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Shipping News

Israeli firm accused of selling ships to Iran
After years of pushing for tough sanctions against Iran, Israel has been left reeling by reports that an Israeli shipping company has been actively doing business with the Islamic republic.
Australia airlines, ports face industrial disputes
Australia is facing what employers say is its worst period of industrial unrest in decades, with disputes hitting airlines, ports and mines as unions use an unprecedented resources boom and labour shortage to fight for a greater share of profits.
Abu Dhabi Ports works on Khalifa zone funding
Abu Dhabi Ports Co, the state-run harbour operator, has hired banks including HSBC Holdings Plc and National Bank of Abu Dhabi PJSC to work on plans for refinancing debt taken out to build the Khalifa Industrial Zone. The company intends to change short-term loans into longer-term financial instruments once construction is complete, executive vice-president Khaled Salmeen Al Kawari said yesterday in Seoul, where he is attending a forum.

Strait Talk

Armed guard issue still a legal minefield
AS ALL shipping industry meetings are these days, last week's Asian Shipowners' Forum (ASF) annual general meeting in Bali was dominated by the issue of Somali piracy.

web site

Shipping News

Israeli firm accused of selling ships to Iran
After years of pushing for tough sanctions against Iran, Israel has been left reeling by reports that an Israeli shipping company has been actively doing business with the Islamic republic.
Australia airlines, ports face industrial disputes
Australia is facing what employers say is its worst period of industrial unrest in decades, with disputes hitting airlines, ports and mines as unions use an unprecedented resources boom and labour shortage to fight for a greater share of profits.
Abu Dhabi Ports works on Khalifa zone funding
Abu Dhabi Ports Co, the state-run harbour operator, has hired banks including HSBC Holdings Plc and National Bank of Abu Dhabi PJSC to work on plans for refinancing debt taken out to build the Khalifa Industrial Zone. The company intends to change short-term loans into longer-term financial instruments once construction is complete, executive vice-president Khaled Salmeen Al Kawari said yesterday in Seoul, where he is attending a forum.

Strait Talk

Armed guard issue still a legal minefield
AS ALL shipping industry meetings are these days, last week's Asian Shipowners' Forum (ASF) annual general meeting in Bali was dominated by the issue of Somali piracy.

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Asia-north Europe rates grew volatile since 2008 EU conference ban CSAV replaces transshipment service with Far East-West Africa direct loop China-EU Smart and Secure Trade Lanes adds Chongqing and Shanghai Ningbo's port investment grows 21.8pc in first quarter Fujian-Taiwan cross-strait shipping up 24.4pc in first four months Fujian's transshipments shoot 83pc in first four months Maersk and MISC revamp SE Asia-NZ service with extra port calls American truck tonnage index slides 0.7 per cent in April: ATA American intermodal volume up on 2010, but demand shows signs of decline APL cold-irons ships in Oakland, plugging into shore power UPS offers weekly Hong Kong to Guam air freight service A321's wake turbulence blamed in Vancouver cargo plane crash in 2009 Four ramp workers to appear in court charged with US mail theft

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ABG Shipyard's EBIDTA climbs to 499.76 cr. JBS Academy distributes certificates to course participants Mercator's total consolidated income jumps 52 pc for FY11 SCI net surges 50.53 pc to 567.35 cr. Shipping firms on tenterhooks due to US sanctions CAB may pitch for extra export of cotton Forex reserves climb $1.04 bn to $308.53 bn India to get MFN status from Pak before Oct. Ministers to reconsider cotton export cap on June 2

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MAY 31, 2011
Oman Air Cargo starts road feeder services in Gulf region The freight arm of Oman's national airline is launching road feeder services (RFS) tomorrow (1 June). For the first ever, airports within the sultanate (Muscat, Salalah and Sohar, ... Safer journeys action plan to improve road safety in New Zealand New Zealand's transport minister, Steven Joyce, has released the safer journeys action plan 2011-12, outlining the government's next steps on road safety. The action plan builds on... Slavenburg & Huyser agent for Delmas From 1 June 2011 Slavenburg & Huyser will represent Delmas in the Netherlands, the leading carrier to/from Africa. For strategic reasons the name of the Delmas subsid... TAP Portugal stops Johannesburg service After the last flight on its Lisbon-Maputo (Mozambique)- Johannesburg service was operated yesterday (30 May), the Star Alliance member TAP Portugal is ending the extension to Sout... IRU criticises plan to transform Eurovignette into pure new tax The current text of the Eurovignette Directive will transform Eurovignette revenues into a pure new major additional tax if the European Parliament votes in favour of the text... Start of expansion works at Gary/Chicago airport Work has begun on a USD 153 million expansion of Gary/Chicago airport in Indiana (USA). The scheme foresees the expansion of the airport's main runway from just over 2,000 m to nea... 7th Maritime Conference: German flag too expensicve At the recent 7th National Maritime Conference in Wilhelmshaven, Michael Behrendt, the president of the German shipowners association (VDR), said that the cost of the German flag h... Groupe Eurotunnel and Star Capital Partners cooperates Groupe Eurotunnel and Star Capital Partners are establishing a joint venture to develop an electricity interconnector between Great Britain and France to provide greater energ... CargoLine and Milsped forge closer links to the Balkan region On behalf of the general cargo alliance CargoLine, the Serbian transport group Milsped has assumed responsibility for the collection and distribution of shipments originating in, o... Rail sector continues to lead towards decarbonised European transport system A new report shows that the rail sector is well on the way to achieving its 2008 declared target of a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions from rail traction by 2020. The la... APL "cold-irons" ships in Oakland to clear the air The Singapore-based container shipping line became the first to shut down, or, "cold-iron" a vessel's engines to eliminate exhaust emissions at the port of Oakland CA (US... Grup TCB appoints S. Senthilkumar as COO of its new container terminal in India Grup TCB, has appointed S. Senthilkumar as chief operating officer (COO) of the group's new container terminal in Ennore near Chennai (Madras) in India. TCB led the consortium... Philips prolongs contract with DHL Supply Chain in northern Europe Philips Consumer Lifestyle, one of the world's leading brands in the healthcare, lifestyle and lighting sectors, has prolonged its contract with DHL Supply Chain in northern Europe... Cosmetics corporation Colomer selects Kuehne + Nagel as logistics partner The Colomer Group, a Spanish cosmetics company, has contracted the Switzerland-based logistics corporation Kuehne + Nagel to provide warehousing, picking & packing and dis... DSV Air & Sea Oy acquires Wasa Logisticy Oy in Finland The Danish transport and logistics group DSV has agreed to acquire 100% of the shares in Wasa Logistics. Wasa Logistics specialises in project transports and is one of the market l... RailAmerica to acquire three Alabama railroads RailAmerica Inc has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of three short-line freight railroads in the state of Alabama (USA) for USD 12.7 million. The transaction is expected ...

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MAY 31, 2011
DHT swoops on Saga Tankers Converteam ships first 36 MW generator for new British aircraft carrier ABS announces sweeping management changes Solar power assisted car carrier to test hybrid power system HHI wins LNG carrier order

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MAY 31, 2011
Trade between NAFTA partners sets new record during March Coast Guard wants input on aids to navigation adequacy General Dynamics NASSCO lands $744 million Navy contract Kalama Port Commissioners Ok upgrades to Marine Park APL begins cold iron program at Port of Oakland terminal

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MAY 31, 2011
Oltmann teams up with German KG house for newbuild finance HCI offers containership fund to investors VLGC owners hit as traders wait for June gas prices Rates slide to 15-week low as charterers and traders show caution ahead of suppliers' June announcements European aframax earnings threaten to drop below daily operating costs Declines are expected across the board for the Atlantic aframax spot markets, as a surplus of tonnage in northern Europe and a pronounced falling-off in the Mediterranean after a spike caused by the Syria protests hit time charter equivalent earning Golar LNG to bring carrier out of lay-up GOLAR LNG has demonstrated its faith in the improving liquefied natural gas market for owners by announcing that it will reactivate the LNG carrier Gimi after nearly two years in lay-up Bulk carrier demolition prices set to drop below $500 per ldt Reduced buying demand from South Asian breakers as yards fill up with previous purchases dampening scrap prices Secondhand capesize prices plummet $5m in two months Secondhand vessel values for modern capesize bulk carriers have dropped $5m in two months, with a new benchmark set by Greece's Marmaras Navigation last week when it reportedly bought the former Korea Line-owned, 2010-built, 174,667 dwt Poinsettia for $51m from Nordea Bank Lifeboat release hook regulations disappoint key shipping bodies Amendments approved by IMO Maritime Safety Committee are only 'a step on the way' says BIMCO technical chief Turkish yards and fleet to get lifeline from international finance deal Joint Turkey/Netherlands agreement set to boost Dutch equipment suppliers as well UKHO points shipping to the future As Ecdis mandation looms, the UK Hydrographic Office wants shipowners to look more closely at the changing shape of navigation Datema's ENCtrack heads in right direction Chart reseller overcomes problems to reach deal with UKHO over its pay-as-you-sail Ecdis system Gibraltar fireball explodes just metres from cruiseship Independence of the Seas flees billowing flames and thick smoke as the Rock's phone network collapses under flood of panic calls Brazil bans foreign seafarers from coming ashore Countries not signatories of ILO 108 targeted, with fines issued for non-compliance Industry in danger of putting safety last DNV's assessment of declining standards supported by Tokyo MOU findings Odfjell's long-running Sevmash dispute comes to an end Russian courts side with Odfjell and forces shipyard to pay outstanding $50.7m EU repeal of liner block exemption has 'increased freight-rate volatility' Alphaliner report says China Containerised Freight Index shows credit crisis not to blame Takeover of Saga Tankers secures cheap VLCCs for DHT Holdings Majority shareholder Arne Blystad accepts offer of a quarter DHT share for each Saga share, valuing company at $87m Trading with Syria Shell should not be required to play the part of the west's conscience if politicians lack the will for action K Line does about-turn on car carrier cold lay-up decision Move driven by expectations of a faster recovery for Japanese auto exports Toll moves into China's booming auto market with 40% Tianjin Anda stake Deal provides option to take majority stake in 3PL over next two years 'Solid growth' forecast for Europe's container volumes Second half of year slated to see upturn despite weak first quarter Jinhui first quarter profit up but $5m Korea Line exposure hurts Jinhui bounces back from its fourth quarter loss, but expressed caution over weak market conditions and a rising cost base Norwegian confusion The Norwegian government seems to love shipping and to want to make it suffer at the same time Syrian ports escape worst of political turmoil Sources say container and dry cargo operations affected, but no major disruption is apparent Document that dooms US port security The Transportation Worker Identification Credential has now been damned in detail by Congress auditors European shippers snub global forum ESC says 'difference of ideas' about the future thrust of GSF prevented link-up Ludicrous idea to combat piracy Unarmed professionals on board would not be 'best practice' for dealing with pirates

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MAY 31, 2011
Denmark, Seychelles agree on pirates DENMARK has reached an agreement with Seychelles on the prosecution of suspected pirates, Fairplay was told today More Panamax tonnage heading for KG placing GERMAN shipowners see growing funding opportunities for Panamax container ships in the KG market due to the positive outlook for timecharter rates Oz stops some shipments of live cattle AUSTRALIA'S government has suspended shipments of live cattle to a number of Indonesian abattoirs, IHS Global Insight reported today Mercator revenues rise STRENGTH in coal trading and logistics have helped India's Mercator Lines post a 52% year-on-year rise in consolidated revenues for the financial year ended 31 March, but profits fell SOS sent to box 'big boys' SHANGHAI brokers told Fairplay today carriers are keeping their fingers crossed that the usual third-quarter peak will push up Asia/Europe box rates, which fell last week to $883 per teu 'Busy period' seen for China scrapyards CHINESE scrapyards are likely to be the winners as a monsoon and high tonnage stockpiles affect the rates offered by South Asian breakers, Fairplay has been told DHT seeks Saga shares DHT HOLDINGS said it is seeking to acquire all shares in Oslo-listed Saga Tankers for $87M TCL wins Spain box terminal concession PORTUGUESE terminal operator TCL has won a concession to build and operate a 29ha deepsea box terminal at the outer harbour of Ferrol in northwestern Spain Yildirim to take 50% Malta Freeport stake TURKISH container operator Yildirim has reportedly agreed to buy 50% of Malta Freeport Terminals from CMA CGM Cebu yard stake sold SMC SHIPPING & Lighterage said it has acquired a 72% controlling stake in Keppel Philippines Holdings Golar LNG returns to profits GOLAR LNG swung to profits during the first quarter, but its bottom line was hit by weak results from subsidiary Golar LNG Energy SINOPEC takes jetty stake CHINESE oil major SINOPEC said has acquired a 50% stake in Zhan Jiang Petrochemical Jetty Russia sugar duty rise seen THE KREMLIN is likely to increase the protective duty on imported sugar in July to $85 per tonne from today's $50 per tonne, according to a new forecast DPW shares to trade tomorrow in London TRADING in the ordinary shares of DPW is to begin tomorrow on the London Stock Exchange STX Offshore turns losses into profits STX O&S has reported net profits of 23.3Bn won ($21.6M) for the first quarter this year, turning around its net losses of 42.5Bn won for the same period last year

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MAY 31, 2011
Lessors Bought 1.6 Million TEUs in 2010 Container lessors spent an estimated $4 billion to acquire more than 1.6 million 20-foot equivalent units last year, according to... DOT Eyes $1 Billion in Rail Regulatory Savings The Department of Transportation is working on changes in rail regulations that could save the industry more than $1 billion... Warehousing to Benefit From Canal Project, Report Says The expanded Panama Canal and higher fuel costs will boost demand for U.S. warehouses and distribution centers, a new report... NAFTA Surface Trade Posts Record Value The value of surface transportation trade between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico hit a record $80.8 billion in March,... Obama Taps Former Edison CEO as Commerce Secretary President Obama said he will nominate John Bryson, former chairman and CEO of utility company Edison International, to head the... Containerized Imports Rose 8.7 Percent in April Rising shipments from China fueled an 8.7 percent increase in U.S. containerized imports in April, PIERS data show. April's... FMCSA to Delay Hours-of-Service Rule Release The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will delay the release of its controversial new truck driver hours-of-service rules until October.... Truckload Giant Swift Raising Rates 4 Percent Truckload giant Swift Transportation expects to raise its contract rates 4 percent this year, the CEO of the $2.9 billion... Rates More Volatile Since Conferences Repealed, Analyst Says Ocean container freight rates on the Asia-Europe shipping lanes have become more volatile since the European Union outlawed liner conferences... Logistics Operator NFI Expands on West Coast New Jersey-based logistics company NFI Industries acquired the West Coast operations of The Gilbert Company from ocean shipping giant Maersk.... Forecasts Show Solid Volume Growth at Europe's Ports Ocean container volumes are projected to show solid growth at European ports in the coming six months after a weak... Yildirim to Buy Half of CMA CGM Malta Hub Yildirim Holding, the Turkish trading and ports conglomerate that owns 20 percent of CMA CGM, agreed in principle to buy...

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MAY 31, 2011
PIL and Wan Hai withdraw Asia/northern Europe service NOL: higher volumes, lower rates UASC secures another USD205 million Antwerp Port Community System launched Sea and airport pact helps Dubai

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MAY 31, 2011
Explosion rocks Gibraltar Police race to rule out terrorism as the cause of fuel depot explosion that sent RCCL passengers running for cover. Diana firms fundraisers Diana Containerships ready to unleash $185m Times Square assault after entering talks to buy a pair of 3,500-teu boxships. Norden scoops MR resales Danish owner tosses search for second-hand tonnage on back burner after zeroing in on four distressed newbuildings. Beluga fleet sets sail Oaktree Capital's new shipping unit plucks 24 vessels from the stable of bankrupt German operator. Seanergy extends charters Nasdaq-listed owner extends two bulkers with MUR Shipping at the same rates. Iran averts boxship hijack Salvo from Iranian commandos sees off attack on HDS Lines' First Ocean after earlier attempt on VLCC Damavand repulsed. NOCC takes a u-turn Lars Solbakken-led company reverses into profit during the first quarter as market picks up. Golar converts Gimi Golar LNG Energy to covert a fifth LNG carrier into a floating regas unit. Essar Ports opens 30% up Shares in Indian group's demerged terninals unit attract strong interest on first-day tradng in Mumbai. Saga coup hits prices DHT Maritime's near $90m takeover of Arne Blystad-led Saga is bad news for asset prices and listed peers, Arctic says. Golar LNG bounces back LNG demand fires John Fredriksen-controlled company out of the red in the first quarter. DHT swoops for Saga Saga Tankers says shareholders should accept $87m takeover offer from NYSE-listed DHT Holdings. Deep Sea sells AHTS John Fredriksen-linked offshore company sells anchor handler Sea Lion but keeps mum on the buyer.

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MAY 31, 2011
DSV buys Finland's Wasa Logistics DSV buys Finland's Wasa Logistics DSV buys Finland's Wasa LogisticsDanish transport and logistics company DSV said its DSV Air and Sea Finland unit has agreed to acquire WASA Logistics for an undisclosed sum. Wasa Logistics specializes in project ... U.A.E. trade groups consider alliance Dubai Trade and the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) are considering plans for an alliance that would help increase growth within the freight forwarding and logistics industry in the United Arab Emirates. The trade groups recent... Barge industry agrees to safety measures The barge industry is taking new and additional voluntary precautions for safe transit on the inland waterways during the unprecedented flooding on the Mississippi River and other inland waterways. American Waterways Operators (AWO), the national t... CSAV enters West Africa from Asia CSAV has upgraded its New Discovery service by extending its coverage to include West Africa. The liner carrier said this extension would allow it to meet growing demand from Asia to the West African region. CSAV also said the service will offer ... Jamaica to enforce new rules on ship waste Jamaica said it is ready to implement tougher international standards on the discharge of ship waste at sea. Under an amendment to a landmark maritime pollution convention, nations have designated the Caribbean Sea as an area of special attention ... Diana Containerships plans stock offering Diana Containerships Inc. said Tuesday it plans to sell an additional 14 million shares of common shares and make a $20 million concurrent private placement of common shares to Diana Shipping Inc., a related company that invests in dry bulk ships. ... APL volumes up, but rates weaker Neptune Orient Lines said its APL container shipping subsidiary handled 231,100 40-foot equivalent units in the four-week period ending May 6, 9 percent more than the 212,000 FEUs handled in the comparable year-earlier period. Average revenue per ... Shippers want piece of slow steaming savings Shippers are adapting to slow steaming by ocean carriers, but want carriers to share savings through better pricing and improved customer service. An April survey of 290 logistics executives around the world found nearly 70 percent felt it was inc... Plugging in APL begins cold-ironing ships in Oakland Singapore-based container shipping company APL became the first to shut down or "cold-iron" its ship's engines in the Port of Oakland. Last Friday the 900-footAPL Singaporeswitched off its auxiliary diesel ... Seeks voice in key international bodies

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MAY 31, 2011
Signs of firming prices brings more buyers Suppliers in some markets reporting good demand as strong crude prices push markets up. Explosion in Gibraltar oil tank Cruise ship forced to make emergency departure. Bakri to deploy new tanker Vessel will deployed in Fujairah in June. Reaction to 'off-spec' bunker claim 'very disappointing' Orion Holdings considering legal action. Turkish supplier expands operations in Black Sea region CYE Petrol to start deliveries in the Ust-Dunaysk roads in Ukraine. Bunker prices firming in Asia Demand mixed across main Asian bunkering ports on Tuesday. ExxonMobil sells high viscosity parcel at steady premiums Sells 700 cSt fuel oil cargo at a discount of $28.50-29.50 pmt to Bakri. Ferry operator posts $23.3 million loss on back of bunker costs Price of bunker fuel 'play an important role' in group's results, says board at Attica Group. MAN Diesel expands G-type engine programme Announces addition of more bore sizes for G70ME-C9, G60 ME-C9 and G50ME-B9 engines.