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Shipping News

Rising caseload for maritime arbitration
SINGAPORE'S maritime arbitration scene is on the rise, with caseloads climbing and values mounting, Law Minister K Shanmugam indicated yesterday.
Shipowners losing after US$11.4b battle for boxes
After a quarter in which companies selling space on container lines doubled rates, the amount the owners of the ships are being paid is the least in two years.
Smaller vessels push Baltic index to 2-month high
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index - which tracks rates to ship dry commodities - rose to its highest in two months, helped by higher rates for supramax and panamax vessels.

Strait Talk

Pressure on industry nearing a perfect storm
THERE seems to be a lot of talking going on in the global shipping industry. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing. Last week, the various conferences and seminars here that complemented Asia Pacific Maritime provided a very good insight into the big issues of the day.

Motoring

Nissan banks on Datsun brand
Nissan Motor Co's revived Datsun brand will target increasing sales in Indonesia, India, and Russia, the firm's chief executive told reporters yesterday.

web site

Shipping News

Rising caseload for maritime arbitration
SINGAPORE'S maritime arbitration scene is on the rise, with caseloads climbing and values mounting, Law Minister K Shanmugam indicated yesterday.
Shipowners losing after US$11.4b battle for boxes
After a quarter in which companies selling space on container lines doubled rates, the amount the owners of the ships are being paid is the least in two years.
Smaller vessels push Baltic index to 2-month high
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index - which tracks rates to ship dry commodities - rose to its highest in two months, helped by higher rates for supramax and panamax vessels.

Strait Talk

Pressure on industry nearing a perfect storm
THERE seems to be a lot of talking going on in the global shipping industry. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing. Last week, the various conferences and seminars here that complemented Asia Pacific Maritime provided a very good insight into the big issues of the day.

Motoring

Nissan banks on Datsun brand
Nissan Motor Co's revived Datsun brand will target increasing sales in Indonesia, India, and Russia, the firm's chief executive told reporters yesterday.

web site

Shipping News

Rising caseload for maritime arbitration
SINGAPORE'S maritime arbitration scene is on the rise, with caseloads climbing and values mounting, Law Minister K Shanmugam indicated yesterday.
Shipowners losing after US$11.4b battle for boxes
After a quarter in which companies selling space on container lines doubled rates, the amount the owners of the ships are being paid is the least in two years.
Smaller vessels push Baltic index to 2-month high
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index - which tracks rates to ship dry commodities - rose to its highest in two months, helped by higher rates for supramax and panamax vessels.

Strait Talk

Pressure on industry nearing a perfect storm
THERE seems to be a lot of talking going on in the global shipping industry. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing. Last week, the various conferences and seminars here that complemented Asia Pacific Maritime provided a very good insight into the big issues of the day.

Motoring

Nissan banks on Datsun brand
Nissan Motor Co's revived Datsun brand will target increasing sales in Indonesia, India, and Russia, the firm's chief executive told reporters yesterday.

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12,500-TEU MSC Fabiola biggest box ship ever to dock in North America Singapore-flagged 3,100-TEUer aground on Fujian reef across from Taipei Box Ships posts US$12.96 million profit after first year as listed firm SeaIntel: Ocean container delivery reliability edges up in February Chongqing port container throughput up 72.6pc 65,200 TEU in February Beijing-Hangzhou Canal now can accommodate 2,000-tonne vessels US January imports increase 4.1pc, growth led by furniture and auto parts Qatar awards US$1.2 billion contract for dredging 15-metre Doha channel Vietnam struggles to make profit while soaring freight rates add pressure TNT Express introduces first electric vans in Hong Kong Express Market US Coast Guard new ballast rules, old seawater exchange deemed insufficient Volstad Maritime signs new contract with Cargotec for 2 offshore cranes Vancouver to seek environmental okay on new terminal to open in 2020s ICAO suggests alternative to EU carbon tax that China and US might accept Hong Kong airport posts 18.6pc hike in February cargo to 287,000 tonnes UPS buyout of TNT Express for US$6.77 billion awaits regulatory approval China Southern February cargo volume up 41.2pc to 84,600 tonnes Cargo 2000 opens Master Operating Plan e-freight software to all Air China's freight volume up 18.3pc to 76,400 tonnes in February

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Access widens to Baltic Exchange forward freight real-time data FFFAI's golden jubilee celebrations launched in Chennai Opinions differ on impact of slow steaming on overall costs Sandvik Mining & Construction begins regional distribution from Arshiya's Mumbai FTWZ Spot rates up, but carriers not benefiting due to cheaper long-term contracts India, Macedonia discuss DTAA Budget a mixed bag for transportation & logistics sector: KPMG MACCIA & IMC's interactive meeting with CBEC Chairman on March 24

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MARCH 20, 2012
Cargo plane crash in the Caribbean The Flight Safety Foundation has reported that a Convair CV-340 cargo plane crashed last Thursday shortly after departure from San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín international airport (SJU)... European freight exchange Trans.eu posts record results The European freight exchange Trans.eu saw a nearly 16% increase in the number of users in its last business year. The clients included numerous large companies, such as DB Schenke... German railways hauled 5.4% more goods in 2011 Domestic and foreign rail service providers hauled a total of 375 million t of goods on the German rail network in 2011. The country's statistics office Destatis said that this equ... CHF 2.1 billion for Switzerland's motorways The Swiss government is investing around CHF 2.1 billion in its motorway network this year. Of this sum, about CHF 740 million will be spent on the construction of new sections of ... Liebherr set to sell 1,000th mobile harbour crane Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH is set to deliver its 1,000th mobile harbour crane to the Montoir Bulk Terminal (France), a subsidiary of the Sea Invest Group, in H2/2012. The model is ... New fruit services for Vlissingen Continental Stevedoring Company (CSC), based in Vlissingen (Netherlands), has succeeded in securing an important fruit package. With the arrival of a new weekly Seatrade service wi... Saudi Airlines Cargo launches freighter services from Frankfurt and Vienna Saudi Airlines Cargo is to expand its European operations with the addition of two new destinations. As of 25 March 2012, the company will operate four direct freighter flights per... 21.5% contract growth for Ruslan International Ruslan International ' the company which markets and manages the combined Antonov An-124 fleets of its shareholders Volga Dnepr and Antonov Airlines - has reported its provisional ... Greencarrier Freight Services to cooperate with Turkey's leading Greencarrier Freight Services has signed a cooperation agreement with Turkey's leading logistics company, Ekol Logistics. The agreement covers Sweden, the Baltic states and Turkey,... Airport Authority Hong Kong with new executive director Airport Authority Hong Kong appointed C K Ng as executive director, airport operations on 19 March. Reporting to CEO Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Ng, who will be a key member of the seni... Honold-Dietrich joint venture expanding in Romania The joint venture owned by the Germany-based Honold Logistik group and the logistics service provider Dietrich is expanding its business premises in Timisoara (Romania) by 30,000 s... Austrian Post is right on track Austrian Post (Österreichische Post AG) recently reported that it is "on the right track", given that its 2011 net profit rose by 4.6% to EUR 123 million, thanks to more mail and p... UPS acquires TNT Express for EUR 5 billion US-based United Parcel Service (UPS) and TNT Express NV (Netherlands). have reached an agreement on a recommended all-cash offer of EUR 9.50 per ordinary share for TNT Express, rep...

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MARCH 20, 2012
Hercules Offshore to acquire jack-up from Diamond Offshore CARB has funds to guarantee loans for vessel emission reduction American Club warns of USCG crackdown on MARPOL compliance Dockwise books contracts worth $57 million InterManager President opposes ban on ransom payments to pirates

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MARCH 20, 2012
MarAd announces recipients of Small Shipyard grants Braemar Seascope report finds boxship newbuilds target certain trades Boeing backing Seattle Mariners in season opening series in Japan Agencies continue to monitor sunken Vigor Marine drydock Panama Canal Authority nets ethical company honor

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MARCH 20, 2012
Countdown to a new oil crisis Sanctions will wipe 800,000-1m barrels of Iranian crude off global market GasLog goes on the road to promote $400m IPO Funds raised will finance eight LNG carriers Mediterranean aframax bubble bursts Rates spike in Baltic Sea proves short-lived CMA 2012: Bulker newbuilding values have fallen by $97bn Scrapping vessels and slow steaming will help combat overcapacity China Navigation orders four handysize vessels Small bulker segment has seen less overbuilding than others The need for certainty Supply chains disrupted by dearth of information, claims shipper Iron ore trade growth to halve this decade, says BHP Mining company predicts changing Chinese economy could reduce steel demand growth Regulating armed guards 'will cost less than $5.1m a year' But confusion continues over which systems apply to PMSCs Benin and Nigeria deemed high risk areas International Bargaining Forum move entitles seafarers to double pay BIMCO releases new sale form Concern lingers that Saleform 2012 favours sellers in key areas Survey reveals flight of private KG shipping backers Closed-end KG house equity fell 38% last year Japan reports fall in ship orders January and February figures reveal plummeting demand for bulkers Enrica Lexie still held five weeks after fatal shootings India's shipping authority has no objection to departure of Italian tanker Ocean Glory's chief engineer missed ship's final departure Taiwan authorities investigating sinking reveal that officer overslept after taking medication West Africa's dry ports singled out as model for the future With nearly one in three African countries landlocked and the trend towards megacities growing, 'integrated container transport solutions' are needed, says APM Terminals chief Gulf of Guinea piracy worsens Crews at greater risk as attacks increase Make sanctions stick Legitimate concern that Iran P&I ban could weaken conventions Lessons of Exxon Valdez Oil spill highlights just how terribly things can go wrong when safety is not a top priority STX OSV to be sold within weeks Profitable Singapore-listed shipbuilder draws international interest Dry bulk becomes world's largest fleet Ordering spree sees segment overtake tankers in volume terms European regulators clear Bominflot bunkers deal Marquard & Bahls wins go-ahead for acquisition that will create one of the top five global bunker suppliers Product tankers set to take off But Chinese VLCC orders will add to crude tanker woes Deepwater drilling faces less risk than tanker market Ultra deepwater rig charter rates will top $700,000 a day, says Tor Olav Tr'im Shipping downturn boosts Ningbo box growth Most competitive terminal wins, says president CMA 2012: Shipping leadership challenges governments on ransoms Outlawing payments to pirates untenable, say trade association heads Analyst questions transpacific mega-ships cascade Low utilisation levels constrain vessel sizes

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MARCH 20, 2012
Indonesia cuts import age limit INDONESIA'S government has reduced the age limit for used ships imported into the country from 20 years to less than 15 years in a bid to increase shipbuilding in the country, the Jakarta Post reported Canadian grain handler agrees to takeover CANADIAN grain handler Viterra has agreed to support a bid by Swiss-based Glencore International to take over the company in a C$6Bn ($6Bn) bid Indian ports get cheap finance INDIA has allowed ports to raise cheaper foreign debt by lowering withholding tax on external commercial borrowing (ECB) related payments in Union Budget for FY13 EC approves Bominflot takeover THE European Commission today gave its approval to the proposed takeover of the bunker fuel business of Hamburg-based Bominflot by independent German oil group Marquard & Bahls Euronav looks at conversions BELGIAN tanker operator Euronav has signalled that it is looking for more opportunities to convert vessels in its fleet for use as floating production and storage facilities for the offshore oil and gas sector Nigerian waters declared high risk THE International Bargaining Forum will declare the territorial waters of Benin and Nigeria, high risk areas following the increasing number of attacks on vessels there RSHI profits flat; focus on China CHINESE shipbuidler RSHI reported level 2011 profits today, despite revenues growing 25.6% Oz miners differ on China demand AUSTRALIAN mining rivals BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto today gave varying assessments of demand for future shipments of iron ore to China End sought to Oz port dispute AUSTRALIAN port and rail operator Asciano announced today that it is once again hopeful of ending its dispute with workers at its Patrick stevedoring subsidiary China Navigation boosts orderbook CHINA Navigation Co of Singapore has disclosed that it has placed a firm order for four handysize bulk carriers at Chengxi Shipyard in China Arbitration grows in Singapore SINGAPORE is making headway towards becoming a maritime arbitration hub Demolition sales slow amid tonnage glut AS SHIP recycling yards are deluged with elderly tonnage, demolition sales have slowed considerably as rates showed no improvement STX OSV shares surge to new high STX OSV's stock surged to a new post-IPO high after clinching two order wins within a day. STX OSV wins another subsea construction ship Norwegian offshore vessel builder STX OSV announced its second 2012 order today, a day after announcing its first order win for 2012 Danish maritime pay talks make progress LONG-running talks in Denmark between organisations representing shipowners, seafarers and officers have resulted in a draft two-year package that some unions will put to their members for a ballot

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MARCH 20, 2012
Report Sees Growth in DCs in China China remains undersupplied with international-grade warehouse facilities, but the logistics real estate sector offers long-term growth prospects, according to a... Liittlejohn Completes Direct ChassisLink Acquisition Greenwich, Conn.-based private equity firm Littlejohn completed its previously announced acquisition of Direct ChassisLink from Maersk Inc., the U.S. subsidiary... House Republicans Consider Short-Term Extension of Surface Transportation Bill House Republicans are considering a short-term extension of the surface transportation bill instead of adopting the Senate's two-year plan. ... IATA Cuts Airline Profit Forecast to $3 Billion The International Air Transport Association cut its forecast for global airline profits in 2012 by $500 million to $3 billion... Shipping Exec Opposes Bans on Pirate Ransoms Government bans on ransom payments to pirates would put seafarers at risk and hurt the global economy, said Alastair Evitt,... JOC's Tirschwell With Closing Remarks on TPM 2012 Conference (Video) Peter Tirschwell, VP of Strategy for UBM Global Trade (the parent group of The Journal of Commerce) offers closing remarks... Alphaliner Doubts Mega-Ships Will Enter Trans-Pacific Trade The arrival of the container ship MSC Fabiola at the port of Long Beach last week does not herald the... Trailer Bridge Emerges From Chapter 11 Trailer Bridge has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization with a federal judge's approval of the Puerto Rico carrier's financial... MSC to Increase Cargo Rates on Far East-New Zealand Service Mediterranean Shipping Co. said it will implement a general rate increase on cargo shipped from the Far East to New... Hanjin to Expand Trans-Pacific Operations Hanjin Shipping is expanding its operations in the trans-Pacific, adding two joint services, one connecting the U.S. West Coast with... Major Carriers to Raise Rates From India to Africa Three major container carriers plan to raise rates on shipments from India to ports in East/West Africa, starting April 1....

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MARCH 20, 2012
Can the liners make hay from this year's green shoots? According to the latest monthly Global Port Tracker [GPT] report, imports into the major US retail ports are expected to have increased by 10% in March, versus ... Ter Haak to increase barge rates Ter Haak Intermodal (THI) intends to increase barge rates by EUR10/TEU for container traffic between the deep-sea ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp Amsterdam and Rhine ... Hamburg Sud and Alianca upgrade N Europe/ECSA service Oeteker-owned Hamburg Sud and Alianca intend to restructure their joint service between North Europe and East Coast South America. Instead of seven vessels averaging ... Tote president: new US emissions law will be 'huge shock to system' The president of US (Seattle) shipping line Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) - which operates a roll-on/roll-off cargo service to Alaska - has serious ... COSCON takes on charter another VLCS from Seaspan Hanjin & co launch two new transpac services Hanjin has announced that it is beefing up its transpacific offerings by launching two new services. Its PSG (Pacific South and Gulf Service) will be a direct service ... Auckland's dockworker recruitment on hold After yesterday's employment court judicial settlement conference the Ports of Auckland [PoA] has agreed to extend the stop on its drive to recruit non-union dockworkers ... ABN AMRO encourages US banks to increase ship financing ABN AMRO believes that US banks have a great opportunity to fill the gap in the international ship finance market caused by the tighter lending restrictions imposed ... IMF chief backs yuan as reserve currency International Monetary Fund [IMF] chief executive, Christine Lagarde said yesterday that 'in principle' she backed China's aspirations to turn the yuan into a global ... Fabiola boost for LB With imports down by 18% year-over-year in February and noisy neighbour Los Angeles not doing half as bad, the port of Long Beach had more than enough reasons to ...

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MARCH 20, 2012
Cantor voices tanker hope Change in trading patterns could see sustainable rebound in VLCC rates set in late this year, analyst says. Tanker Pacific rid of Ruby Singapore owner reportedly offloads another veteran MR tanker for $7.5m. Glencore swoops for Viterra Ivan Glasenberg-led commodities giant has premium offer for grain handler accepted. Dry price fall picked by Pareto Second-hand bulker values may drop by one fifth, says Pareto Securities, as it tips the number of forced sellers to rise. B+V to sell parts business New owner Star Capital will offload German shipyard's components division, it said. DND heads back to Japan Greek shipowner reportedly snaps up second 1990s-built bulker from Far-East Transport. Dockwise lines up six charters Dutch heavy-lift player bags deals worth $57m, including shifting 45,000-tonne spar buoy. Dry spot fixtures 'impressive' Commodore Research says chartering activity is at an 18 month high while rates languish. TEN sheds light on LNG plans New York-listed tanker owner is plotting a one plus one newbuilding order in booming sector, executive says. Lunde shares his loan solutions DVB Shipping boss tells TradeWinds about how he deals with non-performing owners. Scrap market "saturated" But cash buyer Anil Sharma of GMS says yards have what it takes to handle soaring demolition volumes. 'Exxon Valdez' scrapped Vessel at the centre of Prince William Sound oil spill 23-years ago is sold for demolition in India. Biesbroeck banks on good advice ABN Amro's head of transport says lenders' advisory role to become more important as finance paradigm shifts.

- Ocean news	web site
MARCH 20, 2012
EJ0514aa Virgin to resume London-Mumbia cargo service Amazon buys shipping robotics firm Hanjin plans 2 new TP services Pirate ransom ban could endanger crews Maersk truncates West Africa-SE Asia FEW1 New vessel capacity in 2011 doubles 2007 $10 million in grants for small shipyards COSCO raising Asia-South America rates Brunswick improves ro/ro infrastructure U.S. Coast Guard steps up Arctic activity

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MARCH 20, 2012
Researchers to address problem of oil spills in Oman The Research Council funds study to eliminate the problems and impacts of oil contamination on health and economy of the Sultanate. LNG-powered ferry planned for Norway-Sweden route Company ditches option for replacing old car and passenger ferry with newer second-hand ship and will build 'tailor made' vessel for the route. Prices generally soft in Northern Europe Poor bunker demand in Gibraltar. Lube supplier defends 'single oil solutions' 'A universal oil may appear to turn conventional wisdom on its head but the latest chemistry has opened a new era,' says Total Lubmarine. Prices falling in Fujairah Prices were stable in Suez. Fuel oil arbitrage volumes to plummet Fall in demand has been 'quick and brutal', says Singapore-based trader. Bunker company merger cleared by regulators Creating one of the the world's five largest bunkering groups 'will not alter competitive conditions.' Future of shipping clouded by 'financial uncertainties' Uncertainties will not go away in the short term, says Chairman of Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration. IFO prices softening in Singapore and Busan Average demand for bunkers in key Asia ports. Fuel-laden tug sinks along with floating dry dock Tug boat contained 50,000 to 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel in its tanks, says US Coast Guard. PDVSA to end partnership with Neste Oil Disagreements over pricing of Venezuelan crude contracts. Shipping industry 'changing mindset' on accidental oil pollution Industry will face new requirements to equip vessels to mitigate consequences of an accident, says French engineering firm. US-based firm 'exploring' sale of St. Lucia oil storage terminal Goldman Sachs to advise Hess Corporation on the potential sale. Euronav swings to losses for FY2011 High bunker prices have reduced voyage revenues.