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Shipping News

Reward for early ISPS compliance
WIELDING both the carrot and the stick, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said it will spend nearly $300,000 rewarding ships that have attained early ISPS Code certification, but warned of the consequences of not meeting the July 1 deadline.
R&D venture partner sues PSA, P&O Australia
A major collaboration between two of the world's largest port operators and shareholders of a Singapore R&D company during the dotcom boom has collapsed and reached the courts.
Cosco sees bulk rates staying high
COSCO Corp, the bulk carrier unit of China's biggest shipping company, said freight rates will be triple the past decade's average price for the next three years because China will buy more commodities like steel and soybeans.
Kuwait ports' arrival volumes rise 15%
KUWAITI ports have posted a 15 per cent increase in the arrival cargo movements in the financial year 2003, according to a report by the Ports Public Authority .

Air and Land Transport

Emirates may not include 7E7s in expansion plans
EMIRATES airline, which plans to double its fleet to 139 airliners by 2011, may decide against Boeing Co's planned 7E7 model in any additional orders because the aircraft may not be large enough.
Alitalia awaits govt move as strike grounds fleet
Delta Spain says Madrid attack effect short-lived
Berlin to be biggest base outside UK: easyJet
Two UK firms to pay millions to settle rail crash claims
LOG Book

web site

Shipping News

Reward for early ISPS compliance
WIELDING both the carrot and the stick, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said it will spend nearly $300,000 rewarding ships that have attained early ISPS Code certification, but warned of the consequences of not meeting the July 1 deadline.
R&D venture partner sues PSA, P&O Australia
A major collaboration between two of the world's largest port operators and shareholders of a Singapore R&D company during the dotcom boom has collapsed and reached the courts.
Cosco sees bulk rates staying high
COSCO Corp, the bulk carrier unit of China's biggest shipping company, said freight rates will be triple the past decade's average price for the next three years because China will buy more commodities like steel and soybeans.
Kuwait ports' arrival volumes rise 15%
KUWAITI ports have posted a 15 per cent increase in the arrival cargo movements in the financial year 2003, according to a report by the Ports Public Authority .

Air and Land Transport

Emirates may not include 7E7s in expansion plans
EMIRATES airline, which plans to double its fleet to 139 airliners by 2011, may decide against Boeing Co's planned 7E7 model in any additional orders because the aircraft may not be large enough.
Alitalia awaits govt move as strike grounds fleet
Delta Spain says Madrid attack effect short-lived
Berlin to be biggest base outside UK: easyJet
Two UK firms to pay millions to settle rail crash claims
LOG Book

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Cosco alters Asia-North America services Tianjin trade up 35 per cent in first quarter Melbourne decides explosives unnecessary for channel deepening Landbridge service extended to Kazakhstan Singapore's Defence Minister calls for tighter Malacca Straits security Freight wagons arrive in Pakistan Emirates sees increase in FY2003-04 net profit, freight revenue Lufthansa Cargo to increase fuel surcharge in May PIA receives US$6M grant for maintenance Continental relocates senior executive to new post in the UK

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Tonnage policy for LNG shipping may ease norms for foreign flags Ahoy! Container prices zoom amidst shipping boom Intermed's TOC to examine future role of Mediterranean gateways India tops in dumping probes: WTO report Textile exports projected to fetch less in post-quota regime Imports of sensitive items surge by 27 pc Ficci plans advisory panel on exports to Russia Apeda elaborates on incentive package to boost fruit, veg. export 25 pc spurt in maritime traffic to Spain by 2005 envisaged - BCC&I, Barcelona Chamber strengthen trade bridge Election Commission allows Shipping Ministry to revamp Major Port boards Mumbai Port too can import vehicles CWC's ICD-Dashrath moves record 1,831 ex-im boxes in March - ...logs excellent performance in 2003-04 W. Bengal identifies exports as engine for economic growth India signs pact to build Asian highway Port curbs on natural rubber imports upheld EU enlargement will benefit India, says Ficci study IICL's 16th leased box fleet survey out

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APRIL 29, 2004
ARA demand buoyant as prices start sinking Busy pre-holiday trade in ARA as buyers find more attractive offers. PRAXIS: Daily bunker market report Reports: O.W. buys Hong Kong trading company O.W. Bunker Group's first expansion in Asia since opening Singapore office in 1992, giving toe-hold in rapidly growing Chinese market. Stockpiling in event of supply squeeze about to stop? Many Hong Kong suppliers have been stockpiling in order to safeguard against avails shortfalls, but some reports suggest there is 'too much oil' about. Platts director defends MOC methodology Pricing chief says change to MOC in Rotterdam last year had meant 'fewer phantom deals' were now factored into daily assessments. Buyers on the fence as Singapore turns a tad softer IFO prices consolidated in a more narrow spread in largely flat market, MGO supported. Singapore fuel oil stocks remain high, distillates plunge Fuel oil fundamentals continue to look bearish, while gas oil finds support in high demand and tight stocks. Italian Customs Inventory foreseen to cause minimal delays Nominations not cleared by customs by close of business on Thursday will be held up for a day. Rotterdam continues bullish run

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APRIL 29, 2004
The internalisation of logistics in Eastern Europe: Face-to-face with the key players Railion to utilise Transwide information system UK government derails EUR 15 billion rail freight plan Zürcher Freilager AG posts black figures again XRG acquires two truckload carriers Iberia to serve Lagos Senator Lines with new China-North Continent service Volga-Dnepr Group appoints new Sales & Marketing

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APRIL 29, 2004
ABS bulker in trouble off South Africa Drydocking hits Maritrans's profit Charter rates and box shortage fuel IPBCC rate rises Senator Lines in black Marshall Islands passes 20m gt mark

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APRIL 29, 2004
Marshal's sale for OSV's Five U.S.-flag supply and anchor handling vessels to go on block P&I Club sets up Philippines medical screening American Club starts voluntary program Schat-Harding wins Ultra Voyager contract Will supply lifeboats and davits for world's largest passenger ship World's largest common rail dieselcompletes trials First Sulzer RT-flex96C

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APRIL 29, 2004
Longtime labor leader Phil Lelli dies Panama Maritime Authority wants new ID documents Container of Washington wines heading to Port of Tianjin in China Tugs return to work following Canadian labor deal Port of Seattle web site wins Award of Distinction

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Europe's eastern promise SEVENTY-two million people become European Union citizens tomorrow in an eastward enlargement which takes the bloc towards its geographical limits. Owners' doubts remain on port waste directive WHILE the Netherlands will fail to meet tomorrow's deadline for implementation of the European Commission's port waste reception directive, shipowners are considering their next move in the issue. Holed bulker at risk of breaking up FEARS were growing last night that a holed bulk carrier is in danger of breaking up off the South African coast. Spain eases Mangouras bail terms THE Spanish judge investigating the Prestige case has agreed to relax bail conditions on the ship's Greek master, Apostolos Mangouras, and allow him to report to police weekly instead of daily.

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APRIL 29, 2004
Holed ship told to keep its distance AMID signs that it is taking on more water, holed bulker Cape Africa is being held in position by salvage tug Smit Amandla at a point about 120 n-miles south west of Cape Town Kværner subsidiary wins aid ruling THE European Court of Justice has confirmed that Aker Warnow Werft had fully complied with the restriction imposed on the company in the early 1990s Maritrans hit by fleet renewal WITH one of its vessels undergoing double-hull conversion, Jones Act operator Maritrans saw profits drop to $1.8M, a fall of $1.4M on figures for the same period last year GMR ahead of expectations GENERAL Maritime Corp beat analysts' expectations during its first quarter, posting $2.08 diluted earnings per share OSG and Euronav buy four ULCCs OVERSEAS Shipholding Group, together with its Tankers International pool partner Euronav, will acquire four double-hull ULCCs of 442,000dwt LUKoil to double Caspian capacity LUKoil, Russia's largest oil producer, says it expects to finalise plans for the expansion of its Caspian crude oil loading terminal at Astrakhan next month Huge Australian LNG deal moves ahead Festival Croisi'res life extended CSDC orders tankers as profits surge Ship shares slip on China warning Mangouras bail conditions relaxed Prestige witness suspension unsound Lyttelton strike from tonight Visakh goes into transhipment

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APRIL 29, 2004
Congestion hits Union Pacific net Revenues soar on improved economy, but first-quarter earnings decline at biggest U.S. railroad on legal judgment, system congestion. Evergreen sees profits doubling Taiwan line expects net profit this year of more than $218 million, up from $99.9 million in 2003. Long Beach hit by union protest after container explosion Atlas exec to lead United Cargo Panama Canal tonnage up in Q2 AAR sees 140K rail jobs added by 2014 A.P. Moller-Maersk boosts dividend USSEC lines raise freight rates Northwest hikes fuel charge for foreign shipments OOIL starts joint service on Asia-Australia routes Higher revenue for Kansas City Southern Bulkers better business for ISC

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APRIL 29, 2004
China steel glut should ease box shortages Steel shortages and the consequent lack of containers are over, according to the latest reports from China's metal production industry, relieving the expected pressure on box supply. USCG criticised for 'inconsistency' over facility security plans Frustrated terminal operators are accusing the US Coast Guard (USCG) of inconsistent assessments of security plans, with some facilities given 15 days' grace, while others get 20 or 30 days. NEWS FLASH! - Explosion in Los Angeles Indian feeder operators request reprieve from port-charges hike Latest China/Aus service boosts trade capacity Increase in freight rates set by IADA not enough to cover costs Rhenus acquires share in coastal/river operator RMS China Merchant Port added dedicated new berth for overseas containers Polish terminal operators spar over market assumptions for cargo

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APRIL 29, 2004
OSG confirms stake in ex-Hellespont ULCCs US owner will join with Euronav in acquiring four giant vessels for Tankers International pool. Lars Carlsson to step down As Concordia Maritime stays upbeat for 2004 in face of first quarter profit slide. Finnlines crashes back Helsinki-based ro-ro player optimistic about holding a steady course through 2004 despite weak start to the year. Subsidy demand looms for Izar Report suggests EU wants Spanish government to reclaim state aid given to yard group. All crew lifted off stricken bulker U-Ming laden capesize Cape Africa sinks lower in the water off South Africa. Prestige master bail relaxed Apostolos Mangouras must remain in Spain but will see police less often. Fred Olsen duo steam ahead Bonheur and Ganger Rolf taste profit from booming markets turning around earlier losses. Healthy start for Wan Hai Taiwanese boxship operator sees net profits jump sharply in first three months. Shahi goes one-for-one Indian tanker and feedership owner to issue bonus shares to reward investors. Shares slide on China woes Steps to cool fast-growing economy have taken their toll on shipping and commodity stocks. First quarter cheer at Navibulgar Bulgarian owner enjoys higher rates as it posts big profit hike. Oglebay Norton wins loan lifeline Great Lakes shipowner secures $305m in financing for when it exits Chapter XI. Heung-A in the red Korean boxship and tanker owner went into reverse in 2003. Daewoo profit rises Cash starts to roll in for Korean shipbuilder from order backlog. Maritrans sees profits slip Drydocking leads to lower fleet use and revenues for US tanker owner. Indonesia hit by piracy attacks Blighted South-east Asia archipelago suffers six actual or attempted incidents in one week. TEN ties-up Crux Tsakos Energy Navigation secures charter cover for handysize product tanker Crux (built 1987). Amber K aground in NY Norden handymax bulker stuck in the mud in Hudson River. MPA offers rebate for ISPS ships Singapore maritime regulator to offer port dues discount to encourage security code compliance.

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APRIL 29, 2004
Chinese economic break, export slowdown worry traders TACA carriers plan more rate increases MarAd edges closer to decision on future of U.S. Ship Management Three Asia/Australia carriers set up second joint loop A.P. Moller-Maersk raise annual dividend 50 percent GAO asked to study container security technologies U.S. durum farmers hopeful in Cuba trade IWLA urges tax clarification for warehouses in California FDA tightens rules for food importers' use of private sampling labs Polish privatized terminal predicts growth

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APRIL 29, 2004
Engine room fire aboard ro-ro Three crewmen are recovering in hospital after an explosion and fire on board the Gorthon-owned ro-ro vessel "Corner ... 55 vessels in the Swedish order book The Swedish newbuilding order book consists today of 55 confirmed orders; 44 tankers, four passenger vessels, four bulk carriers and ... Consilium in Chinese joint-venture The Swedish marine equipment company Consilium AB has started a joint-venture with Chinese Highlander Co Ltd for manufacturing and ...