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Shipping News

Baltic index slides after rising for 10 sessions
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates to ship dry commodities, turned negative on Monday in light activity.
Tanker rates seen rising on likely Opec export boost
Rates for crude oil tankers on key Asian freight routes are seen rising over the next week, supported by an expected boost in Opec exports, shipbrokers said yesterday.
Maersk CEO calls for timely deliveries
Eivind Kolding, chief executive officer at Maersk Line, the world's largest container line, said the industry must improve its ability to deliver cargo on time to a rate of at least 95 per cent from currently 50 per cent.
Missing link in Somali piracy picture: torture

Strait Talk

Steep learning curve for shippers' forum
SHIPPERS around the world should be able to look forward to their concerns being voiced more effectively with the transformation of the Global Shippers' Forum from an informal alliance into an organisation potentially on a par with shipping industry counterparts like the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and BIMCO.

web site

Shipping News

Baltic index slides after rising for 10 sessions
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates to ship dry commodities, turned negative on Monday in light activity.
Tanker rates seen rising on likely Opec export boost
Rates for crude oil tankers on key Asian freight routes are seen rising over the next week, supported by an expected boost in Opec exports, shipbrokers said yesterday.
Maersk CEO calls for timely deliveries
Eivind Kolding, chief executive officer at Maersk Line, the world's largest container line, said the industry must improve its ability to deliver cargo on time to a rate of at least 95 per cent from currently 50 per cent.
Missing link in Somali piracy picture: torture

Strait Talk

Steep learning curve for shippers' forum
SHIPPERS around the world should be able to look forward to their concerns being voiced more effectively with the transformation of the Global Shippers' Forum from an informal alliance into an organisation potentially on a par with shipping industry counterparts like the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and BIMCO.

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Shipping disrupted along Yangtze as drought brings low water levels Zim increases Asia-Europe rate US$275 per TEU from July 1 World Bank seeks CO2 jet fuel, bunker tax, EU to tax in 2012, IATA cries foul Kaohsiung Harbour Bureau budgets US$68.9 million to rebuild box quays More boxes come from lessors than ever, leasing rates expected to increase ESC opts out of Global Shippers Forum as it seeks NGO status Old Dominion offers LCL service in Taichung, Keelung, Kaohsiung ports Mighty Oz buck drives Port Botany volume up 5.6pc in April to 162,205 TEU Shipping Corporation of India back in black as liner net profit soars 50pc Nigeria ports increase 2010 throughput 12pc, with container volume rising 8.8pc Carrier profit forecast cut, but Asia Pacific still leads in profitability Aviation industry players boost third Hong Kong runway plan Chongqing airport to build third 3,800-metre runway by 2015

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CMA CGM Group reaffirms commitment to environment India trying hard to reverse piracy area ruling Maersk Line bags award for highest throughput at JN Port EEPC members invited to take part in INDEE Bangkok 2011 Export orders issued for 3.39l tonnes of sugar so far Farm goods, exports push truck sales/rentals up Handicrafts exports climb 14 pc in April Karnataka all set to allow ore exports with new conditions MMTC offers to export 30,000 tonnes of pig iron Tea imports plunge 25 pc to 19.26 m kg in FY11 Govt to ban new port projects in high erosion zones JN Port observes World Environment Day Food inflation fell to 8.06 pc Adani Power synchronises 2nd supercritical unit of 660 MW at Mundra

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JUNE 7, 2011
Another successful year for Stadler Rail Group in Switzerland The Switzerland-based Stadler Rail Group has reported another successful year in 2010. Sales stood at CHF 1.077 billion, slightly above the levels of previous years, and incoming o... International financial institutions give green light to extend Jamaica's only toll road Jamaica: a four-lane motorway extension between Sandy Bay and Four Paths on the island's main route west of Kingston is expected to reduce travel times, road accidents and emission... Palletways invests in new fleet Palletways, Europe's largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, has invested GBP 1.5 million (about EUR 1.73 million) in a new vehicle fleet in order to accomm... Road hauliers protest against new truck toll in Czechia A toll is set to be introduced for lorries weighing more than 3.5 t on the 5,000 km Czech regional road network. The trade association Cesmad Bohemia has said that it will oppose t... Sheremetyevo tightens noise regulations Moscow airport Sheremetyevo is tightening its noise regulations by introducing a night-flying ban on aircraft that emit over 130 decibels when taking off. These types of aircraft, ... West African regional airline to be created The creation of a regional airline should add some impetus to the economic cooperation of West African States. In line with this, the Economic Community of West African States (Eco... Australia: GAP surges ahead with track laying on missing link QR National, Australia's largest rail freight company, has begun laying railway track on the Northern Missing Link in Central Queensland, marking a pivotal milestone in its signatu... French state acquires majority stake in Strasbourg airport The French joint stock company SA Aéroport de Strasbourg Entzheim has taken over Strasbourg airport's operating concession that runs until 2050. SA Aéroport de Strasbourg Entzheim ... VTG purchases the Railcraft group of companies VTG Aktiengesellschaft recently acquired the Railcraft group of companies that operates offices in Espoo (Finland), Moscow (Russia) and Tallinn (Estonia). Railcraft rents out its o... Rhenus joins European Vehicle Logistics lobby organisation The Rhenus Group wants to play a more prominent role in the automotive industry's discussions. To fulfil this aim, the logistics service provider became a member of the A... Easyfresh appoints Sea Logistics for Poland Easyfresh, a global reefer logistics operator, has announced that an agency agreement has been signed with the Polish company Sea-Logistics Sp. z o.o. The new venture caters for th... UK freight forwarders name new president and national chairman The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has a new president and national chairman. Sir Peter Bottomley MP has become Bifa's new president, succeeding Lord Fowler. Stev... Menlo Worldwide Logistics fulfilling services for Damaris Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc, will carry-out logistics, warehousing and distribution services for the UK-based quality lingerie produce... Hansa Heavy Lift GmbH - full speed ahead Hansa Heavy Lift GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the international investment enterprise Oaktree Capital Management, officially commenced its activities on 1 June. The new enter... Vostochny included in Zim's schedule On 5 June, the Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company's container terminal completed the handling of the first-ever panamax-class ultra-large containership in the port of Vostochny's hist... MOL extends period to transport aid supplies from overseas The Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) recently announced that it is extending the period it will transport aid supplies from overseas...

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JUNE 7, 2011
BC Ferries reports year-end results Postal Service salutes U.S. Merchant Marine on four stamps New skeg design said to cut cruise ship power requirements Nordic Yards busy with work for Norilsk Nickel Petrobras board give green light for 21 drill rigs SBM Offshore DSCV to have Wärtsilä power and propulsion

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JUNE 7, 2011
Port of Vancouver, USA closes Farwest land sale Memorandum of Understanding inked for anti-piracy training center in Djibouti Large and small Ballard locks closed for inspection today K Line vessel rescues pair of stranded sailors Marcon helps broker sale of Island Tug and Barge vessel

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JUNE 7, 2011
PierPass to raise fee to $60 per teu Shippers moving cargo through Los Angeles and Long Beach to face extra fee from next month Aframax earnings hit lowest level in four months Markets see no sign of relief as rates plummet VLGC rates stagnate as Saudi prices fail to ignite Rates stuck at around $40 per tonne with little immediate improvement Panamax rates flatline despite China coal talk Market is balanced with expectations of rising activity on coal routes providing support, but ample tonnage remains available Sale of NYK capesize sets new low benchmark price at $15m Price of $15m for 148,500 dwt Suzaku reflects falling values, but it may spur some opportunistic buyers to enter the sector MR tanker values hold up after raft of purchases Medium range tankers kept sale and purchase brokers busy over the last week, with MR tanker Tambov standing out as a deal that set a useful benchmark sale for European-built MR tankers Sovcomflot set to sign 15-year charters for LNG duo Russia's Sovcomflot expects to sign this month 15-year time charter contracts for both its two newbuilding LNG carrier orders Unofficial crane drivers strike creates havoc at Bordeaux Workers fear loss of social security status once private sector takes over Thoresen Thai defends doubling of executive pay amid shareholder fury Dry-bulk operator says salary jump was due to recruitment of four new executives in 2009 Industry gets to grips with offshore mysteries Both sectors face similar challenges, but the future looks brighter for offshore Libyan port authorities' assets frozen EU makes it illegal to for European-operated vessels to transact business with six ports thought to include Tripoli and Ras Lanuf Metalworkers stage sit-in at Brodosplit yard over shipbuilding ban Union demands Croatian government moves more quickly on EU privatisation conditions Rich pickings ' but only for the few As shoreside staff continue to earn far more than seafarers, pay rates in Asia are beginning to catch up with the Europe Pay gap narrows for sea staff globally Sacking European officers and hiring from Asia does not necessarily mean big savings London at loggerheads with India over piracy risk area Call for Joint War Committee high risk area to be revised after owners complain of insurance costs eroding margins Deals in KG secondary market fail to materialise as shareholders sit tight Lack of demand from investors 'for shares of good quality' leaves market baffled Keeping talent tied in The debate over boardroom pay now has to consider the global market that is emerging in white collar shipping jobs Save Our Seafarers to launch hard-hitting appeal direct to public Anti-piracy campaign to step up pressure on governments to take action with graphic portrayals of victims' suffering TCC files Chapter 15 petition Move aimed to ensure all creditors treated equally Maersk urges thinking outside the box Maersk Line wants booking cargo space to be as easy as ordering an airline flight online WMU still walking a financial tightrope Bail-out is only a temporary measure as governors search for more funding Muscle in on the emissions cash debate Aviation industry opposition to the EU's carbon agenda should make shipping chiefs think about the need for some serious lobbying strength Exclusive interview: Kolding calls for radical overhaul of container shipping Updated: Industry needs to change now, says Maersk Line chief Thai navy to join anti-pirate force Two warships to join ships from 25 other nations in Gulf of Aden LPG tanker's crew robbed in Singapore Strait Gang armed with knives board vessel after two similar incidents last week Taiwan Navigation's first-quarter profit cut in half Operating income up 16% as company predicts two years of sluggish rates Twin German ports see boom in boxes and cars Bremen and Bremerhaven post 15% rise in total volumes in first four months of 2011 to 25.7m tonnes Mersey Ports unveils 20-year plan for green supply chain Development of deepwater Seaforth River Terminal container hub at Liverpool to combine with new multi-modal inland terminals along the Manchester Ship Canal Hamworthy looks forward to a bumper year Revenues were down, but record order intake points to busy future as gas takes off

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JUNE 7, 2011
'I brake for whales' speed limit sought GREENS are urging speed limits for ships off the US West Coast to protect whales from strikes Crowded world seeks breadbaskets WORLD population growth will increasingly offer opportunities for US shipping, delegates to a London grains conference heard today Rail closures hit shipments from Richards Bay RICHARDS Bay coal exports in South Africa fell to a 41-month low in May as shippers maintained a minimal schedule during a 20-day rail shutdown, IHS McCloskey reported today US LNG re-exports surge SHIPMENTS of re-exported LNG from two US terminals are hitting record volumes, according to the Energy Information Administration Spot plunge hits FreeSeas HANDYSIZE specialist FreeSeas disclosed quarterly losses today as its spot-exposed fleet bore the brunt of falling rates Grain rate rise seen from Russia move RUSSIA'S lifting of a grain export ban might lift freight rates in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, a London conference heard today Pilots cut Mississippi draught BAR PILOTS will restrict vessel draughts on the lower Mississippi Riverto 13.1m (43ft) from their authorised 13.7m from 9 June as silt and shoaling increase, Fairplay was told today Kolding: relish opportunity HALF OF ALL containers arrive late, while the sector lacks transparency and common goals, Maersk Line CEO Eivind Kolding warned today Bremerhaven posts box record BREMERHAVEN, Europe's fourth-largest container port, saw monthly throughput reach a new record of 512,000teu in April, surpassing the previous high from three years ago Japan crude imports recover JAPAN'S crude imports are recovering, two months after the major earthquake that put four refineries offline, according to IHS Global Insight Antwerp improves 'logistics of data' ANTWERP has developed electronic communications to enable more efficient, transparent and reliable exchanges between port users and administrators Pirates jailed in Somaliland SIX PIRATES have reportedly been jailed in Somaliland over the hijacking of a ship three years ago Mermaid unveils battle plans TTA'S SUBSEA engineering and rig drilling arm has unveiled a two-part plan to reverse losses Capesize rates keep dropping BROKERS told Fairplay today that rates are dropping on several Capesize drybulk routes, despite a return of Chinese charterers to the market

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JUNE 7, 2011
DOT Sends $1.5 Million to Alabama for Tornado Repairs The Department of Transportation is making $1.5 million available to Alabama in "quick-release" emergency funds, to reimburse the state for... Ocean Carriers Delay Peak-Season Surcharge A peak-season surcharge scheduled to take effect next week in the eastbound Pacific has been postponed for at least one... LA-LB to Increase Daytime Traffic Mitigation Fee Terminal operators in Los Angeles-Long Beach will increase the traffic mitigation fee charged during daytime hours to $60 per TEU... Railroads Face Missouri River Flood Delays Rising floodwaters on the Missouri River have begun disrupting some rail operations, just the latest in a series of weather... Containerized Exports Rise for 19th Straight Month U.S. containerized exports rose 12.5 percent in April, their 19th consecutive year-over-year increase, after a 13.9 percent gain in March,... Miss. River Levels Prompt Vessel Draft Limits The combination of Mississippi River flood water levels dropping and the river's bottom silting up is creating what some call... BA to Pay $89.5 Million to Settle Class Action Suit British Airways today agreed to pay $89.5 million to scores of air freight shippers to settle a U.S. class action... Railcar Owners Parked 2,855 More Units in May North American owners of railcars parked 2,855 additional cars during May, expanding the fleet of idled units at a time... Maersk Resumes Services at Two Japanese Ports Maersk Line, the world's largest container shipping firm, announced the partial resumption of services at two Japanese ports damaged by... DHL Cargo Plane Crashes, Crew Saved A DHL Express cargo plane crashed into the sea off the coast of Gabon on Monday, but the four crew... Geodis Wilson Buys One Source Logistics Geodis Wilson strengthened its position in the U.S. this week with the acquisition of Minneapolis-based freight broker One Source Logistics... Maersk Line Chief Urges Radical Industry Changes Maersk Line CEO Eivind Kolding, using the pulpit of the world's largest container shipping line, urged broad changes in the... Pacific International, Wan Hai Upgrade Network Pacific International Lines and Wan Hai Lines will upgrade their service network in the trade lanes between Asia and Europe,... Japan, India Set FTA for Aug. 1 Japan and India will put a free trade agreement into force on Aug.1, ushering in a new era of trade...

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JUNE 7, 2011
Maersk chief: industry must change OTAL to disappear De Monie says maximum max reached Zim divides pendulum service into two Laid-up fleet drops to 0.7%

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JUNE 7, 2011
PierPass plugs $52m gap Non-profit port congestion group to celebrate 4th of July holiday by boosting TEU fees at Port of LA Long Beach. TDW fleet czar steps down Tidewater's offshore acquisition mastermind abandons top post after 38 years in the trenches. Britons at sea A fifth of Britons think Calais is still a UK port and 6% of women don't even know what a port is as the tide of ignorance and indifference threatens to sink Britannia. Pain in the neck Seaman sues Liberty Maritime over defective desk chair and infected neck wound in bizarre personal injury case. Let the bidding begin Brazilian energy behemoth rubber stamps bidding process for the construction of 21 drilling rigs. Palmali snares oil deal Russian shipowner to carry oil over 10 years for producer RussNeft. Freeseas in freefall Ion Varouxakis-led Freeseas slumps into the red on weak drybulk charter rates. Greens' toxic targets Campaigners are targeting a US-flag ship they claim is bound for Bangladeshi breakers but, like another, is officially "dead". Tanker lists Loading halted on Pratibha Shipping vessel at Visakhapatnam after vessel lurches to one side. 'Naked' rower rescued Man rowing naked across the Indian Ocean saved after being exposed to choppy seas. Poten in products caution Over-ordering at low prices could seriously exasperate oversupply and derail recovery in products tanker market, broker says.

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JUNE 7, 2011
Averitt expands Kentucky, Ohio warehouses Averitt Express has expanded its warehouse operations in Lexington, Ky., and Cincinnati to meet customer needs for "flexible" shared warehouse space. "As the U.S. economy begins to improve, companies are looking for flexible warehousing options to ... Old Dominion starts drayage in Mobile Old Dominion Freight Line has opened a container drayage site to serve all ports and container yards in the Mobile, Ala. area. The site, its second container drayage facility opened this year, will offer pickup and delivery to any point in the Unit... Virgin handles Strategic Airlines' capacity Virgin Atlantic Cargo will manage Brisbane, Australia-based Strategic Airline's long-haul cargo activity as a new partner, complementing its existing partnership with V Australia. In particular, the activity will cover Strategic's new Phuket and Ba... DHL is TAPA-certified in North America DHL Express has achieved full Transported Asset Protection Association certification for all of its key North American facilities following the recent certification of its Los Angeles and San Francisco gateways. Its North America locations include... Fuel prices drain airlines' profit buffer The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Monday downgraded its 2011 airline industry profit forecast to $4 billion, 54 percent lower than the $8.6 billion profit forecast in March and a 78 percent drop compared with the $18 billion ne... Air draft restricts Hapag-Lloyd New Orleans calls Hapag-Lloyd is omitting port calls at New Orleans the next three weeks from its GS1 service between the East Coast of South America and the U.S. Gulf Coast due to insufficient air draft, the German line said. Rising water levels on the Mississippi ... MOL slow steams Asia/South America loop A service from MOL and Hamburg Süd linking Asia and South America via South Africa has begun slow steaming on the second half of its return leg to Asia, according to American Shipper affiliate ComPair Data. The lines' CSW service will sail slower f... Shippers, ship owners spar over bunker levy Groups representing shippers and ship owners are sparing over proposals to reduce the production of greenhouse gases by the shipping industry. Last week the Global Shippers' Forum, recently reorganized to become a higher-profile non-governmental ... Maersk releases splashy shipping "manifesto" Maersk Line Chief Executive Officer Eivind Kolding unveiled a splashy new shipping "manifesto" on Tuesday, calling on the container shipping industry to avoid complacency and offer shippers better services. The company hasset up a Web sitewhere it... Global Shippers' Forum

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JUNE 7, 2011
Fujairah prices stable Deliveries available for supply up to and including 21 June. Russian port operator wants $100 million from IPO Global Ports to use the money to invest in port projects. Rotterdam market in 'stand-off' Prices see little movement. Maersk unveils manifesto on need for change in shipping 'The time has come' to make the kind of revolutionary change brought by containerisation and make shipping easier and more transparent for customers. Maersk Tankers expands fleet with new fuel efficient VLCCs 'With today's bunker prices it makes sense not only for the environment' but also from a financial perspective, says Head of Crude. New barge to strengthen Verbeke's position in Zeebrugge Aegean subsidiary now has 19 delivery vessels in the ARA region. Warning of 'apathy' over sulphur regulations Lobbying for delays in sulphur regulations 'a mistake', Istanbul bunker conference told. Hamworthy winning LNG contracts Company clinches five orders for its LNG fuelling systems in'emerging market for LNG-powered ships.' Bunker prices largely down at major Asian ports Mixed demand at key Asian ports on Tuesday. Siemens to provide fuel saving solution to Italian Coast Guard EcoProp hybrid propulsion system will save 'substantial amounts of energy and fuel'. New tugboat to boost Alaskan firm fleet Vessel designed for multi-mission purposes throughout Alaska's river and coastal regions. Scorpio Tankers places order for fuel-efficient newbuilds Vessel 'enhancements' to cut fuel consumption by 10% while reducing air emissions.