BRIEFS

web site

Shipping News

Asian shippers, carriers stick to guns on THCs
ASIAN shippers and ocean carriers remain separated by a wide gulf after making little headway on the divisive terminal handling charge issue, but pledged to continue dialogue and cooperation after a 'harmonious and friendly' exchange of views.
Reshuffle at Lloyd's Register, S'pore
A changing of the guards at classification society Lloyd's Register drew about 350 Singapore shipping executives yesterday to bid farewell to retiring Singapore manager and local shipping industry veteran B H Wong.
Box maker CIMC's earnings leap 77% to S$38m in Q1
CHINA's CIMC, the world's top maker of containers used to ship goods, yesterday posted a 77 per cent leap in first-quarter profit as the country's roaring trade propelled demand.
India's Tuticorin Port offers rebates to boost volumes
REBATES will be offered at India's southern Tuticorin Port, in which PSA International has a stake, in an effort to boost volumes this financial year.
Star Cruises to issue notes for up to US$450m
STAR Cruises, the world's third-largest cruise company, said on Monday it would sell US$350 million to US$450 million of senior notes to repay bank loans.

Air and Land Transport

Virgin Blue has discussed Asian discount carrier
VIRGIN Blue Holdings Ltd, Australia's second-biggest airline, has held talks with Asian carriers including Malaysia's AirAsia Sdn, Singapore-based Valuair Ltd and Thai Airways International pcl to set up a discount air service, chief executive Brett Godfrey said.
Boeing stakes future of its commercial business on fuel-efficient Dreamliner
EADS expects A380 to boost sales by a third by 2007
US Airways to join Star Alliance in May
Drunk passenger handcuffed on board MAS flight

Strait Talk

HNS Convention set to make shipping more expensive
YOU might think that the shipping industry has enough to worry about with the impending International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code focusing minds.

web site

Shipping News

Asian shippers, carriers stick to guns on THCs
ASIAN shippers and ocean carriers remain separated by a wide gulf after making little headway on the divisive terminal handling charge issue, but pledged to continue dialogue and cooperation after a 'harmonious and friendly' exchange of views.
Reshuffle at Lloyd's Register, S'pore
A changing of the guards at classification society Lloyd's Register drew about 350 Singapore shipping executives yesterday to bid farewell to retiring Singapore manager and local shipping industry veteran B H Wong.
Box maker CIMC's earnings leap 77% to S$38m in Q1
CHINA's CIMC, the world's top maker of containers used to ship goods, yesterday posted a 77 per cent leap in first-quarter profit as the country's roaring trade propelled demand.
India's Tuticorin Port offers rebates to boost volumes
REBATES will be offered at India's southern Tuticorin Port, in which PSA International has a stake, in an effort to boost volumes this financial year.
Star Cruises to issue notes for up to US$450m
STAR Cruises, the world's third-largest cruise company, said on Monday it would sell US$350 million to US$450 million of senior notes to repay bank loans.

Air and Land Transport

Virgin Blue has discussed Asian discount carrier
VIRGIN Blue Holdings Ltd, Australia's second-biggest airline, has held talks with Asian carriers including Malaysia's AirAsia Sdn, Singapore-based Valuair Ltd and Thai Airways International pcl to set up a discount air service, chief executive Brett Godfrey said.
Boeing stakes future of its commercial business on fuel-efficient Dreamliner
EADS expects A380 to boost sales by a third by 2007
US Airways to join Star Alliance in May
Drunk passenger handcuffed on board MAS flight

Strait Talk

HNS Convention set to make shipping more expensive
YOU might think that the shipping industry has enough to worry about with the impending International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code focusing minds.

web site

Shipping News

Asian shippers, carriers stick to guns on THCs
ASIAN shippers and ocean carriers remain separated by a wide gulf after making little headway on the divisive terminal handling charge issue, but pledged to continue dialogue and cooperation after a 'harmonious and friendly' exchange of views.
Reshuffle at Lloyd's Register, S'pore
A changing of the guards at classification society Lloyd's Register drew about 350 Singapore shipping executives yesterday to bid farewell to retiring Singapore manager and local shipping industry veteran B H Wong.
Box maker CIMC's earnings leap 77% to S$38m in Q1
CHINA's CIMC, the world's top maker of containers used to ship goods, yesterday posted a 77 per cent leap in first-quarter profit as the country's roaring trade propelled demand.
India's Tuticorin Port offers rebates to boost volumes
REBATES will be offered at India's southern Tuticorin Port, in which PSA International has a stake, in an effort to boost volumes this financial year.
Star Cruises to issue notes for up to US$450m
STAR Cruises, the world's third-largest cruise company, said on Monday it would sell US$350 million to US$450 million of senior notes to repay bank loans.

Air and Land Transport

Virgin Blue has discussed Asian discount carrier
VIRGIN Blue Holdings Ltd, Australia's second-biggest airline, has held talks with Asian carriers including Malaysia's AirAsia Sdn, Singapore-based Valuair Ltd and Thai Airways International pcl to set up a discount air service, chief executive Brett Godfrey said.
Boeing stakes future of its commercial business on fuel-efficient Dreamliner
EADS expects A380 to boost sales by a third by 2007
US Airways to join Star Alliance in May
Drunk passenger handcuffed on board MAS flight

Strait Talk

HNS Convention set to make shipping more expensive
YOU might think that the shipping industry has enough to worry about with the impending International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code focusing minds.

	web site

MOL orders 12 vessels, charters six feeders Victor Mok elected Haffa chairman for third year straight CP Ships senior subordinates notes for resale in US Cargosmart launches three new products Kuehne & Nagel sees Q1 gross profit Mindanao seaports on high alert US trucking profits may be hit by rising fuel costs Air Macau adds new freighter on China-Taiwan service United to be first US carrier to fly to Vietnam in 30 years ANA puts in mass order for latest Boeing jet US cargo pilots to possibly carry guns from next month

	web site

India corners corn market Rubber exports exceed target DGFT for enlarging list of products requiring mandatory quality control Auto spares exports fetch over $ 1 bn in 2003-04 India, China to emerge winners post-quota system Dubai Ports International seeks govt nod to set up two subsidiaries in India Move to waive pilotage charges for coastal vessels upsets Major Port Trusts Aegis Engg offers Kandla Port hi-tech mobile ship loading system Containerised cargo traffic boom to/from North India Maersk Sealand reaffirms commitment to providing most qualitative services to ex-im trade Globelink W. W. India ships 48.639 CBM as LCL cargo from ICD-Dashrath Rlys hauls more revenue earning freight in 2003-04 LCL Group opens office in Nagpur too Dynamic Logistics plans to handle import cargoes also Forex reserves spurt by over $ 1.5 bn! Delegation arrives from Port de Barcelona to boost maritime links - Seminar on shipping & trade today P&O Ports effects sea change in managerial posts - New Finance Managers for NSICT, CCT & MICT soon DGFT gets stamp of quality from BIS

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
Uruguay: Demand picking up, avails adequate Russian suppliers 'abusing safety regulations' St. Petersburg bunker suppliers claim that up to 40% of bunker barge loadings in the hub are in breach of safety regulations. Low price levels see Hong Kong enquiries increase Rotterdam firm, prompt barges tight Dover report: Scrubbing the way forward Use of scrubbing on a portion of Dover ferries would be as efficient in reducing sulphur emissions to meet air quality objectives as all ferries switching to low sulphur fuels, claims report.

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
TLS 2004 - An international transport and logistics exhibition for Central & Eastern Europe Transflow and Intermec intensify partnership EU-Commission allows UK's Waterborne Freight Grant New banana warehouse at the Port of Dunkirk The Port of Duisburg AG participates in terminal operator Atis Lufthansa Cargo raises kerosene surcharge ConFlo Lines appoints agent in Afghanistan Kim Fejfer to become CEO of APM Terminals International

	web site

War risk quotes soar for Basra ship cover LONDON underwriters have substantially increased their quotes for shipping calls to Basra in the wake of the attempted attack on the Iraqi oil terminal. Lines demand light dues action as UK study sees little impact SHIPPING lines serving the UK are calling for immediate action to reform the charging system for navigational aids after a government-sponsored report highlighted numerous anomalies in the present scheme. TSA withdraws from terminal handling talks THE Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement pulled out of a meeting with southeast Asian shippers over controversial terminal handling charges while a meeting with intra-Asian lines "did not make much progress". Jamieson signs Athens protocol Changes to limits under the Athens Convention have been the subject of considerable debate, not least among P&I Clubs. Dry trades rates collapse PANIC gripped the dry trades yesterday following a big tumble in panamax rates, writes Justin Stares in Brussels.

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
Mid-May deadline for northern isles THE Scottish Executive, the country's administrative assembly, has set May 14 as the deadline for new tenders to provide daily ferry services between the Orkney and Shetland islands and northern Scotland Korea bans California oranges ORANGES from two California counties were banned today by South Korea over fears of a contagious plant fungus Kuehne & Nagel seeks new solutions GROWING congestion at UK container ports has led freight forwarder and non-vessel operator Kuehne & Nagel to working on new solutions Piracy: Seven killed in Nigeria CHEVRONTexaco is reportedly abandoning plans to re-start production in Nigeria's Delta state after seven people were killed in a waterborne attack on oil workers last Friday Aker Yards forecasts better 2005 AKER Yards, the Norwegian shipbuilding group set to be listed next month, has reported a sharp fall in interim earnings, but the board is forecasting better times in 2005 Anderson on pollution offensive CANADIAN environment minister David Anderson says he intends to bring in legislation to toughen the financial penalties on ships that pollute in the country's waters Sole operator for six terminals HAL commences $225M upgrading No IADA agreement on charges Lloyd Werft 'in the clear' on Pride Terrorists could choke Malacca Smaller boxships enjoy the boom Port Kembla mum on CEO sacking Coal controversy at Mumbai Basra attack seen as 'war-related'

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
Terminals target changing customers Marine terminal operators broadening definitions as shippers, 3PLs take greater control of supply chain. Canada sets tough security plans Ottawa earmarks millions for maritime, will develop stricter controls along land border with the U.S. Nationwide alert after theft of chemicals WTO rejects U.S. cotton subsidies CP Rail earnings fall Decrease in owned box fleet: Survey BNSF net up on better revenue Crowley may get new Jax terminal: Report UPS will fix Toshiba laptops Stonepath buys expand LatAm network Tacoma names director of intermodal services

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
Asian shippers see red at lines with 'attitude' on THC debate Today's proposed meeting between the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) and Asian shippers was cancelled following what the shippers called the lines' 'high-handed attitude'. Rotterdam terminal project aims to 'help' ECT with feeder and transhipment cargo A purpose-built feeder and shortsea box-terminal is being built on Rotterdam's Maasvlakte, to woo feeder and deepsea business from its neighbour ECT. Canada enhances marine security measures Dongnama set to expand Asia and Med network Korea reduces port leasing fees for foreign investors Container traffic sends K&N profits soaring All set fair for major Gdansk container project Munich improving links to Adriatic ports Swiss forwarder, K&N, enters UK rail market with EWS partnership

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
Ultrapetrol barges forward South American tanker owner bolsters river business with $24.1m buyout of UABL from bankrupt partner ACL. Stolt feathers nest of legal eagles Company is paying $3.5m per quarter to navigate government anti-trust storm. B&N shake up pays off Financial turnaround as Swedish shipowner benefits from strong market and costly reorganisation. Stolt profits on equity sales Beleagured chemicals giant stays afloat and dreams of reawakening glory. GNV hungry for shares Grimaldi Group ferry owner could buy back up to 10% of stock to reward staff. Aker Yards profit slumps Biggest European shipbuilder warns of weak market as it misses out on world boom. Minoan bullish in 2004 Greek ferry owner aims for quadrupling of earnings per share this year. Torm bides time on rival bid Danish tanker owner plays down speculation that retirement of Norden chief could spark new takeover battle. Suez Canal to gain depth Egyptian waterway's chief wants to dig down another 10 feet to attract more ships. Property sale saves Fred Olsen Disposal of land in Belfast pulls Norwegian rig and yard group out of the red. Brostrom slides up profit Swedish owner starts to cash in as good markets hold. Fesco beefs up salaries Senior staff at Russian owner are celebrating another big pay hike this year. Bangladesh goes on scrap spree Pre-budget flurry allows demolition markets to see a little much-needed action. Tsuneishi to double Cebu stakes Japanese yard to invest in larger bulker designs at Philippines-based facility. Shipping bolsters Fortum Finnish tanker owner and power group pushes up profits in first quarter as freight rates prosper. NOL sees volumes soar Singapore liner operator achieves double-digit growth in freight rates and containers handled. IACS invokes Martin Luther King Ugo Salerno says the classification body has a dream too. Coscol surges ahead Chinese ro-ro and heavy lift owner makes good on big profit prediction in first quarter.

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
Transpacific carriers "achieved $100-150 rate increases" this year MOL, Sinotrans set up Chinese tanker shipping venture MOL names Thodal to run new branch office in Gothenburg Coast Guard suffers first combat death since Vietnam Fuel prices trigger Lufthansa cargo surcharge increase Kinko's gets FedEx identity China deals with SARS cases Truck drivers protest fuel prices, wages in California Railroad supporter to retire from House Bush administration commits $100,000 in aid to North Korea Importers liable for container delays under proposed maritime law Kuehne & Nagel raises first-quarter net income 33% Ingersoll-Rand gives more parts distribution to APL Logistics House subcommittee considers speeding up Coast Guard's Deepwater Long Beach studies plan to penalize terminals for truck pollution

	web site
APRIL 27, 2004
KystLink introduces new ferry in May Norwegian ferry operator KystLink has bought "Stena Envoy" (formerly "European Envoy") from Stena RoRo and will introduce the vessel on ... Wärtsilä-engines for Donsötank-newbuilding The 19,500 DWT product/chemical tanker, being built at Shanghai Edward Shipbuilding Co Ltd in China for Rederi AB Donsötank ... Final decision on "Rocknes" future this week The bulk carrier "Rocknes" is still being inspected to find out if the vessel is to be scrapped or repaired ...