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Shipping News

Structural issues to impact freight rates
SUPPLY and demand will become less of a factor in determining container freight rates as a better understanding of the dynamics of today's global liner shipping environment takes hold, according to the head of Neptune Orient Lines' container division.
Samsung delivers world's largest container ship
SOUTH Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries Co said yesterday it has completed the world's largest container ship, ordered by a Canadian shipping company.
Lawsuit against PSA dismissed
PSA Corp has won the lawsuit brought against it by Eastern Light Engineering for alleged breach of contract.
US curbs 3 oil tankers under ISPS regime
THE United States restricted operations of three oil tankers calling at its ports from July 1 to July 5 under new United Nations maritime counter-terrorism laws but did not deny them entry, shipping brokers said yesterday.
Saudi firm gets US$160m loan to buy tankers
SAUDI shipping firm National Chemical Carriers on Tuesday signed loan agreements worth US$160 million with three Saudi and regional banks to finance the purchase of six chemical tankers, a statement said.
Dockers' strike disrupts operations at Marseille port
A 24-hour strike by dockers in the southern French port of Marseille yesterday disrupted some goods traffic although oil exports and passenger travel were unaffected, the port authority said.

Air and Land Transport

China gets ready for budget carriers
CHINA is preparing its civil aviation regulatory framework for the inevitable entry of budget carriers into that vast country.
China may widen air service agreements with Asean
Sydney Airport evacuates terminal after security breach
Virgin Blue eyes US routes to challenge Qantas
Viet Air plans to buy 10 Airbus A321 jets
Delta warns of further concessions request

web site

Shipping News

Structural issues to impact freight rates
SUPPLY and demand will become less of a factor in determining container freight rates as a better understanding of the dynamics of today's global liner shipping environment takes hold, according to the head of Neptune Orient Lines' container division.
Samsung delivers world's largest container ship
SOUTH Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries Co said yesterday it has completed the world's largest container ship, ordered by a Canadian shipping company.
Lawsuit against PSA dismissed
PSA Corp has won the lawsuit brought against it by Eastern Light Engineering for alleged breach of contract.
US curbs 3 oil tankers under ISPS regime
THE United States restricted operations of three oil tankers calling at its ports from July 1 to July 5 under new United Nations maritime counter-terrorism laws but did not deny them entry, shipping brokers said yesterday.
Saudi firm gets US$160m loan to buy tankers
SAUDI shipping firm National Chemical Carriers on Tuesday signed loan agreements worth US$160 million with three Saudi and regional banks to finance the purchase of six chemical tankers, a statement said.
Dockers' strike disrupts operations at Marseille port
A 24-hour strike by dockers in the southern French port of Marseille yesterday disrupted some goods traffic although oil exports and passenger travel were unaffected, the port authority said.

Air and Land Transport

China gets ready for budget carriers
CHINA is preparing its civil aviation regulatory framework for the inevitable entry of budget carriers into that vast country.
China may widen air service agreements with Asean
Sydney Airport evacuates terminal after security breach
Virgin Blue eyes US routes to challenge Qantas
Viet Air plans to buy 10 Airbus A321 jets
Delta warns of further concessions request

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Shenzhen container throughput surges in first half HSBC takes note of mainland sourcing trend WTO urged to tackle Chinese textiles monopoly Union and LA, Long Beach officials resume port talks New two-year contract for Central Freight Lines' CEO Lecomte re-elected as chairman Le Havre board Dragonair takes delivery of fifth freighter Korean Air boosts flights to US during high season Singapore Airlines appoints Greek sales agent

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Licences will be granted only to Indian-owned LNG vessels, clarifies DGS Fazli mangoes captivate Britishers DPI studying more overseas projects Rlys hopes to retrieve lost freight Sattva Hi-Tech begins operations at ICD-Arakkonam, handles first lot of 6 import TEUs Indian Oil plans pipeline to Nepal GCCI seeks duty cut on ships imported for scrapping RBI to encourage bank loans for core sector projects Centre prohibits quota transfer in certain categories of garments Economy primed to propel ahead TT Club appoints Andrew Webster as Director of Loss Prevention Fieo suggests opening of 'dollar window' Laloo's 'largesse' leaves logistics companies least impressed Envoy sees good scope for increased Indo-Iranian trade

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JULY 7, 2004
Turkish supplier boosts bunkering fleet Istanbul-based supplier adds fully-owned tanker to its barge fleet. Istanbul suppliers keen to pick up slack from Piraeus Prices down this afternoon in well-supplied Turkish hub. Low demand masks Piraeus supply problems Refinery maintenance reduces supply in major Greek port. Bullish South Korean bunkers on par with Japan Lack of demand has led to more competitive Japanese bunker prices. IMO mulls new oil tanker safety measures for Europe Suppliers and barge operators facing additional regulations aimed at preventing environmental disaster in 'PSSA', large 'bunker carriers' could also be affected. Chinese fuel oil trader expands Singapore team Key importer also looking to expand storage facilities in island state. Rotterdam steady at noon Latest: Autumn restart for Batumi bunkering Local supplier reveals that new regulations for bunker activity set to be put in place by autumn, not July, following months of upheaval.

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Combating freight crime, London, 13 July 2004 Tele Atlas jointly with Mio US FMCSA releases final rule on hazardous cargo by truck Culina Logistik wins Andros UK contract Strong competition from the east for Austrian truckers International airport in Poona? Largest container ship built in China so far Andre Viljoen resigns as SAA CEO

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JULY 7, 2004
US calls time on paper manifests Euro short sea trades keep pace with roads P&O sells off more property Xiamen ready for 6th generation boxboats Gorthon sells damaged forest products ship

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JULY 7, 2004
Container super barge enters service VT Halter Marine delivers 912 TEU unit to Columbia Coastal Management transition at CATS Martin takes over as president as company takes ownership of "The Breeze"

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JULY 7, 2004
Research ship makes stop at Port of Astoria's Pier 1 DOT's transportation index moves to highest count ever Public can review PDX noise info at meetings in Vancouver/Portland Economic development group meeting next week in Bellingham New food outlet opens at Washington Ferries' Anacortes dock

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China syndrome helps push bulkers back to boomtime Two weeks ago, Tai Chong Cheang paid Louis Dreyfus $45m for a second hand capesize which perked the bulk sale and purchase market up considerably. "Similar ships might now go for $50m, giving a solid foundation for period business," a Hong Kong broker commented. Laem Chabang plan to treble its box capacity THE Port Authority of Thailand has opened a tender for a massive expansion of Laem Chabang that will treble the capacity of the country's main box port. Container lines mull ISPS charge CONTAINER lines around the world are planning to introduce security charges to cover the cost of complying with new global anti-terrorist rules, writes Janet Porter. ABP all-clear to build DFDS ferry terminal at Immingham ASSOCIATED British Ports has been given the necessary government go-ahead to build a '35m ($62m) five-berth riverside ferry terminal at the Humberside port of Immingham. Strike threat adds to US west coast jam A BOTTLENECK of ships at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach caused by the US Independence Day holiday weekend has been exacerbated by the threat of a dockers' strike that could entirely shut down the US west coast's economic hub, writes Rajesh Joshi in New York.

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JULY 7, 2004
Terminals struggle with security rules TWENTY terminals across the US and its Caribbean territories are undergoing strenuous Coast Guard scrutiny as most remain closed and operators struggle to bring their facilities into ISPS compliance US visa delays hit Indian seafarers INDIA'S seafarers and ship managers have been hit by delay in getting US visa permits Chile to give port back to public THE north Chilean port of Iquique plans to restore public access to parts of the port and to attract tourism and cruise ships EU warns failing member states THE European Commission has launched a succession of legal complaints and final warnings against EU member states failing to implement maritime safety laws Alstom aid comes with conditions FRENCH government aid that will be used to restructure beleaguered engineering group Alstom will be subject to strict conditions Shipbuilding matters: Antonini CORRADO Antonini, chairman of Italian ship yard group Assonave, has called on the Italian government to enforce measures to protect the industry or watch it decline Third bag helps Prestige extraction IRISL pushes to Nhava Sheva Passengers push Belfast to record Boxships collide off Busan One dead, 31 injured in yard fall Inchon focuses PSC on ISPS Balearia to launch new island link Pacific Basin response encouraging China admits bird flu is back HMM to add two more VLCCs

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JULY 7, 2004
Maersk Sealand diverting Miami ships Container operations at Florida port crippled as strike by independent truckers enters tenth day. Talks continue on So. Cal. clerks pact Talks between union representing 750 office workers in Southern California, shipping lines slated to resume today. Senate panel approves TSA chief Long Beach eyeing higher revenue EU: Short-sea matches truck growth Coscon launches new China service NVO files complaint against Fesco line Hong Kong volume up Growth for Air France-KLM cargo Aussie resorts latest P&O sale Former Norasia chief to Alabama ports

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JULY 7, 2004
CMA CGM launches bid for 50% share in Zeebrugge terminal CMA CGM has launched a bid for a 50% share in Zeebrugge's OCHZ container terminal, and secured agreement in principle, the carrier's president has confirmed. Two industry cures offered for congested Rotterdam Port Everglades hails MSC lease as potential 83,800TEU boon CN announces US$800million financing for rail, marine acquisitions Ninth string not a stretch, says Maersk New services may have missed the charter boat China Shipping newbuild to be launched into AAS service Port of Shanghai H1 throughput: correction Team Lines to slot straight to St Petersburg

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JULY 7, 2004
US said boarding, scuttling ships Ecuador wants to know whether it is US policy to sink ships in its waters. Tankers get off light in US checks Security inspections are taking a negligible toll on commerce despite the hard US line. Rocknes repair stalled Unexpected steel fatigue may make a $42m reconstruction even dearer for Atle Jebsen. Saaremaa on a high Estonian ferry operator boosts passenger numbers in first half, as state-subsidised contract draws to close. EC talks tough on safety Court action against member states on bulker safety and warnings doled out to other non-compliers. Drillship collision vessel named Leisure World identified as being in incident with Northern Offshore's Energy Searcher. Alstom aid approved But sell-offs, restructuring and the opening up of competition specified for French giant. Cargo coup for Volgaflot Russian owner's volumes reach 3m tonnes in first half of 2004. Tirrenia draws up sell-off plan State-owned Italian ferry owner plans to create a new company as part of privatisation process. Genmar closes refinancing Low-amortising loan replaces three higher-priced facilities. Silversea loses 9/11 appeal Judges uphold ruling that limits cruise line compensation for loss of business following terrorist attack to $5m. Teekay announces dividend Canadian owner declares payout of $0.125 per share. Indian ships for LNG imports Changes to tax and flagging rules could lure more owners to make a play for LNG carrier ownership. Tanker stocks mount recovery Knightsbridge and Nordic American hit 52-week highs after temporary blip. MTG boosts capacity Bulgarian repair yard ready to pay up for new dock in Varna. P&O sells resorts business Australian holiday property outfit sale hauls in $151m as its big clear out continues.

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JULY 7, 2004
Asia/Europe carriers consider ISPS surcharge EC reprimands nine EU states on vessel traffic safety EC takes five EU states to court over bulk shipping safety Columbia Coastal adds U.S.-built container barge EU members use satellites to survey North Sea for pollution Team Lines starts Rotterdam/St. Petersburg link CORRECTION: ECS service to call at Charleston, Manzanillo CORRECTION: Vessels time-chartered to Farrell Lines Bush encourages Congress to accept U.S.-Australia FTA FCS adds secondary notify capability to Import2000 Commerce: Chinese, Vietnamese shrimp dumped on U.S. market ITC releases supplement to 2004 HTS MOL, NYK transfer know-how to Chinese port operator Georgia Ports appoints former CSX port executive as COO Long Beach harbor commissioners elect Calhoun president