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Shipping News

Clear skies ahead through 2006
THE outlook for container shipping is rosy right through 2006, according to Maersk Sealand's Asia head, who dismissed overcapacity fears.
Tanker sailing to Sydney: Shell
A Shell Company oil tanker with a 15-cm crack in its hull, is on its way to Sydney harbour after a magnetic clamp was attached by divers to stop any further leakages.
Rotterdam port to offer oil-transfer site by next year
ROTTERDAM, Europe's largest oil port, plans to set up a secure site by mid-2005 where companies can transfer oil from one tanker to another, reducing the risk of spills in the waters off southern England and Denmark.
Hyundai wins US$350m order
HYUNDAI Heavy Industries Co , the world's biggest shipbuilder, said it has secured a US$350 million order to build an offshore oil production and refinery vessel for BP Angola.

Air and Land Transport

Qantas beats forecasts with 1.5% rise in H1 net profit
AUSTRALIA's biggest airline, Qantas Airways, beat market forecasts with a small rise in first-half net profit on Thursday, buoyed by a stronger Australian dollar, cost cuts and increased traffic.
Deal struck to end French air traffic control strike
Most German travel agents accept new fee terms: Lufthansa
ANA aims to double operating profit
Cebu Air to mount more flights to China by year-end
LOG Book

Admiralty Casebook

Contract not binding until all details are agreed to
THE words 'subject details' when used in the context of the sale of ships means that there is no binding agreement until all the details of the proposed formal agreement have been agreed to, an English court ruled earlier this month.

web site

Shipping News

Clear skies ahead through 2006
THE outlook for container shipping is rosy right through 2006, according to Maersk Sealand's Asia head, who dismissed overcapacity fears.
Tanker sailing to Sydney: Shell
A Shell Company oil tanker with a 15-cm crack in its hull, is on its way to Sydney harbour after a magnetic clamp was attached by divers to stop any further leakages.
Rotterdam port to offer oil-transfer site by next year
ROTTERDAM, Europe's largest oil port, plans to set up a secure site by mid-2005 where companies can transfer oil from one tanker to another, reducing the risk of spills in the waters off southern England and Denmark.
Hyundai wins US$350m order
HYUNDAI Heavy Industries Co , the world's biggest shipbuilder, said it has secured a US$350 million order to build an offshore oil production and refinery vessel for BP Angola.

Air and Land Transport

Qantas beats forecasts with 1.5% rise in H1 net profit
AUSTRALIA's biggest airline, Qantas Airways, beat market forecasts with a small rise in first-half net profit on Thursday, buoyed by a stronger Australian dollar, cost cuts and increased traffic.
Deal struck to end French air traffic control strike
Most German travel agents accept new fee terms: Lufthansa
ANA aims to double operating profit
Cebu Air to mount more flights to China by year-end
LOG Book

Admiralty Casebook

Contract not binding until all details are agreed to
THE words 'subject details' when used in the context of the sale of ships means that there is no binding agreement until all the details of the proposed formal agreement have been agreed to, an English court ruled earlier this month.

web site

Shipping News

Clear skies ahead through 2006
THE outlook for container shipping is rosy right through 2006, according to Maersk Sealand's Asia head, who dismissed overcapacity fears.
Tanker sailing to Sydney: Shell
A Shell Company oil tanker with a 15-cm crack in its hull, is on its way to Sydney harbour after a magnetic clamp was attached by divers to stop any further leakages.
Rotterdam port to offer oil-transfer site by next year
ROTTERDAM, Europe's largest oil port, plans to set up a secure site by mid-2005 where companies can transfer oil from one tanker to another, reducing the risk of spills in the waters off southern England and Denmark.
Hyundai wins US$350m order
HYUNDAI Heavy Industries Co , the world's biggest shipbuilder, said it has secured a US$350 million order to build an offshore oil production and refinery vessel for BP Angola.

Air and Land Transport

Qantas beats forecasts with 1.5% rise in H1 net profit
AUSTRALIA's biggest airline, Qantas Airways, beat market forecasts with a small rise in first-half net profit on Thursday, buoyed by a stronger Australian dollar, cost cuts and increased traffic.
Deal struck to end French air traffic control strike
Most German travel agents accept new fee terms: Lufthansa
ANA aims to double operating profit
Cebu Air to mount more flights to China by year-end
LOG Book

Admiralty Casebook

Contract not binding until all details are agreed to
THE words 'subject details' when used in the context of the sale of ships means that there is no binding agreement until all the details of the proposed formal agreement have been agreed to, an English court ruled earlier this month.

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CSXWT receives financing for Yantai container terminal NYK opens branch office in Guangzhou Lianyungang port authorities forecast bonanza year CMA CGM chairman slams `astonishing' EC meeting Senator to be slot-charterer on Asia-Middle East service Phoenix teams up with Geodis Qantas first half net profits grow to A$357m Atlas chooses Erickson as CEO FAA honours American Airlines maintenance with awards Con-Way Air appoints sales director

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Maersk Sealand commences global service from Port Pipavav - Weekly fixed-day calls every Tuesday China offers concessions on 217 tariff lines; India on 106 items India, US agree to take WTO issues forward Indian sugar priced out Hamburg Port Authority now ULA's equity partner in bid for JNP box terminal project CONCOR eyes road route to Bangladesh CONCOR-SCR team to visit VCT CONCOR, IDF to hold 49 pc stake each in proposed countrywide cold chain project Haytrans India makes light work of a tall order - ...deftly handles 85-tonne storage tank at Mumbai Port Nagapattinam port back in action after 14 years! Safexpress unveils customised solutions for apparel sector Service tax collections record 68 pc rise in April-Dec. 2003 Central Excise Dept too goes on-line Foodgrains output set to touch new peak EoIs invited for modernisation of Mumbai, Delhi airports 'Amazing India 2004' exhibition to open in Dubai on March 5 IMC team to visit UAE in March

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
Aggressive play in tight Gulf Coast markets US crude stocks and imports surge, products evaporate Bearish crude oil data were counterbalanced by continued strong demand for distillates and low stocks of gasoline for this time of year. ARA: Split pricing leaves delivered prices below trade market Australia: New Vopak terminal to incorporate marine fuels Royal Vopak (Vopak) has announced plans to build a joint industry oil products terminal in Darwin, Australia. Vopak said the new facility will replace Darwin's current storage facilities and gives scope for future expansion. UAE: New Warm Seas terminal close to completion Warm Seas has been absent from the bunker supply market in the Fujairah and Khor Fakkan bunkering hub for over a year, although the company hasn't ruled out returning to the supply market. Tramp owner denies sale speculation - at least for now Reports today said that independent marine fuels supplier and trader Tramp Oil owner Chris Carlsen has denied that his company was up for sale - in the near future at least. Carlsen told Platts that he was not "ready to sell the company, at least anytime soon." Tokyo Bay prices drop, reducing premium on Singapore Iranian hold-up triggers contingency plans in Fujairah Players blamed severe weather conditions in Iran - which is the source for around 80% of Fujairah marine fuel product - for the squeeze on avails. Rotterdam firm this morning

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Panama Canal enjoys good first quarter CP to raise US$175m in notes offer Salvage Association grows with activities Comic antics for Dutch lawyers Losses mount at troubled Stolt-Nielsen

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
Shipping lines work jointly to expand Lambada service Panama Canal shipyard builds first 'in house' vessel UPS advances emissions program with membership in SmartWay Rail traffic numbers have up and down week Royal Olympic Cruise Lines loses P&I insurance coverage

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Møller given Lloyd's List accolade LLOYD'S List paid tribute to Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller for his achievement in creating one of the world's pre-eminent maritime groups at the finale of a gala dinner to celebrate outstanding performance by individuals and organisations in the shipping industry. Finnlines picks Italy for $573m order ITALY' s leading shipbuilder, Fincantieri, and Finnish operator Finnlines yesterday signed a deal worth a potential Tanker smashes scrap record at $403/ldt BANGLADESHI breakers have snapped up a Greek-operated tanker for a mouth-watering $403 per ldt, a rate guaranteed to whet the appetite of other owners considering scrapping older tonnage. SEC steps up probe into Shell reserves cut THE US Security and Exchange Commission's probe into Shell's recent proved reserves cut has moved up a gear as it begins a formal non-public investigation, writes Martyn Wingrove . Owners win P&I concessions as Polembros feels the pressure A NUMBER of shipowners have used their might to win substantially lower premium increases than the norm, in an 11th hour tough-talking drama of the 2004 protection and indemnity renewals.

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
Spain adopts new refuge law SPAIN will not be obliged to provide ports of refuge for ships in distress under a new legislation adopted by royal decree Have your say! WITH the disclosure that a significant number of terrorist groups have a "standing maritime capability", should the UN deploy warships in the main trouble spots? Cruise ship drug bust US CUSTOMS has seized a huge haul of heroin and cocaine allegedly being smuggled into the US aboard Holland America Line's 34,000gt cruise ship Noordam at Tampa Repsol to build Mexican LNG terminal SPANISH energy group Repsol YPF has won a $10.1M contract to build a new LNG plant in Mexico's Pacific port of Lazaro Cardenas Carnival, not rebels, close Haiti ports UNDAUNTED by rebels, Port-au-Prince will close for annual carnival celebrations this weekend, reports Gerard Dambreville of GLD Marine & Shipping Irish Ferries may suspend services IRISH Ferries is considering the temporary suspension of three of its four services in a bid to cut costs Terrorists have maritime capability Russia challenges Turkish pipeline Pakistan foils drug-smuggling bid Australia flags policy changes China signs new US wheat contracts DFDS plans Immingham hub expansion Intra-Asia rates to be hiked Government backs Lloyd Werft Attica profits up three-fold Hanjin Shipping raises the bar

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
EU tightens port security Transport Commissioner Loyala de Palacio said an EU-wide security regime would enhance protection against terrorist acts in ports that are "particularly vulnerable parts of the logistics chain." CN labor talks go down to the wire Union and management representatives are negotiating in an effort to head off a strike that could start just after midnight. ILA, management remain optimistic The International Longshoremen's Association and United States Maritime Alliance concluded two days of meetings Wednesday and said they remain optimistic they can agree on a new contract six months before the current pact expires. Tropical Shipping raises bunker, security surcharges Hanjin ups 2004 earnings target Quesnel to retire as CNF's chief executive in July Alexander International, Mallory Distribution merge Menlo Worldwide Logistics signs deal with Chinese company Maersk Sealand to start service form western Indian port Tax dispute delays publication of TPG earnings New equipment to boost production in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Thai Airways plans cargo venture FedEx to handle distribution for Avnet

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
JNPT board holds off on giving congested Nhava Sheva terminal additional space Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust's (JNPT) board has delayed P&O Ports-run Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) request for land for a container-stacking yard, until other issues are resolved. Toll Collect member hopes to salvage Maut, but competitors begin to gather Mega-ship deployment underscores CMA CGM China strategy Maersk commences new Pipavav-Salalah service Grand Alliance cuts port calls on Asia-Europe service Senator Lines to slot-charter on UASC Asia-Middle East service Barges bring containers to Port of Greater Baton Rouge for the first time Hanjin's 2004 Business Plan pushes the margins RailAmerica revenues up, debt down Le Havre post-panamax crane deliveries continue

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
Barclay ups tanker newbuilding tally Greek owner extends ice-class product carrier play with more Mipo orders. Concordia reverses loss Swedish tanker owner expects good market and new ships to pull in profit for 2004. V Ships wins Sakhalin deal Shipmanager to handle technical operation of Russian owner Prisco's new tankers. Huge loss for Stolt-Nielsen Niels Stolt-Nielsen is relieved grim year is over. Finnlines inks in ropax at Fincantieri Owner unveils details of largest ropaxes ever to be built. Strong markets make Grindrod grin Tanker and bulkers propel South African owner to a big profit for 2003. NYK orders more VLCCs Japanese owner takes double-hull large tanker newbuilding order backlog to eleven ships. STX decides against China move Korean shipbuilder gets better offer from local authorities and opts to stay home. Croatian yard mulls Macedonian manpower Busy 3 Maj may need extra staff to cope with 19-vessel orderbook to 2007. Saudis plan Dammam passenger line Government wants to link Gulf port to Dubai, with other destinations possible later. Tokai Kisen predicts slump into the red Japanese ferry owner revises earnings forecast sharply downwards. Hanjin Shipping forecasting big profit jump Korean container line says cost-cutting and bigger demand to drive earnings this year. US in double Russian detention Sovcomflot and Novoship tankers among fifteen ships held last month for failing port state control. Dracopoulos dumps Leeds stake Greek owner has cut his losses and sold almost half his stake in troubled English football club. Thoresen takes Great Fortune Expanding Thai shipowner confirms acquisition of first of two Sinotrans double-skinned bulkers. CP Ships looks to raise funds Containership owner is looking to raise $175m in fresh funds to reduce existing borrowings. Portek inks deals worth SGD22m Singapore-listed port industry player details projects in south East Asian neighbours and Middle East.

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
World Shipping Council gives views to U.S. Customs on "smart container" Breakbulk, bulk carriers race to comply with U.S. automated manifest rules Hanjin to squeeze more revenue, profits from existing container fleet CP Ships to raise $175 million to repay debt CKYH alliance starts Asia/eastern Med service NYK orders two double-hull VLCCs Schneider National opens intermodal office for Pacific Northwest region St. Lawrence Seaway to open March 25 Menlo forms ocean shippers' association CNF's CEO Quesnel to retire in July FMC reviews 15 OTI license applications Odyssey Logistics acquires Omni Logistics Exel starts RFID project with House of Fraser Corps environmental study underway for proposed Charleston terminal Two large gantry cranes delivered to Le Havre

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FEBRUARY 19, 2004
Statoil gas to Poland after all? Norwegian oil company Statoil is negotiating with Polish gas monopoly company PHNiG to start gas deliveries to Poland. Deliveries would ... Kongsberg fire 120 people The Kongsberg Group continues the reduction of personnel in Norway and increasing its workforce abroad to optimise financial returns. In ... Better times ahead for Concordia Concordia Maritime reports a SEK 35.1 million profit for 2003, up by SEK 177.5 million compared to 2002. For 2004 ...