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Shipping News

Handling charges must go: shippers
AHEAD of a key meeting between shippers and ocean carriers next week, the Federation of Asean Shippers' Councils has again called for the abolition of terminal handling charges , saying transparency and cooperation is the best way forward.
THCs charged at both ends often exceed freight rates
CONTROVERSIAL Terminal Handling Charges were first introduced by the Far Eastern Freight Conference in 1990 as it restructured the box tariff to separate freight rates, denominated in US dollars, from port charges priced in local currencies.
US warns of attacks on Asia's shipping and financial hubs
US officials yesterday warned Asia to be on guard against terror attacks in crowded sea lanes and in financial centres such as Hong Kong.
Sorth Korea orders tighter port security
SOUTH Korea's intelligence service has ordered ports to extend heightened security measures amid reports of a threat to countries that have backed the US-led war on terror, a government official said yesterday.
P&O inks 40-year deal to operate container terminal at Antwerp
PSA International will face tougher competition at its biggest terminal investment, in Antwerp, after rival P&O Ports formalised its 40-year concession to operate the opposing bank of the Belgian port's new dock.
Kuehne & Nagel bags licence for China unit
KUEHNE & Nagel International, the world's biggest sea-freight shipper, said it won a licence to operate a fully owned subsidiary in China, helping reduce dependence on partners.
Separate insurance scheme for passenger vessels urged
THE Asian Shipowners Forum has urged P&I Clubs to reach agreement on a separate insurance scheme for passenger vessels, to lower the liability burden on cargo shipping.

Air and Land Transport

IATA challenges new EU compensation rules
WORLD airlines launched a legal challenge against new European Union rules that would allow boosted compensation for passengers who face delays or cancelled flights.
EU-US anti-terror deal hits legal hurdle
Why American Air sucks
Reduction in Sri Lanka's landing fees urged
Thai Airways to boost Bangalore services

Admiralty Casebook

When goods transported by sea are damaged on land
A CARRIER can limit its liability under the US Carriage of Goods by Sea Act although damage to cargo occurred on land while it was being re-stowed at an intermediate port, a US appeals court ruled last week.

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Shipping News

Handling charges must go: shippers
AHEAD of a key meeting between shippers and ocean carriers next week, the Federation of Asean Shippers' Councils has again called for the abolition of terminal handling charges , saying transparency and cooperation is the best way forward.
THCs charged at both ends often exceed freight rates
CONTROVERSIAL Terminal Handling Charges were first introduced by the Far Eastern Freight Conference in 1990 as it restructured the box tariff to separate freight rates, denominated in US dollars, from port charges priced in local currencies.
US warns of attacks on Asia's shipping and financial hubs
US officials yesterday warned Asia to be on guard against terror attacks in crowded sea lanes and in financial centres such as Hong Kong.
Sorth Korea orders tighter port security
SOUTH Korea's intelligence service has ordered ports to extend heightened security measures amid reports of a threat to countries that have backed the US-led war on terror, a government official said yesterday.
P&O inks 40-year deal to operate container terminal at Antwerp
PSA International will face tougher competition at its biggest terminal investment, in Antwerp, after rival P&O Ports formalised its 40-year concession to operate the opposing bank of the Belgian port's new dock.
Kuehne & Nagel bags licence for China unit
KUEHNE & Nagel International, the world's biggest sea-freight shipper, said it won a licence to operate a fully owned subsidiary in China, helping reduce dependence on partners.
Separate insurance scheme for passenger vessels urged
THE Asian Shipowners Forum has urged P&I Clubs to reach agreement on a separate insurance scheme for passenger vessels, to lower the liability burden on cargo shipping.

Air and Land Transport

IATA challenges new EU compensation rules
WORLD airlines launched a legal challenge against new European Union rules that would allow boosted compensation for passengers who face delays or cancelled flights.
EU-US anti-terror deal hits legal hurdle
Why American Air sucks
Reduction in Sri Lanka's landing fees urged
Thai Airways to boost Bangalore services

Admiralty Casebook

When goods transported by sea are damaged on land
A CARRIER can limit its liability under the US Carriage of Goods by Sea Act although damage to cargo occurred on land while it was being re-stowed at an intermediate port, a US appeals court ruled last week.

web site

Shipping News

Handling charges must go: shippers
AHEAD of a key meeting between shippers and ocean carriers next week, the Federation of Asean Shippers' Councils has again called for the abolition of terminal handling charges , saying transparency and cooperation is the best way forward.
THCs charged at both ends often exceed freight rates
CONTROVERSIAL Terminal Handling Charges were first introduced by the Far Eastern Freight Conference in 1990 as it restructured the box tariff to separate freight rates, denominated in US dollars, from port charges priced in local currencies.
US warns of attacks on Asia's shipping and financial hubs
US officials yesterday warned Asia to be on guard against terror attacks in crowded sea lanes and in financial centres such as Hong Kong.
Sorth Korea orders tighter port security
SOUTH Korea's intelligence service has ordered ports to extend heightened security measures amid reports of a threat to countries that have backed the US-led war on terror, a government official said yesterday.
P&O inks 40-year deal to operate container terminal at Antwerp
PSA International will face tougher competition at its biggest terminal investment, in Antwerp, after rival P&O Ports formalised its 40-year concession to operate the opposing bank of the Belgian port's new dock.
Kuehne & Nagel bags licence for China unit
KUEHNE & Nagel International, the world's biggest sea-freight shipper, said it won a licence to operate a fully owned subsidiary in China, helping reduce dependence on partners.
Separate insurance scheme for passenger vessels urged
THE Asian Shipowners Forum has urged P&I Clubs to reach agreement on a separate insurance scheme for passenger vessels, to lower the liability burden on cargo shipping.

Air and Land Transport

IATA challenges new EU compensation rules
WORLD airlines launched a legal challenge against new European Union rules that would allow boosted compensation for passengers who face delays or cancelled flights.
EU-US anti-terror deal hits legal hurdle
Why American Air sucks
Reduction in Sri Lanka's landing fees urged
Thai Airways to boost Bangalore services

Admiralty Casebook

When goods transported by sea are damaged on land
A CARRIER can limit its liability under the US Carriage of Goods by Sea Act although damage to cargo occurred on land while it was being re-stowed at an intermediate port, a US appeals court ruled last week.

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Cosco reports 61 per cent increase in turnover for 2003 Cargo handling increases at Port of Long Beach in March NZ, China to work towards FTA Port of Oakland appoints new chief financial officer Cargo throughput soars at Lumut Port, Malaysia Evergreen service to link east Asia with Australia China, S Korea to conform to Japanese smart tag safety standards Construction on Vietnam's second berth at Thanh Hoa begins Air France offers non-stop flights to Vietnam CSA fights back as foreign companies increase mainland presence Binhai looks to become the transit hub for northern China SAS Cargo, Swiss appoint new CEOs

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Iran lifts embargo on Indian tea imports Apeda to spur Darjeeling bloomers export Gove likely to bring down import prices of soya oil MMTC plans to export 15 lakh tonnes wheat in 2004-05 Import of sugar unlikely: Official CONCOR North-West Region records highest ever throughput in 2003-04 - ICD-Sabarmati registers phenomenal growth; reconfirms position as 2nd biggest ICD in India CONCOR wants higher haulage charges for tea shipments between Amingaon ICD and Haldia DTA suppliers to SEZs may get DEPB scheme benefits from May 1 Tax collections exceed Budget estimates at Rs 2,52,162 cr. in 2003-04 Govt taking steps to minimise exporters' transaction costs, says DGFT AIAI chief seeks separate dept for young entrepreneurs Kutch Int'l Trade Fair in city from April 30 Seminar on 'The Barcelona-India Trade Bridge' on April 28

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APRIL 22, 2004
No resolution as strike enters second week Bunker suppliers meeting enquiries on a 'best endeavour' basis as strike puts $75m a-day squeeze on Canadian economy. ARA soft, bitumen season drains Antwerp's avails Bunker market steady despite crude loss, inventory gains Swelling Singapore stocks of residual fuels has done little to pressure fuel oil prices in the port. Golden Week deadline fast approaching in Japan Suppliers have downplayed the significance of the refinery fire near Tokyo, with Golden Week a more pressing obstacle to supply. Bearish crude keeps Italian market muted Singapore residual stocks approach tank-top level Fuel oil supply overhang in Singapore despite Chinese buying spree in April well above projected demand. Reports: MPA in bunker contamination probe Singapore market sources play down significance of rumours linking Fujairah contamination with Singapore debunkering. Report says OPEC exports fell sharply in April The market had doubts that OPEC would pay anything but lip service to cuts, but report suggests otherwise. Rotterdam soft to steady this morning

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APRIL 22, 2004
Second Basel International Hazardous Goods Conference Oceanwide completes interface for customs compliance in North America Russian and Iranian Railways to boost railfreight business GLS founds subsidiary in Slovakia Australian Pacific National buys Freight Australia from Rail America Helios Airways to introduce more flights to the UK Evergreen/Hanjin/Hapag-Lloyd offer new Australia-Asia service Safmarine appoints new CEO

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APRIL 22, 2004
Tidewater takes hit on Gulf fleet Asian owners worried by potential passenger ship P&I claims Law firm warns on HNS New Oz-Asia box service Euro Parliament approves "motorways of the sea" project EC nod for UK water transport subsidies Bid to ease Paranagua congestion Precious Shipping's 50th Teekay's record Q1

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APRIL 22, 2004
Matson plans to raise Guam rates, terminal charge Washington State Ferries sets timeline for Pier 52 remodel Portland Airport noise board cancels meeting set for May Port of Portland test finds wool stormwater drain inserts work Keenum wins confirmation as Foreign and Commercial Service head

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Mitropoulos speaks out against criminalisation CRIMINAL prosecution for non-compliance was "never envisaged when IMO conventions were drafted", writes the secretary-general Efthimios Mitropoulos in Lloyd's List today. Brussels rebukes container lines' inertia CONTAINER lines and their customers were publicly admonished by the European Commission yesterday for failing to come forward with fresh ideas about industry regulation. Transpacific lines 'fail to secure' freight rate hikes CONTAINER lines hoping for another round of beefy freight rate increases on the all-important eastbound transpacific trades could be in for a big disappointment, with anecdotal reports indicating that shippers have the upper hand in this year's annual contract negotiations, writes Janet Porter. Plan for single European reinsurance market BRUSSELS has proposed a new law aimed at creating a single market in the European Union reinsurance industry.

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APRIL 22, 2004
Express Samina crew lose licences THREE of the Express Samina crew, which sank in September 2000 with a loss of 82 lives, have lost their licence while a forth received a three-year suspension order Q Ship moves into construction QATAR-based Q Ship has continued its diversification strategy by moving into the booming construction sector Objections over manning crack-down MANNING companies in India say moves to weed out substandard operators will bring more bureaucratic obstacles Bulker master faces '250,000 fine FRENCH prosecutor Yves Le Du has asked a court in Brest to impose a €250,000 ($300,000) fine against the Egyptian master of the bulk carrier Nicholas M P&O plans to concentrate on Caen P&O Ferries' future on the English channel was thrown into question yesterday when chief executive Robert Woods revealed plans to drop Le Havre Arica strike resolved THE bitter port strike that saw the north Chile port of Arica closed for nine days has been resolved with the government in Santiago giving in to stevedores' demands Aboitiz clears the air over Nenaco Chittagong best placed for trade Star raises $400M to buy NCL ships THC issue to be thrashed out EU gets 'homeland security' agency MSC eyes Festival's Stars New cruise terminal for Virginia Travel Guard snub shocks Oceania Booming Teekay to split stock

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APRIL 22, 2004
Boxships may be reaching size limit Practical limits may force vessels to top out at 12,000 TEUs, executives say. Canadian National halts box trains to largest Vancouver terminal UPS profits rise on int'l. sales U.S., EU sign container security accord CN profit hit by strike Atlas Air files reorganization plan New CMA CGM service to call Beirut Report: Security alert for S. Korea ports Saade to lead North/South for CMA CGM FedEx, SAP create duty software Forwarder opens Baghdad airport warehouse

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APRIL 22, 2004
EC ready to supply information on 'indispensibility' of conferences The European Commission is determined to press ahead with its review of conference regulation - and even of consortia - whether interested parties supply information on the regulations' 'indispensibility' or not. Mediator intervenes in Canadian west-coast tugboat strike HPH takes pragmatic approach to 'who pays?' principle Despite Southampton-capacity rejection, Continental ports not celebrating CN reports Q1 profit gain despite strike impact on intermodal Further North Asia China Australia service details emerge ICF launches Hansa Shuttle

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APRIL 22, 2004
World-Wide frenzy! Rumours of massive $1.2bn deal for Hong Kong owner's tankers swirl through markets, but sceptics abound. TK confronts conservative image Is the former paradigm for spot-market risk being held back by its new long-term approach to business? RCCL has a new jewel Cruise line takes new vessel in time for Northern Europe touring season. Shipyard IT company sold Software that designs many of the world's ships sold in $33m Tribon takeover. Vancouver box shutdown Tug crews' strike cripples container and coal traffic costing Canada CAD100m a day. Aqaba calls for surcharge end Jordanian port officials want congestion penalty axed after situation eases. Matson on the up US to Hawaii container line enjoys strong start to 2004. MOL sets up Nordic liner base Mitsui OSK Lines teams up with Lehmann Nordic to open in Gothenburg. Wind turbine ship sold for a song Management buy out acquires Mayflower Resolution for $23m a third of newbuilding price. Star helps out NCL Malaysian owner's deal to buy and charter back six cruiseships allows Norwegian unit to pay off debt. Grimaldi launches Angola run Italian owner teams up with Portugal's Orey Antunes for new ro-ro service into Luanda. Secondhand VLCCs sales emerge Two 1980s-built ships sold as strong interest in secondhand vessels continues. Ships collide near Shanghai Russian crew plucked to safety as Cambodian vessel sinks following smash. Q Ship spreads wings again Qatari owner's strategy of diversification leads to new engineering joint venture. CSBC holds profit line Taiwan's China Shipbuilding Corp's honed down competitive approach pays off. EU drops port case Member states to escape legal action over independent container security deals with US. Teekay steams to record quarter Aframax giant achieves highest ever quarterly net income as it plans two-for-one stock split. Evergreen eyes China-Oz trade Taiwanese boxship operator teams with Hanjin and Hapag Lloyd to tap fast growing trade route. NY set for Queens clamp down New York tightens security for twin visit of cruise liners Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary II. Jaya seals Qatar tie-up Singapore owner teams up with Doha Marine Services in effort to tap Middle Eastern market. New boss for V Ships Asia Ex-BP Shipping marine engineer to head up ship management operations in Far East.

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APRIL 22, 2004
Stubkjaer notes growing regulatory burden in liner shipping Caradonna ponders illogical Pacific prices Senator Lines reports $40 million profit for 2003 Jo Tankers pleads guilty to parcel tanker price fixing Torm reports 223% share increase at AGM CMA CGM names Rodolphe Saade as ranking vice president House sub-panel postpones Syracuse rail safety hearing FMC reviews nine OTI license applications Agricultural trade relations warm between U.S., China U.S. soybean shippers want adequate protections against rust N.J. shipper pays $422,000 fine for export violations USAID adds 30,000 metric tons of food aid to Sudan relief effort USDA deems France and Spain free from hog disease USDA denies trade help to Kentucky freshwater prawn producers USDA issues test exemption for Australia/New Zealand cattle imports Commerce amends Export Administration Regulations Energy company proposes new LNG terminal in Texas House committee approves $8 billion for Coast Guard

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APRIL 22, 2004
EU enlargement threatens legal status of seafarers EU seafarer's unions, the EU Commission and the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) meet next Thursday to decide the status ... Tribon Solutions bought by Aveva Swedish software company Tribon Solutions is bought by the Cambridge based Aveva group for GBP 15.0 million (EUR 22.4 million ... Lauritzen Kosan/Exmar buy LPG carriers In an effort to expand petroleum gas carrying capacity in the Far East, Lauritzen Kosan and Exmar have joined forces ...