shipbrokers and cash buyers, including Maryland-based GMS Inc, said.
Freight Rates
OIL tanker rates for shipping crude from the Middle East, unchanged near four-month highs, may rise this week as oil companies and traders book vessels for July before producers confirm details of export programmes for the month.

Air and Land Transport

United to add flights and capacity in Asia-Pacific
UNITED Airlines, the world's second largest carrier, is set to expand its routes in the Asia-Pacific region beyond pre-Sars levels as it weathers the surge in jet fuel prices which has delayed its return to profitability.
Star Alliance accuses BAA of bias
JAL on track to return to the black in FY2005
Austrian Air wants to go big in Asia with daily services
Canberra unveils new road, rail project
Log Book

Features

SPT and the key role of biometrics in air travel
BIOMETRICS has taken centrestage in the effort to provide expedited passenger travel and enhanced security of all passengers.

web site

Shipping News

Jurong Shipyard wins $1.1b contract
JURONG Shipyard has won a $1.066 billion contract to convert a crude carrier into one of the world's largest oil rigs for a unit of the Brazilian state oil company Petrobras.
Trial of Cole attack suspects adjourned
THE trial of 11 suspects charged with bombing the US destroyer Cole opened on Sunday but was immediately adjourned for one month to allow further investigations.
US Navy protecting ME oil sites
THE United States Navy said it's working more closely with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to protect offshore oil loading facilities in the Persian Gulf after suicide bombers tried to attack Iraq's oil export terminals in April.
Indian ship scrap prices dive as local steel prices fall
THE prices offered by buyers of ships for demolition and conversion into recycled steel in India, the world's biggest market for shipbreaking, fell as much as a quarter as local steel prices plunged, shipbrokers and cash buyers, including Maryland-based GMS Inc, said.
Freight Rates
OIL tanker rates for shipping crude from the Middle East, unchanged near four-month highs, may rise this week as oil companies and traders book vessels for July before producers confirm details of export programmes for the month.

Air and Land Transport

United to add flights and capacity in Asia-Pacific
UNITED Airlines, the world's second largest carrier, is set to expand its routes in the Asia-Pacific region beyond pre-Sars levels as it weathers the surge in jet fuel prices which has delayed its return to profitability.
Star Alliance accuses BAA of bias
JAL on track to return to the black in FY2005
Austrian Air wants to go big in Asia with daily services
Canberra unveils new road, rail project
Log Book

Features

SPT and the key role of biometrics in air travel
BIOMETRICS has taken centrestage in the effort to provide expedited passenger travel and enhanced security of all passengers.

web site

Shipping News

Jurong Shipyard wins $1.1b contract
JURONG Shipyard has won a $1.066 billion contract to convert a crude carrier into one of the world's largest oil rigs for a unit of the Brazilian state oil company Petrobras.
Trial of Cole attack suspects adjourned
THE trial of 11 suspects charged with bombing the US destroyer Cole opened on Sunday but was immediately adjourned for one month to allow further investigations.
US Navy protecting ME oil sites
THE United States Navy said it's working more closely with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to protect offshore oil loading facilities in the Persian Gulf after suicide bombers tried to attack Iraq's oil export terminals in April.
Indian ship scrap prices dive as local steel prices fall
THE prices offered by buyers of ships for demolition and conversion into recycled steel in India, the world's biggest market for shipbreaking, fell as much as a quarter as local steel prices plunged, shipbrokers and cash buyers, including Maryland-based GMS Inc, said.
Freight Rates
OIL tanker rates for shipping crude from the Middle East, unchanged near four-month highs, may rise this week as oil companies and traders book vessels for July before producers confirm details of export programmes for the month.

Air and Land Transport

United to add flights and capacity in Asia-Pacific
UNITED Airlines, the world's second largest carrier, is set to expand its routes in the Asia-Pacific region beyond pre-Sars levels as it weathers the surge in jet fuel prices which has delayed its return to profitability.
Star Alliance accuses BAA of bias
JAL on track to return to the black in FY2005
Austrian Air wants to go big in Asia with daily services
Canberra unveils new road, rail project
Log Book

Features

SPT and the key role of biometrics in air travel
BIOMETRICS has taken centrestage in the effort to provide expedited passenger travel and enhanced security of all passengers.

	web site

OOCL Logistics to lease Waigaoqiao warehouse MOL recurring profit up in FY2003 Malaysia turns down foreign help to fight terror SCIPSI starts transshipment service Panama Canal receives ISPS certification Thai Airways announces higher profits Boeing, Japan Transocean Air sign maintenance contract UA resumes Chicago to Honolulu service Lynden Air Freight opens Puerto Rico office

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Hapag-Lloyd Group to focus on shipping MOL links up with SITC to provide upgraded JHC service OOCL introduces third KTX service ECU-Line provides services to South Africa Channel deepening project in Port of NY/NJ NOL appointments New Med call for Italia Line Lower demand pulls down bulk shipping freight rates Baalu: Cess to part-finance Sagar Mala project will be unfair burden on trade Exim Bank to extend lines of credit to Mozambique and Mongolia Plexconcil's initiatives to boost exports ready - Warehouses, display centres on launch-pad A dash of chillies makes spices a hot commodity abroad Software, services exports post 30.5 pc growth in 2003-04 Operations at SWPL-developed berths in Mormugao harbour may begin this week VCT fast becoming an alternative, attractive transhipment hub Strike at Chennai container terminal comes to an end JNP's sterling performance leads to robust financial results - New Records: Operating income Rs 580 cr; net surplus Rs 258 cr. Foreign exchange reserves down by $ 56 million to $ 1,18,572 million EPCG norms for import of used capital goods in for review CBEC praises Vizag Customs for exceeding revenue target Inflation rises to 5.02 pc Forex reserves near $ 120-bn mark Fieo renews demand for I-T exemption till 2010 Kamal Nath hints at better deal for special economic zones & export-oriented units - ...to pitch for retaining I-T sops beyond 2010 Korea to open Mumbai trade office on June 10 IMC meeting to discuss official harassment

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JUNE 7, 2004
Much work remains on EU bunker barge fleet Poll reveals a majority feeling unconvinced about EU readiness for double-hull deadline, with many suppliers still considering their options. Suppliers see 'little impact' from Rome refinery reopening Italian suppliers play down importance of refinery turnarounds on bunker market, blaming high freight rates and lack of transportation vessels for any supply hiccups. Gibraltar numbers continue region-wide downturn International Energy Agency 'stockpiles could keep prices down' The IEA has said that should a significant supply disruption occur, it would be able to trigger a release of stocks to keep prices down. Quiet start in Rotterdam

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JUNE 7, 2004
One day workshop on VAT in Switzerland ICTSI launches online payment facility links IFC loan for Sokhna Port (Egypt) Koreans open distribution centre in Rotterdam New European transport and distribution network Airports Company SA says African potential is immense Two new super postpanamax gantries for Le Havre Appointments to KLM supervisory board announced

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JUNE 7, 2004
Stelmar board rejects OMI US ships and ports "99% ISPS compliant" MOL-fs Indonesia-Thailand service EC unveils new inland waterways rules Panama Canal modernisation row Fatal blast on Odfjell-run tanker Stelios tells Stelmar to hurry up US to share ship information with Malacca Strait countries

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JUNE 7, 2004
Bender opens Mexico yard Astilleros Bender is open for business in Tampico Fatality follows chemical tanker explosion Odfjell reports death of crew man following blast aboard NTT MEKKA

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JUNE 7, 2004
Sea-Tac Airport to celebrate Concourse A grand opening Coast Guard on lookout for boaters at rough river bars Two executives retire from Union Pacific Corp. Jim Van der Veen wins Thomas Crowley Trophy Royal Olympic Cruise Lines asks for more time from SEC

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Stelmar rejects OMI merger offer STELMAR Shipping has unceremoniously rebuffed OMI's merger offer that would have led to the two New York listed tanker firms joining forces. Nick Hartley, chairman of the Athens-based tanker operator, yesterday wrote to OMI chairman and chief executive Mitropoulos nails nations on ISPS Code delays GOVERNMENTS are largely to blame for the almost certain failure of many ships and ports to meet the fast approaching deadline for meeting new US Navy beefs up Iraq oil security THE US Navy is to boost security arrangements at Iraqi oil terminals in response to recent insurgent attacks, writes David Osler. Embiricos launches blistering attack on 'misguided' de Palacio A BLISTERING attack on European Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio's "misguided policies" in shipping has been unleashed by a leading Greek shipowner, writes Tony Gray.

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JUNE 7, 2004
Stelmar turns down OMI offer THE board of Stelmar Shipping has formally turned down the merger offer by OMI Corp today, despite the urgings of its founder Boxship spotlight on newbuildings THE dash to secure container ship tonnage seen earlier this year appears to have waned, although noteworthy deals are still being made Embiricos rounds on EC's Loyola GREEK ship owner Epaminondas Embiricos was roundly applauded at today's Posidonia Maritime Policy when he lambasted the European Commission One dead in tanker blast ONE seafarer has died and another is in a critical condition after an explosion on board the Odfjell-managed tanker NCC Mekka off the coast of Brazil Manila acts on document forgery A SPECIAL task force has been formed in the Philippines aimed at stamping out the proliferation of fake seafarer certificates and documents New Sam-Link services SAM-LINK plans to deploy a cruise vessel on the Mumbai-Goa-Cochin-Colombo route as well as a new ferry service to interconnect Bhavnagar and Bharuch Sunken trawler to be re-floated Peel Ports to launch feeder facility Empty boxes 'a more likely threat' Felixstowe extension delayed Cruise ports outpace cargo on ISPS French detain another LPG tanker Resentment hinders ISPS planning Hess joins US LNG project Chennai strike over

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JUNE 7, 2004
Shippers support So. Cal. peak fees The nation's largest shippers throw support behind proposal by marine terminal operators to charge shippers a premium fee at LA-Long Beach. More East Coast all-water services Shipping lines are expected to add three new all-water services from Asia to the U.S. East Coast by early 2005. ILA to vote on port pact High court gives green light to Mexican truckers Logistics costs fall to 8.5% of GDP Ways and Means to act on trade tax bill Marad approves Maersk for MSP charters Backlog remains after Chennai strike ends Malaysia rejects U.S. patrols for Malacca Strait Intermodal powers rail carloads P&O moves to scuttle Maersk India terminal bid: Report MOL Logistics opens China office More headlines

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JUNE 7, 2004
Container storage 'free period' reduced for Malaysian shippers Global container shortages are forcing carriers to reduce shippers' container free time at Malaysian ports from seven to five days beginning July 1. Rotterdam cargo faces delays through union action Rotterdam will see the first of a series of trade union led labour actions today with unions protesting at the deterioration of workers' rights to early retirement. Chennai operations resume as fourth worker is reinstated Santos congestion sees terminals cut dwell time Volumes tempt MOL into new intra-Asia service CIMC secures US$100million loan for further expansion Mumbai reduces cost of box movements within port Xijiang river deepening opens way for bigger vessels

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JUNE 7, 2004
Swoon over Miami Tanker Pacific considered more traditional locales before finding Miami nice for its new Americas headquarters. OMI 'disappointed' at Stelmar Stevenson blasts target's board as anti-shareholder, but doesn't sound ready for a fight. Posidonia parades Mitropoulos Greek owners back their new IMO boss to provide global leadership, while the man himself warns on low ISPS compliance. Did OMI make fair offer? Industry analyst says there's more than one way to measure. Caribbean security worry Fears grow over trade between islands and US ports in run-up to 1 July deadline. Stelmar shares plunge OMI stock nudges above 52-week high on word of snub from Greek owner's board. Pandy pursues the enemy Embiricos launches into reasoned rant at Posidonia against "misguided" EC shipping moves. Metrostar nabs VLCC resale Greek owner splashes out big bucks on 2005 delivery ship. Stelmar says no thanks Tanker owner rejects takeover offer from rival US operator OMI Corp. Tsakos confirms loss of Liberty Greek owner's old single-skin tanker sold for scrap, while big profits loom for 2004. NITC plans huge tanker spend National Iranian Oil Tanker Co needs forty newbuildings over the next 10 years. First oil pumped off Prestige Challenging wreck clean-up operation sees results off Spanish coast. Mekka blast kills crewman One man is dead and another is in critical condition after explosion on Odfjell-managed tanker. Green light for Hawaii ro-pax Aussie fast ferry specialist Austal is to start on first vessel despite the majority of the funding still lacking. US plays down Malacca presence Americans promote "information sharing" initiative in effort to combat Malacca terror threats. Keppel blaze probe begins Singapore's Ministry of Manpower names three-man committee to investigate Almudaina tragedy. Jurong doubles boxes Singapore port operator sees container boom lift throughput at expanding terminal. Labroy inks newbuilding Singapore-based shipbuilder seals newbuilding deal for $14.8m anchor handling tug supply vessel. Horizon seals bumper Navy deal Deal to operate and maintain US oceanographic ships could net container line potential windfall.

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JUNE 7, 2004
U.S. agricultural shippers deplore Pacific rate increases Pierce cautious about recovery of U.S.-to-Asia beef market Air Asia outsources cargo business to Lufthansa United adds direct Washington/Zurich route Port of Oakland works to find answers for frustrated truck drivers UP execs retire U.S. sets provisional antidumping rates for Canadian lumber ITC prepares sunset reviews for Chinese products Missile shipment seized in Turkey Trade investigators initiate 3 cases Smiths introduces new screening device MOL Logistics opens Guangzhou office L.A./Long Beach terminals push for daytime gate user fee Cargoes, ships stranded at port of Chennai Port accident in Antwerp

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JUNE 7, 2004
Norway's minister of shipping highlighted quality shipping in Piraeus Posidonia Maritime Policy Forum gathered around 500 delegates in Piraeus during Monday, including the Greek and the Norwegian shipping ministers ... Authority handling of ISPS disappoints IMO chief In a speech at the Posidonia Maritime Policy Forum in Piraeus, The IMO secretary-general Efthymios Mitropoulos voiced sharp critique ... Explosion on chemical tanker One Philippino seaman died and another was critically injured when the Odfjell managed chemical tanker "NCC Mekka" of 37,272 DWT ...