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Shipping News

IMO set to adopt ballast water convention
A new international convention aimed at halting the devastating spread of aquatic organisms - dubbed 'alien invaders' - in ships' ballast water is set to be adopted by the International Maritime Organisation.
Salvors to remove stricken tanker off Karachi port
AN operation to remove the wreck of a Greek oil tanker that ran aground outside Karachi's main port more than six months ago causing Pakistan's worst-ever oil spill will start this week, officials said yesterday.
European competition law changes could hit brokers
SWEEPING changes in competition law across Norway and the EU could have serious consequences for shipowners and shipbrokers alike, warns Oslo-basedlaw firm Wikborg Rein.
Modern Terminals forecasts marginal growth
MODERN Terminals Ltd, Hong Kong's second-largest port operator, expects to handle between 2 per cent and 3 per cent more containers in Hong Kong this year, managing director Erik Bogh Christensen said.

Air and Land Transport

Bangkok Airways to lease two Airbus jets
BANGKOK Airways, Thailand's second biggest airline, said it ordered two Airbus SAS A320 aircraft to be delivered this year as the carrier expands its routes in China.
Pilots' strike forces Alitalia to cancel 159 flights
BA's Q3 profit soars
Pilots of Flash airliner unaware of crisis: official
Probe into pilot who raised faith issue
A suggested route for US Airways

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Shipping News

IMO set to adopt ballast water convention
A new international convention aimed at halting the devastating spread of aquatic organisms - dubbed 'alien invaders' - in ships' ballast water is set to be adopted by the International Maritime Organisation.
Salvors to remove stricken tanker off Karachi port
AN operation to remove the wreck of a Greek oil tanker that ran aground outside Karachi's main port more than six months ago causing Pakistan's worst-ever oil spill will start this week, officials said yesterday.
European competition law changes could hit brokers
SWEEPING changes in competition law across Norway and the EU could have serious consequences for shipowners and shipbrokers alike, warns Oslo-basedlaw firm Wikborg Rein.
Modern Terminals forecasts marginal growth
MODERN Terminals Ltd, Hong Kong's second-largest port operator, expects to handle between 2 per cent and 3 per cent more containers in Hong Kong this year, managing director Erik Bogh Christensen said.

Air and Land Transport

Bangkok Airways to lease two Airbus jets
BANGKOK Airways, Thailand's second biggest airline, said it ordered two Airbus SAS A320 aircraft to be delivered this year as the carrier expands its routes in China.
Pilots' strike forces Alitalia to cancel 159 flights
BA's Q3 profit soars
Pilots of Flash airliner unaware of crisis: official
Probe into pilot who raised faith issue
A suggested route for US Airways

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CSXYT launches extra China-Japan service HK TDC to hold logistics expo in Guangdong Tacoma port plans US$200 million expansion Span Alaska signs up for shipment management solution Menlo University named 'best new corporate university' Korean Air upbeat about future despite loss in 2003 FedEx strengthens service to Vietnam Origin launches same day airfreight service Singapore trade and industry minister begins Jakarta visit

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Norasia launches AAC service - Continues to offer customers top-notch service from China to Canada & US West Coast AEX 2 service also launched - Further option for customers linking China & N. Europe UASC launches additional S-E Asia-Middle East service 10 shipping lines evince interest in Nigerian ports Box volume at all-time high at port of Antwerp Lloyd Triestino revamps web site Shortage of box space to continue A.P. Möller - Maersk A/S results GAC Logistics expands presence in Norway IPBCC announces westbound rate restoration programme New import norms freeze pulses shipments Oilmeal exports surging EU textile team seeks reciprocal enhancement of market access GCC-India industrial meet to throw light on bilateral economic cooperation Contours of South Asia free trade zone take shape PSA keen on developing Vizhinjam port Ashok Leyland truck shipment for Iraq through Mumbai Port - MbPT facilitates movement of commercial vehicles Chennai Port breaks own record in car loading RVNL to invite bids for new projects worth Rs 1,753 crore Forex reserves rose by $ 1,111 million to cross $ 104-billion Part of forex reserves may be invested in FIs' infrastructure bonds Forex reserves swell by $ 761 million Rs 175-cr. package for powerlooms in Maharashtra $ 75 m Exim Bank credit for Africa, Central Asia Ministry yet to operationalise grain export scheme AP offers to set up foundry park in Vizag Fieo-ECGC Forum meet on Feb. 25 US business team to speak at IMC today Ganesh Food Products award presented to Vijay J. Shah AIAI signs MoU with Romanian Chamber

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Tight avails and high demand blamed for record premium Fuel oil prices in Fujairah were today quoted at a higher than average premium over prices in Singapore. Bunker indications in the UAE port were seen at some $6.00 per metric tonne (mt)higher than Fujairah for 380 centistoke (cst), a 29-month high according to market sources. Valero Energy predicts growth for former El Paso operation San Antonio-based Valero Enery Corporation told Bunkerworld today that its acquisition of El Paso's Aruba-based bunkering and marketing business does not spell the end of marine fuel supplies in the Caribbean port. Gibraltar sees average demand amid good prompt delivery No problems with post holiday prompt in Istanbul Rotterdam market soft and quiet Singapore continues to dwarf rivals with 2003 bunker sales rise The Maritime and Port Authority for Singapore (MPA) announced today that Singapore's bunker sales climbed to 20.8 million metric tonnes (mt), up 3.5% from 2002. Chemoil files suit against Shell Trading US Co The global independent marine fuel supplier Chemoil Corporation announced Friday that it has filed a US Federal court suit against Shell Trading US Company (STUSCO) for the alleged supply of acidic bunkers in the US Gulf last year. Uruguay market update

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Finnlines profit up despite "unfavourable" market US set for ISPS compliance Hatch cover warning DNV classes most Brazilian OSV newbuilds More EU/US talks on Galileo

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Shipbuilders' association slams Bush Navy budget proposal Cynthia Brown, President of the American Shipbuilding Association, says the Bush Administration's FY 2005 budget is "deeply troubling." Lloyd Werft declares insolvency Financial squeeze follows Pride of America accident

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Host of records fall at Port of Tacoma Teams remove leaking oil from boat in Commencement Bay Corps plans public meeting to discuss The Dalles Dam spill Corps taking action to fill failing Grays Harbor jetty Royal Olympia Cruise Lines gets more time to restructure

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Libya eyes stake in beleaguered Festival LIBYA has joined the ranks of investors interested in playing a role in the refloating of struggling Italian cruiseship operator Festival Cruises. Lloyd Werft files for insolvency after Pride of America disaster GERMAN shipyard Lloyd Werft has started insolvency proceedings at a court in Bremerhaven. Hutchison on collision course with rivals on bid to stall UK box plans HUTCHISON Ports is urging the UK government to postpone any decision on two major container port developments until its own planning applications have been considered. Call for global detention appeals INDEPENDENT tanker owners' organisation Intertanko and the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on port state control, are calling for an worldwide extension of the Paris MoU's independent appeals procedure, writes Sandra Speares. Kinnect hails first major open market risk LLOYD'S electronic system Kinnect has handled its first complex open market risk. A US commercial property risk was transferred from broker Willis across the Kinnect platform into the underwriting system of insurer Amlin, writes James Brewer.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Port state shortcomings admitted TANKER industry representatives and port state control officials have today pledged their support for more transparent procedures and co-operation in a bid to stamp out malpractice and bribery within certain port state regimes USCG expands Jones Act eligibility THE US Coast Guard has resolved a dispute over a 1996 law that lifted barriers for US Jones Act vessels seeking lease-financing deals from foreign institutions S&P sees better times ahead for P&I THIS year could prove to be a turning point for International Group P&I clubs, according to ratings agency Standard & Poor's Malta studies tax-free laws MALTA'S tourism minister has revealed that a legal study has been drawn up to examine tax-free shopping rules once the island joins the EU Izar applauds huge subsidy boost SPANISH shipbuilder Izar today welcomed approval of a three-year, '715M ($879M) government package NCL to decide Lloyd Werft future LLOYD Werft will hold talks with Norwegian Cruise Line later this week to decide whether the Pride of America will be completed at the Bremerhaven shipyard Van Betteray returns to Lloyd Werft ABS to certify Panama Canal Dutch ports to close to public Festival talks continue amid rumour Freight boosts Cotunav results 18 feared lost in sinking off Korea Mitropoulos urges ballast proposal Sabotage fears after NZ spill Maersk, DPA bid for Iraqi ports China's oil imports top 100M tonnes

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
U.S., Australia in free trade deal Agreement excluding sugar will eliminate duties from more than 99 percent of American-produced exports. Cargo gains boost British Airways Profits jump five-fold in third quarter on stronger Pacific and Mid-East shipments. DHL: Asia-Pacific sales to grow 10% China will lead growth for express unit, chief executive says. Maersk boxship hits crane at Newport News Long Beach bonds rated AA Ga. bulk terminal reopens after fire Retailers expect better year in 2004 Qualcomm exec joins Savi as COO Mineta to keynote NIT League meeting Container upgrade for Karachi Chile yards to build Maersk vessels Iraq extends port bids deadline DHS takes over key security programs

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Derailment disrupts CN freight traffic on Halifax-Chicago corridor Freight traffic on the Canadian National Railway (CN) main line connecting Halifax, Montreal and Chicago has been halted as a result of a derailment near Quebec City Saturday. New owner by the summer for Dunkirk box terminal Talks with 'four to five' potential buyers for Dunkirk's Nord France Terminal International (NFTI) are underway and it is 'still feasible' to have a new shareholder by mid-2004. Chennai truckers rail against dock delays First round of USCG security fines could reach US$10million...and then triple Second Gotthard road tunnel scuppered by Swiss electorate Security costs 'port's responsibility', say Malaysian agents, after Klang waives surcharge CMA CGM vessel upgrade reinforces Baltic Container Terminal volumes Rail connections boost Terminal Container Ravenna throughput

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
US searches for spill-and-run ship Coast Guard offers reward for information on New Jersey polluter. The S&P deal that wasn't En bloc sale of handymaxes for $42m falls apart over two little words. MARPOL revisions to create tonnage surplus Intertanko study says vegoil changes will create 5.7m dwt oversupply. Martin's sons urged to sell CSL Heat turned up again on prime minister's ties to shipping company. S&P says P&I outlook stable Rowena Potter expects bottom line profit despite underwriting loss. Lloyd Werft files for bankruptcy German yard hit by Pride of America sinking seeks protection from creditors. Two die after grounding in Madagascar Maltese flag probes death of Ukrainian crew killed in bid to reach shore after abandoning cargoship. Tasman Spirit removal set to start Tanker's bow section to be broken up by local demolition company in Pakistan. Finnlines plans big ropax order Scandinavian owner sees growth opportunities on horizon. Wilh Wilhelmsen pays for bird rescue Norwegian owner gives money to Dutch environmental group after leaks from sunken Tricolor threatened wildlife. First scrap VLCC of 2004 attracts record rate But tonnage famine continues attracting top dollar offers from breakers in all countries. Spain to aid local yards Government to pay out to help ailing home industry in face of Asian competition. Port state control abuse put under the spotlight Paris MOU backs calls for more communication with owners over detention appeals and problems. Norilsk in Murmansk shipping deal Russian shipowner signs exclusive three year deal to carry Arctic cargo. Ten dead in sinking off Korea Eight men still missing after Panamanian ship carrying steel goes down near Kunsan. Shinwa and Iino in the money Japanese tanker owners on target for healthy profits in year to end March. Panamanian ship accused of pollution in the US Owner and manager of bulker Spring Drake face federal charges after incident in Portland. Hyundai Mipo moves back in the black Order haul helps Korean shipbuilder to shrug off three years of losses. Royal Olympic deadline extended Greek court gives embattled cruise line more time to agree restructuring with creditors.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
House Democratic leader's staff clarifies container remark China Shipping drops Salalah hub IMO warns of alien invaders in ballast water CLARIFICATION: Maersk Sealand not calling at Muscat on U.S. link Zumwinkel expects profit rise at Deutsche Post Cargo volume growth reversed in Hong Kong Customs officers undergo broader training U.S., Australia sign free-trade agreement U.S. to ratchet up security requirements for importers New online system to list C-TPAT members Phased enforcement of FDA rules has pluses and minuses DHS nears completion of regional reorganization plan DHS seeks agriculture advice from COAC Severe weather disrupts rail traffic in Canada, parts of U.S. Compliance managers to gather in San Diego U.S. bans bird imports from eight Asian countries Bush highlights port security; Senate critic says effort not serious Hamburg Sud appoints North American West Coast director

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FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Union warns for job losses after British competition ruling The British maritime officer union Numast warns that the Competition Commission block of the P&O sale of its Dublin ... Finnlines to order ro-paxes Finnlines is going to order at least three new ro-pax vessels in the near future. They will have a ... Warning of cut in net wages Even though the Norwegian minority government has promised to retain the current net wage arrangements until 2005, there are now ...