US importers ratchet down box outlook America's largest retail trade group is reducing its growth forecast for summer container imports as port business returns to normal following ratification of a west coast dockworker contract. The National Retail Federation (NRF) adjusted down box import growth estimates between June and September
DNV GL takes view on alternative fuels DNV GL has released a position paper, The Fuel Trilemma: Next Generation of Marine Fuels, which examines a diversifying ship fuel market and the threefold problem of affordability, sustainability and safety. These factors will govern choices for emissions that meet regulations for CO2, SOx and NOx
Italy, Malta, and the UK call for rescue law reform In the first session of the Maritime Safety Committee's special session on mixed migration at sea today, a review of rescue regulations to clarify the role of ships in mass rescues at sea was called for by Italy, the UK, Malta, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Baltic and
Yangtze ferry disaster ship moved upstream Chinese rescue teams have decided to move the stricken Yangtze River ferry Eastern Star upstream to calmer waters to continue to the search for the remaining missing passengers. According to local authorities, the ship will be towed by heavy lift vessels, and 13 divers will continue to search the 150m² area where the
Oshima receives DNV GL AiP for new LNG-fuelled bulker An LNG-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carrier designed by Oshima Shipbuilding Company has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate from DNV GL last week at Nor-Shipping in Oslo. With the new design, Oshima found ways to comply with DNV GL class rules as well as current and upcoming regulations,
Shipping playing vital role in saving sea migrants, says UN head Shipping has a crucial role in saving lives, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a video message shown at this morning's IMO session on unsafe mixed migration by sea. Ban Ki-moon said that the saving of lives "remains an urgent priority" and recognised the shipping industry's and rescue
Terminals failing to meet the mega ship challenge Collaboration along on the supply chain will be key to the seamless cargo operations of the future, but at the moment container terminals are failing to meet the challenge of bigger ships and consignment sizes per call. "In the largest container ship category, there has been a slight decline in
Odfjell tankers receiving MAN propeller & rudder upgrades MAN Diesel & Turbo's Propeller & Aft Ship organisation has announced an order to retrofit and upgrade 11 vessels in the Odfjell chemical tanker fleet. The vessels are of the Kværner class (about 37,500 dwt with 52 cargo tanks) and are due for docking from 2015 to 2017, during which time the upgrades
Bumi Armada appoints new independent director Malaysia-listed offshore services provider Bumi Armada has appointed Steve Newman as an independent director of the company with effect from 1 July 2015. Prior to his appointment, Newman was president and CEO of Switzerland-headquartered offshore drilling company, Transocean from 2010, until his
Xu Wenrong steps down as vice-president of China Shipping Group China Shipping Group announced that Xu Wenrong will no longer serve as the vice-president of the Group from June 2015. Xu's career in the company began in June 2011 as the Chief of Discipline and Inspection. He was appointed as the vice-president of the group in February 2014. Prior to joining
JES appoints new vice-CEO Singapore-listed shipbuilder JES International Holding has appointed a new vice-CEO Wu Wei to assist the company's board of management. JES cited in its filing to the Singapore Exchange (SGX) that the new appointment holder will execute the decision made by the board of management for meeting sales
Uni-Asia sets up subsidiary in South Korea Singapore-listed alternative assets direct investment firm Uni-Asia Holdings has established a new wholly owned subsidiary in South Korea to promote the company's ship-related services in the country. The new subsidiary, known as Uni Ships and Management Korea (Uni Ships Korea), has completed the
Svitzer enters Malaysia market Towage and salvage company Svitzer has formed a joint venture (JV) with Malaysian-based SVR Marine Services in a bid to break into the Malaysian market. The JV will help to support Svitzer's strategic objective of entering new markets and broadening its
Vard secures DSCV contract from Kreuz Subsea Singapore-listed offshore vessel designer and builder Vard Holdings has secured a contract for the design and construction of a diving support and construction vessel (DSCV) for oil and gas service provider Kreuz Subsea group. The DSCV will be of VARD 3 17 design, which has been developed
Chinese steel exports to emerging markets increase Chinese steel exports to emerging markets have quickened pace compared with those shipped to some developed countries during the first four months of 2015. Steel exports to ASEAN member states jumped 49.7% year on year (y/y) to 10.5 million tonnes in the first four months of 2015, accounting for
Shanghai research body sees tough road ahead for Hong Kong's port Competition from mainland ports is growing while the switch to larger boxships aggravates problems such as limited berth space, a shortage of land and congestion
View from the Bridge: Karl Gernandt Kuehne+Nagel's chairman wants carriers to remember the business they're in
LA sets out spending plans Habour Commissioners approve $1bn budget for 2015-2016 financial year
BW LPG opts for fixed-term stability, while Avance is spot thrill-seeker BW and Avance take different approaches to VLGC market
China State Shipbuilding Corp expands non-core business amid market trough But experts say the industry should stay focused on making better vessels
Safe Bulkers posts $6m loss in first quarter Loukas Barmparis-led company says it is lean enough to preserve liquidity through bottom of the dry bulk cycle
Ocean Rig gains $194m as it closes offer George Economou invests enough to retain 5% stake in DryShips subsidiary
Post-acquisition, XPO looking beyond Norbert Dentressangle Now that he's closed his biggest acquisition yet -- European logistics operator Norbert Dentressangle SA -- Bradley S. Jacobs is already looking for new prospective purchases as he transforms U.S.-based XPO Logistics into a "global supply chain solutions provider." XPO Logistics on June 8 finalized the purchase of all shares of...
NY-NJ port adding 136 dockworkers Employers at the Port of New York and New Jersey are expanding their workforce by 136 longshoremen following recent approval by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor. The new workers are expected to be hired and trained in time to help handle the annual import peak season in late summer...
Alberta shippers can improve cash flow via Canada's new foreign trade zones Alberta manufacturers and retailers can improve their cash flow by getting their factories and distribution centers designated within two newly-establish free trade zones. Edmonton and Calgary manufacturers will be able to put off paying taxes on imported inputs until the manufacturing process has begun and deduct taxes paid on such inputs...
NY-NJ gray chassis pool may miss July 1 target An effort to create a "gray" pool of freely interchangeable chassis in the Port of New York and New Jersey appears unlikely to meet a July 1 launch target. "We're still gunning for July 1 but we're focused on getting it right, not on meeting any self-imposed deadline," said Beth Rooney,...
Los Angeles port budgets $198.8 million for infrastructure The port's fiscal year budget includes funds to upgrade the container terminal operated by Evergreen. Credit: Rhonda RothThe Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a $1.001 billion fiscal year 2015-16 budget that includes expenditures of $198.8 million for capital improvements. Included in those improvements are construction advancements at the TraPac...
Andres Conesa named IATA Chairman Miami - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Andres Conesa, CEO of Aeromexico, has assumed his duties as Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors for a one-year term, effective immediately. Conesa is the first Mexican to hold this position. Conesa succeeds Calin Rovinescu, CEO of Air Canada, whose...
US transport, warehouse job openings surge The number of job openings at U.S. transportation, warehousing and utility companies jumped 70.3 percent year-over-year in April, climbing to 269,000 by April 31, the highest point in a decade, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the number of employees hired by those companies...
Lufthansa Cargo and All Nippon Airways to launch joint Europe-Asia service LONDON - Lufthansa Cargo and All Nippon Airways Cargo will launch joint freight services from Europe to Japan on August 3, eight months after they joined forces on the westbound route. The joint service will initially cover Germany, France, the UK and Austria before expanding "step by step" across Europe, the...
US import volume returns to normal, forecast to rise U.S. containerized imports are forecast to rise 5.4 percent year-over-year in the second half of the year after inbound volume at the major gateways for retail goods hit normal levels in April, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker. The return to normal import levels reflects the increase in West Coast...
Despite problems, bigger ships actually increase efficiency at the berth The 19,224-TEU MSC Oscar sails in the Asia-Europe trade and is too big to call at U.S. ports. Photo credit: ptnphoto / Shutterstock.comIncreasingly larger container ships are improving vessel-at-berth productivity at ports around the world, according to an analysis of the latest JOC-IHS Port Productivity data. Although big ships are creating...
Forwarder Lynden International acquires US-based Haas Industries Freight forwarder Lynden International acquired Haas Industries, strengthening Lynden's home delivery, trade show and specialized delivery services in the U.S. and Canada. The combined organizations, which merged June 1, have 26 company-owned service centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, including locations in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The merger of Haas into...
Great Lakes Seaway Partnership is announced Washington, D.C. - The American Great Lakes Ports Association in partnership with the Lake Carriers' Association, Fednav Limited, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation have jointly sponsored a new bi-national public affairs program called The Great Lakes Seaway Partnership. The program officially launched today with the unveiling of a new...
Passing along a load? Get broker authority Q: A friend of mine owns a local trucking company and engages in the distribution of freight from its terminal to customers across the state. Although the company has interstate authority, it's unionized and isn't able to realistically engage in operations that would require a driver to be out overnight. Two...
Indian container volume builds as Nhava Sheva congestion eases The volume of containers shipped via publicly-owned major ports in India expanded 4.3 percent year-over-year in April and May, the first two fiscal months, according to provisional port statistics collected by JOC.com. Container-handling in the two-month period reached 1.33 million 20-foot-equivalent units, up from 1.28 million TEUs a year earlier, according...
IAG Cargo rolls out new e-booking system IAG Cargo customers in Spain will benefit from the carrier's new e-booking system that can take less than three minutes to complete.The system has enhanced features such as self-service registration, template bookings and auto-rating that make the advanced service the easiest and fastest way yet for freight forwarders to book...
Protectionist talk heats up Middle East airline subsidy allegations HONG KONG - The ugly specter of a protectionist trade dispute was raised at the International Air Transport Association annual meeting in Miami where the long-running subsidy allegations levelled against Gulf carriers by U.S. airlines again hit the headlines.Carriers in the U.S. are leading a campaign aimed at restricting access...
Shanghai's Pactl handles record May air cargo volumes Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Ltd. (Pactl) is China's busiest air freight operator.HONG KONG - Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Ltd. continues to post record breaking throughput figures with May volumes rising 10.7 percent compared to the same month last year.China's largest air cargo terminal handled 135,054 tons...
Some profit in airlines, but margins are not pretty, IATA head says IATA director-general and CEO Tony Tyler addreses delegates at the annual general meeting in Miami.HONG KONG - Keeping things in perspective is important, but when applied to the global airline industry, it illustrates a painful reality - running an airline is not a very profitable business.This was starkly illustrated by...
InterManager tackles manning InterManager says an investigation of minimum manning levels is among its top priorities.
Safe Bulkers target cut Evercore ISI has cut its price target for shares of Safe Bulkers after the New York-listed shipowner reported a worse-than-expected quarterly loss.
DFDS to begin talks DFDS is set to enter negotiations with a French workers' cooperative (Scop) after the Danish company's offer to purchase or lease two Eurotunnel ferries.
Temptation for owners Anchor-handler owners may be sorely tempted to take vessels out of lay-up in the coming days as rates reach year-high levels.
Soby back to work Denmark's Soby Vaerft has won its first order in five years and is set to build the world's largest fully electric ferry.
Bulk bonus A Pan Ocean cargoship has delivered the first cargo of wheat to Kochi in India for 10 years after the domestic crop was damaged by heavy rains.
Crewman dies on ferry A crewman has died and three more were ill in hospital after a suspected case of fumes poisoning on a Greek ferry off Montenegro.
Euro zone exit 'a non-event' Michael Bodouroglou has shrugged off any concerns about Paragon Shipping suffering should Greece exit the Euro zone.
TNG hunts new MR Croatia's Tankerska Next Generation (TNG) is lining up a move for another MR tanker newbuilding after completing a follow-on share offering.
Dilution details John Fredriksen has seen his direct stake in Frontline cut following a deal that led to Ship Finance International becoming the largest shareholder in the tanker owner.
The end for Zorturk A Turkish cargoship stuck in the French port of Saint-Nazaire will finally be dismantled in September.
BW LPG dips on update BW LPG shares turned down this morning after second quarter guidance left the market a little disappointed.
CMA CGM buys back $200m French container line CMA CGM will spend nearly $200m on buying back bonds ahead of a new financing initiative.
d'Amico doubles LR1 order d'Amico International Shipping has taken up options on a pair of long range 1 (LR1) newbuildings to double its presence in the sector.
Samsung halts FLNG talks Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries has scrapped negotiations on a potential FLNG newbuilding for Equatorial Guinea.
Ocean Rig raises $193.9m Ocean Rig has raised $193.9m after closing its offering of common stock initiated last week.
Gener8 adds bank backing VLCC giant Gener8 Maritime has added a number of banks to its initial public offering effort.
MMHE upgraded Hong Leong Investment Bank has upgraded Malaysia Marine & Heavy Engineering (MMHE) due to its potential for expansion.
Costs clobber U-Ming Taiwanese bulker owner U-Ming has been hit by rising expenses in the first quarter as revenue fell.
Cochin closes on ferry India's Cochin Shipyard (CSL) has lined up an order to build a new ferry for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
HK in Korea Mers warning Hong Kong has warned its citizens from travelling to South Korea in the wake of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers).
Dongjin back at Dae Sun Dae Sun Shipbuilding has won a newbuilding order for a single 1,800-teu feeder containership from a domestic owner.
China eyes emissions China is mulling controls on air pollutants emitted by shipping, according to state-owned news agency Xinhua.
Intra-Asia drives demand The expanding intra-Asia trade will continue to power the demand for containership tonnage this year, according to Alphaliner.
Bomin Linde: New sulphur rules will push LNG fuel demand up 'Strong possibility that the sulphur content cap regulation will be implemented by 2020'.
Fuel oil stocks building in 'Asia and Europe' 'Good refining margins are supporting maximum runs.'
European yard wins electric ferry order Partly-funded by the European Union.
Cylinder oil: Lukoil claims success Container ship expected to run on a minimum feed rate for 50,000 hours without a piston overhaul.
IGF Code to include LNG Bunker Delivery Note Should include sulphur content to help owners demonstrate MARPOL compliance.
Mobile LNG bunker-tank idea was 'met with dismay' Shipping company presses ahead with plans to fuel a ro-ro ferry with LNG by using RTWs to hold the fuel.
WFS reaches settlement in Lac Megantic derailment Cost of compensation to be covered by insurance.
New software to track bunker consumption Canadian firm developing new vessel tracking applications.
Shell sticks with LNG as viable alternative fuel Ramps up regional supply opportunities in United States.
Calls for Pearl River Delta ECA have 'good chance of success' Hong Kong official says Chinese government is increasingly focused on air quality.
Glander names new Mumbai team leader Piyush Raghuvanshi receives a promotion.
DNV GL: 'Little validation' to support accuracy of MFMs Classification society starts JIP to investigate accuracy of MFM technology.
Chile to get bunker storage facility Building work to start in June 2016.
Reduce fuel by better route planning, says Hapag-Lloyd Draught, trim and speed all pertinent factors.
Curoil logs stronger profits Sales lifted by increased bunkering activities.
Firm receives largest order for seawater-lubricated bearings Twenty systems to be installed on various merchant and offshore newbuilds.
Source of marine spill in Indonesia remains a mystery Investigation continues.
- Via Raffaele Paolucci 17r/19r - 16129 Genoa - ITALY
phone: +39.010.2462122, fax: +39.010.2516768, e-mail
VAT number: 03532950106
Press Reg.: nr 33/96 Genoa Court
Editor in chief: Bruno Bellio No part may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher