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Shipping News

Baltic Index falls for sixth day
The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of shipping costs for commodities, fell for a sixth day as rates for larger carriers fell to a six-month low.
Great Barrier Reef damaged: officials
A massive Chinese ship caused 'significant' damage to the famed Great Barrier Reef after smashing into its delicate corals and getting stuck for more than a week, Australian officials said yesterday.
Asia's vital role in world shipping
WE are in the modern age of IT. Information and some forms of monetary transactions can be transmitted across international borders, to different countries in the world, in the blink of an eye. But the movement of physical goods such as oil, gas, ore, cars and other products are not so easily mobilised from one place to another. About 90 per cent of world trade is carried by shipping and the scale of Asian shipping in the international arena is enormous.

Strait Talk

SMW: a winning formula gets better
THE main focus of the upcoming Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is, as you would expect, on the future. I have in front of me a calendar of events for April 25 to 30 and it is certainly well packed with events ranging from Singapore Maritime Academy's Maritime Technology Conference and Exhibition (MARTECH) 2010 exhibition to seminars and conferences on topics such as the bunker industry and maritime and port security.

Motoring

GM eyes 3m-a-year car sales in China by 2015
General Motors Co (GM), the largest overseas carmaker in China, aims to sell three million vehicles a year there by 2015 as it adds new, more fuel-efficient models to meet demand.
Ford open to green car tie-ups, but cautiously
Ford Motor Co is open to partnerships in green car technology but will be cautious in committing to any alliance, executive chairman Bill Ford Jr said on Monday.

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Shipping News

Baltic Index falls for sixth day
The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of shipping costs for commodities, fell for a sixth day as rates for larger carriers fell to a six-month low.
Great Barrier Reef damaged: officials
A massive Chinese ship caused 'significant' damage to the famed Great Barrier Reef after smashing into its delicate corals and getting stuck for more than a week, Australian officials said yesterday.
Asia's vital role in world shipping
WE are in the modern age of IT. Information and some forms of monetary transactions can be transmitted across international borders, to different countries in the world, in the blink of an eye. But the movement of physical goods such as oil, gas, ore, cars and other products are not so easily mobilised from one place to another. About 90 per cent of world trade is carried by shipping and the scale of Asian shipping in the international arena is enormous.

Strait Talk

SMW: a winning formula gets better
THE main focus of the upcoming Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is, as you would expect, on the future. I have in front of me a calendar of events for April 25 to 30 and it is certainly well packed with events ranging from Singapore Maritime Academy's Maritime Technology Conference and Exhibition (MARTECH) 2010 exhibition to seminars and conferences on topics such as the bunker industry and maritime and port security.

Motoring

GM eyes 3m-a-year car sales in China by 2015
General Motors Co (GM), the largest overseas carmaker in China, aims to sell three million vehicles a year there by 2015 as it adds new, more fuel-efficient models to meet demand.
Ford open to green car tie-ups, but cautiously
Ford Motor Co is open to partnerships in green car technology but will be cautious in committing to any alliance, executive chairman Bill Ford Jr said on Monday.

web site

Shipping News

Baltic Index falls for sixth day
The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of shipping costs for commodities, fell for a sixth day as rates for larger carriers fell to a six-month low.
Great Barrier Reef damaged: officials
A massive Chinese ship caused 'significant' damage to the famed Great Barrier Reef after smashing into its delicate corals and getting stuck for more than a week, Australian officials said yesterday.
Asia's vital role in world shipping
WE are in the modern age of IT. Information and some forms of monetary transactions can be transmitted across international borders, to different countries in the world, in the blink of an eye. But the movement of physical goods such as oil, gas, ore, cars and other products are not so easily mobilised from one place to another. About 90 per cent of world trade is carried by shipping and the scale of Asian shipping in the international arena is enormous.

Strait Talk

SMW: a winning formula gets better
THE main focus of the upcoming Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is, as you would expect, on the future. I have in front of me a calendar of events for April 25 to 30 and it is certainly well packed with events ranging from Singapore Maritime Academy's Maritime Technology Conference and Exhibition (MARTECH) 2010 exhibition to seminars and conferences on topics such as the bunker industry and maritime and port security.

Motoring

GM eyes 3m-a-year car sales in China by 2015
General Motors Co (GM), the largest overseas carmaker in China, aims to sell three million vehicles a year there by 2015 as it adds new, more fuel-efficient models to meet demand.
Ford open to green car tie-ups, but cautiously
Ford Motor Co is open to partnerships in green car technology but will be cautious in committing to any alliance, executive chairman Bill Ford Jr said on Monday.

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Peak season, slow steaming, drives bigger ship demand Laid up box ship numbers fall 8.9pc to 7.5pc in two 2 weeks MOL, 'K' Line to launch of Asia-USEC Service via Suez Fujian expressway investment rises 39pc in first two months Xian railway container terminal to start operation Forwarder sets up used container service in Shenzhen Business booming in Iraq's container repair sector Russian Rail box volume rises 26 per cent in January-February One-sided London debate concludes praising women in shipping Pakistan Gwandar port deal sours, PSA risks big loss EU offers to fund projects to alleviate road traffic Hactl first quarter air cargo up 37.5pc at HK airport FedEx cuts out Guangzhou stopover on HK-Memphis flights Sinoair to spend US$18 million on Qingdao airport logistics base Air China launches Chengdu-Shanghai-Nagoya service DHL moves European air HQ from Brussels to Leipzig Sobart seeks European partner for budget flights

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APRIL 12, 2010
Agility grew profit in financial 2009 Agility, a global logistics company based in Safat (Kuwait), reported that its gross revenue fell to KWD 1,836 billion (EUR 4.698 billion) in financial 2009, a 7.1% drop compared t... Vopak opens terminal in Indonesia The first independent import and distribution terminal for oil products in Jakarta (Indonesia) was inaugurated recently. The Vopak Terminal Jakarta in Tanjung Priok will support th... New Tuscor Lloyds office in Brazil The British forwarder Tuscor Lloyds has opened a new office in Rio Grande city (Brazil). By choosing this metropolis, rather than Porto Alegre, where most other forwarders are posi... Hong Kong Airlines expands long-haul fleet and starts service to Europe Hong Kong Airlines has finalised a definite order with Airbus for six A330-200s. The contract confirms a memorandum of understanding announced during the Singapore Airshow ear... Iata inaugurates new regional office in Beijing The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has strengthened its commitment to China's aviation development by opening a new North Asia regional office in Beijing. Iata's of... Air Astana suspends service to Kyrgyzstan Due to the political unrest in Kyrgyzstan, Air Astana, the national carrier of the neighbouring Republic of Kazakhstan, suspended its scheduled services to the Kyrgyz capital Bishk... LAN reports strong cargo traffic increase Chile-based LAN Airlines and its subsidiaries, a leading airline group in Latin America, reported its preliminary monthly traffic statistics for March 2010. During that month,... A330-200 freighter receives type certification from EASA The Airbus A330-200F has been granted type certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) following a successful 200-hour test flight campaign. The A330-200F ... Safmarine appoints new chief commercial officer Safmarine, a shipping line based in Antwerp (Belgium), has appointed Eric Herman as its chief commercial officer. Herman, who will be based at Safmarine's head office in Antwerp, h... World's largest containership moors for the first time in Bremerhaven The Mediterranean Shipping Company's 14,000 teu 'MSC Daniela', the world's largest containership, moored at Bremerhaven container terminal's river quay for the first time... Germany's inland shipping declined in 2009 Germany's statistics office Destatis announced that, according to provisional figures, the amount of freight carried on Germany's inland waterways in 2009 declined by 16.83% in com...

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APRIL 13, 2010
How Iran shields ships from U.S. sanctions Recovery Act bonds for Staten Island cement terminal Ship suppliers face growing late payments problem Seadrill makes offer for Scorpion Offshore

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APRIL 13, 2010
US in no rush to abolish antitrust immunity Federal Maritime Commission still evaluating impact of European repeal on US trades Iran continues to foil US shipping sanctions US watchdog warns over legality of business transactions with renamed Iranian ships APM Terminals warns of uncertainty Predicts slower growth will be industry norm for next five years Shipbuilding agreement talks could be revived OECD could re-start negotiations later this year on an international shipbuilding agreement Hamburg seeks to try Taipan hijackers Authorities to issue arrest warrants for extradition of ten pirates

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APRIL 13, 2010
Duties hit China steel imports SHIPMENTS of electrical steel to China could be affected by the country's decision to impose duties on imports of the product from the US and Russia Shipbreakers win law reversal A LAW has reportedly been amended in Bangladesh so that countries selling ships to breakers no longer must certify that the vessels are free of toxic substances Statoil pumps money into field NORWAY'S oil major Statoil today said today it is investing $305M to further its Norwegian Sea oilfield development 814 kilos of cocaine seized THE SEIZURE of 814kg of cocaine at Bilbao in northern Spain has led to seven arrests Storage trade fluctuates CRUDE floating storage has retaken the lead from products storage, the International Energy Agency reported today Two hurt in Mallorca ferry crash TWO PEOPLE have been injured in a ferry accident in Mallorca Joint pirate push pledged SOMALIA'S regime reportedly pledged today to work with the semi-autonomous region of Puntland to crack down on pirates

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APRIL 13, 2010
CSX Net Rises 24 Percent to $306 Million Panalpina Charters AN-225 for Heavy Lift to China Cosco to Restore Capacity on CEN Service S&P Rates Virginia Port Authority Bonds A+ Norfolk Southern Tests Biodiesel FMC Commissioner Dye: Antitrust Change Unlikely Overcapacity to Last Years, says OOCL Chief Former SAP Chief Joins GT Nexus Board Wicks Resigns at YRC Worldwide Lufthansa Cargo Traffic Soars Over 26 Percent Emerging Markets Offer Best Growth Opportunities Short Line Traffic Drops Analyst Forecasts 11 Percent Ocean Trade Growth Wallenius Wilhelmsen Wins Third U.S. Honda Contract Idle Container Ships Fall to 14-Month Low U.S. Trade Deficit Widens Japanese International Air Cargo Soars Downturn Not Deep Enough, Says Shipping Executive MSC Adds U.S-South America Rate Hikes

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APRIL 13, 2010
Uncertain times remain Shen Neng 1: Barrier Reef damage 'serious' Wang: 'Starbucks' speculators to blame for overtonnaging' Chinese breakers compete for scrap APM T says the 'new normal' applies

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APRIL 13, 2010
Barge capsizes off US coast USCG rescue crews rush to contain a fuel spill as diesel spews from a barge which capsized near the Charles River Tuesday. Greek owner ends hunt for port agent Agent outraged over Aeolos allegation but claim filed in US court has wrapped up as owner is satisfied by accounting effort. Diana in $118m bulk order Simeon Palios' two 'newcastlemaxes' in China come considerably cheaper that OceanFreight's same-sized trio. Deutsche Bank says 'go long' NYSE-listed OSG and Diana Shipping made the cut on analyst's top stock list this week as macro sentiment moves market. Newbuildings will be soaked up All new containerships delivered in the first half of 2010 will be absorbed into the market as demand rises, report says. Vale ushers modern era in Brazil Artificial intelligence is just one feature of Roger Agnelli-led mining giant's $34m port and logistics investment plan. Ground coral and killer paint Scientists say Great Barrier Reef severely damaged by Shen Neng 1 grounding with recovery pegged at 20 years. GC Rieber takeover delayed Buyout of Oslo-listed shipowner by its parent company will take longer than planned. Haifa handles more boxes Israeli port's first quarter container volumes rise 14% and tonnage up 15%. Krasnoye cruises to profit Russian products tanker shipyard trebles earnings in final quarter of 2009. Greek catches panamax wave Marmaras Navigation sells eight-year-old bulker in eye-catching $36m deal. Passengers hurt in ferry crash Acciona vessel severely damaged after hitting quayside at Palma on Majorca. Maersk 'pirate' considers plea Somali suspect accused of hijacking Maersk Alabama last year may change plea to 'guilty', report claims. Seadrill gets Scorpion cash John Fredriksen offshore drilling company builds war chest for Scorpion Offshore mandatory offer. Palmali confirms 10 tankers Istanbul owner signs for new products carriers at Russia's Volgograd Shipyard. PE to fill finance gap Germany's Nord LB predicts influx of private equity cash into shipping as banks cut exposure. Ticked off over ticketing Philippines coast guard cracking down on overloading of ferries due to lax boarding procedures. New Century revives IPO Chinese shipbuilder moves for Singapore-listing 18 months after shelving the plan. 40 saved from grounded ferry Passengers evacuated from New World First Ferry vessel off foggy Hong Kong. HMM inks huge ore deal China's Hebei steel mill in $315m deal with Korean owner for transport of Brazilian and Australian iron ore. Ferry rams ro-ro berth Both Nordmore and quay damaged in accident at Mordalsvagen. Newcastle targets cruise Australian port better known as the world's largest coal exporter looks to diversify. Pundits book World Cup cruise TUI brings in German football manager and TV talking head to boost passengers' experience of football's big event. Tianjin Port's profits slide China's top northern port group sees net income slide by almost one third due to lower cargo volumes. Nomura upgrades Nakilat Qatar LNG player gets thumbs up for revenue stability and potential earnings and dividend growth.

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APRIL 13, 2010
Start-up carrier charters fifth ship MSC raises rates to South America U.S., Mexico agree to address trucking issue WWL to process Hondas in Alabama APM sees growth in developing markets Marseilles-Fos to boost Brazil trade links Savannah hosts port meeting in June

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APRIL 13, 2010
Scandinavian Star fire to be investigated again The Scandinavian Star disaster in April 1990 will be investigated by another governmental committee. The Danish minister of Justice, Lars Barfoed, has decided to form a committee, which will investigate New CEO of Bornholmstrafikken Bornholmstrafikken has recruited a new Chief Executive Officer to replace Mads Kofod, who resigned at the end of March this year. The board of directors have recruited John Steen-Mikkelsen Number of idle container ships continues to fall The fleet of idle container ships continues to shrink ' today 7.5 per cent of the existing fleet is idle. This is the lowest level of idle tonnage recorded by

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APRIL 13, 2010
Prices firm in southern Europe NYMEX showing losses of more than $1 in early trading. Prices soften in Fujairah NYMEX showing further losses in early trading. Bunker spill off India Fuel tank punctured in collision with barge. Tanker leaks oil after collision Oil spill response measures in place to prevent pollution of Macau's beaches and ports. Tight supplies in Busan Prices weakening in Singapore. Gladstone bunker barge back in port Backlog of bunker orders should be cleared within two to three days. US carriers to adjust bunker surcharges First adjustment since February 2009 sees modest increase. Will bunker prices remain stable in Q2? After relatively stable bunker prices during the first quarter, new poll asks what to expect in the current quarter. Singapore's March sales volumes at record high Monthly sales of benchmark 380 cSt bunker fuel and 500 cSt product at a fresh high. Aramco sells two fuel oil cargoes for end-April A total of 170,000 mt of fuel oil fixed for Asia and the Middle East. Chimbusco offers spot prices at four northern ports Chinese supplier gradually shifting away from its historic practice of posted prices. More bunker calls in Colombo Monthly sales volumes hit 30,000 metric tonnes.