Doyle re-confirmed at US Federal Maritime Commission The US Senate has confirmed William Doyle for another term as a commissioner at the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). The unanimous vote on 23 March allows Doyle to serve on the five-member panel until 30 June 2018. He began serving as a commissioner in January 2013. Doyle and his fellow
UK ferries braced for exit checks The UK's Port of Dover ferry operators are bracing themselves for the 8 April deadline when they take over responsibility for passport checks of all UK travellers leaving the port for abroad. Concerns about congestion aired by the UK Chamber of Shipping and the Freight Transport Association (FTA)
RINA updates offshore platform rules The Italian classification group RINA has updated its offshore platform rules in response to growing industry challenges in the offshore sector, it announced today. The rules and guidance provide a comprehensive guide to classification, certification, and verification of fixed offshore oil and gas
Great Lakes reinforcements may fail to break the ice Shipowners are worried that the Canadian Coast Guard's (CCG's) plan to send two ships to reinforce its Great Lakes icebreaking force will not be sufficient to open shipping channels after the St Lawrence Seaway opens on 2 April. "The challenge looks much greater with fewer breakers than
Wilson orders three 2,600dwt bulkers at Wuxue Janda Wilson, the listed Norwegian shortsea shipping group, has ordered three 2,600dwt bulk carriers from the Wuxue Janda Shipbuilding yard in Hubei, China. The three ships are scheduled to be delivered in 2016 and each cost about EUR3.3 million (USD3.5 million). The company has obtained refund
Piracy humanitarian group's future in doubt The falling number of Somali pirate incidents could spell the end of piracy humanitarian group MPHRP in its current form. The future of the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) is under review, the organisation has told IHS Maritime. Funding from its main backer, the ITF
Shipping casualties 'lowest in 10 years' The number of shipping losses dropped to a 10-year low last year, according to the third safety and shipping review from German marine insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS). Only 75 ships over 100 gt were lost to sinking, grounding, or fire/explosion last year - down 32% on the
Bright outlook seen for crude and product tankers The outlook for both the crude oil and the product tanker sectors looks encouraging, shipping analysts in Norway say. Saudi Arabia has increased its oil production to 10 million bpd, an increase of 0.4 million bpd from February. "Saudi Arabia has increased their crude exports so far this year,
Ningbo port eyes seaway-railway routes Ningbo Port Group sees potential in seaway-railway intermodal transport as the central Chinese port looks for more business. According to Tong Mengda, chief economist of Ningbo Port Group, the port should prioritise the development of the seaway-railway intermodal transport because that segment was
COSCO Pacific posts higher revenue Hong Kong-listed COSCO Pacific has posted an 8.9% (USD870.1 million) rise in revenue for 2014 compared with the previous year, the company said in a stock filing on 24 March. Profit also rose 2.3% year on year (y/y) to USD292.8 million in 2014, excluding the discontinued operation, due to container
Unlisted shipbuilders likely to show reduced order activity South Korea's unlisted shipbuilders will become less aggressive in order activity, said an analyst in his research note. Samsung Securities analyst Youngsoo Han said, "Most shipbuilding contracts are based on a heavy tail payment scheme, so shipbuilders are responsible for working capital. Since
IMO canvasses views on ballast water systems The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called for those involved in the testing, approval, fitting, and operation of ballast water management systems to complete two online surveys giving their opinion of current approval guidelines. Survey responses will go into a review being conducted
Shina SB at crossroads South Korean shipyard Shina Shipbuilding (Shina SB), which is under court receivership, will know its fate in late March as the court decides to either extend the company's receivership period or declare it bankrupt. Shina SB, which was once one of the world's 10 largest shipyards, had been under a
Rizhao Port's profit down 28.6% for 2014 Shanghai-listed Rizhao Port announced on 23 March that the company recorded profit of CNY573 million (USD92.3 million) for 2014, down 28.6% year on year (y/y). The decrease of profit was attributed to the reduction of cargo throughput, rising labour costs, as well as the bankruptcy of Shanxi Haixin
Thailand to get Japanese support for rail link Rail links between Myanmar's Dawei port project and Thailand's gateway port, Laem Chabang, are under discussion, Thai prime minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said in a weekly address. The links are set to be built with help from Japan, Gen Prayut said, referring to a recent meeting with Japanese
Vietnam VP Bank to buy 51% stake in CICT Vietnam-based VP Bank is poised to acquire shipping liner Vinalines' 51% stake in Cai Lan International Container Terminal (CICT) in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Vinalines proposed to sell its majority stake in the terminal to VP Bank as a solution for its outstanding debt of around VND9 trillion
CMES aims to double revenues in 2015 China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) aims to double its revenues in 2015 from 2014 to CNY5.4 billion (USD870.9 million) with the deliveries of newbuilds after a rash of scrapping of old tonnage last year. In 2014, CMES' revenues rose 1.4% year on year (y/y) to CNY2.6 billion, a stock filing of
Mixed reaction to 29% UK casualty surge MCA and Chamber satisfied with safety record, but RMT expresses concern
Shipowners looking more closely at lifecycle costs Operators working more closely with equipment suppliers as they seek to maximise return from investment in technology
Rickmers Shipmanagement adds seven bulkers Unnamed new vessels to be phased in from April 1
Tankers: Revelling in the present Making hay while the sun shines because the future holds too many unknowns
Savannah box volumes on the rise Georgia Port Authority facility recorded double-digit container growth in February
Mexico on cusp of becoming LNG exporter, but it won't be easy Liquefaction plans are afoot but stumbling blocks exist
US judge dismisses Restis defamation case against UANI Update: Restis and Enterprises disappointed not to be given their day in court 'due to opaque reasons'
PIL takes majority stake in Mariana Express Lines MELL to be operated alongside PIL's Pacific Direct Line
China Merchants Energy Shipping posts $32.3m profit Revived tanker segment and hefty government subsidies contribute to performance
Chemical tanker recovery expected in 2016 Middle Eastern petrochemical plant investment aids path to recovery for chemtankers
Cosco Pacific sees terminal profits grow by 18% Ports operations show strong growth, but container leasing unit weighs down group earnings
Data Hub: Trade Routes Boom times on the transatlantic - carriers are expected to cascade larger vessels into the trade as upgrades are carried out at ports and the Panama Canal completes its expansion
Tanker recovery hinges on stable supply-demand picture Leading tanker owners cautiously optimistic and Scorpio's Bugbee tells Capital Link audience that private equity should push for consolidation
UK waters buck trend as shipping gets safer Casualties around Britain up 29% in 2014, says Allianz report
Billion-dollar casualties set to increase, Allianz warns Fewer incidents overall, but some will be hugely costly, insurer predicts
TSA reports processing delays for TWIC cards Processing delays are forcing some applicants for Transportation Worker Identification Credentials to wait more than 60 days to receive their TWICs, the Transportation Security Administration said. "We regret any inconvenience or difficulty this may be causing, and are working diligently to reduce the time it takes to process all TWIC applications,"...
With continued congestion, LA-Long Beach port extends cap on dockage fees Recognizing the impact that port congestion is having on the ability of marine terminals to work container ships, the Long Beach Harbor Commission has extended a cap it had placed on dockage fees charged to shipping lines until June 30. The cap on dockage fees was put into effect last December...
Global liner industry faces financially 'challenging' 2015 Just a week after AlixPartners reported improving finances for container lines, the international consulting firm provided a less-than-cheery projection of the industry's balance sheet in 2015. In its annual report on the industry released Tuesday, the group characterized the outlook for global container lines as "challenging." Its a characterization driven by...
US truck volumes slip 3.1 percent in February due to weather and port disruption Volumes moved by truck in the U.S. declined in February, the result of severe winter weather and lingering effects of the West Coast port congestion crisis, according to the American Trucking Associations. According to the ATA, for-hire truck tonnage decreased 3.1 percent in February, hitting the lowest levels on the group's...
Mitsui to sell US unit to Penske Logistics Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co. has signed an agreement to sell Transfreight North America (TFNA), its wholly owned U.S. logistics subsidiary, to Penske Logistics for an undisclosed sum. TFNA is based in Kentucky, while Penske Logistics, a 100 percent subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing, is headquartered in Pennsylvania. The deal is...
'We want ships to come here,' Southern California ILWU leader says Bobby OlveraInternational Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13 President Bobby Olvera told the Long Beach Harbor Commission that dockworkers are committed to clearing out the worst container backlog to hit the Southern California ports in more than a decade, and wants to see the reputation of the ports restored. "You have...
Bad weather makes for a rough February at Virginia port Winter weather that closed the Port of Virginia for four days contributed to a $560,000 operating loss for the port authority during February. The port is still battling congestion at port terminals that reached crisis levels during the month. Port officials have announced a series of steps aimed at reducing hours-long delays...
China to press Greece on port privatization China is expected to step up pressure on Greece to revive the stalled privatization of the port of Piraeus during a visit to Beijing this week by ranking members of the new Athens government. Greek deputy prime minister Ioannis Dragasakis, accompanied by two cabinet ministers, starts a four day visit on...
YRC Worldwide updating fleet and searching for drivers ORLANDO, Florida - After years of deferring major truck purchases, YRC Worldwide is preparing to shed some old equipment and replace it with new tractor-trailers. The $5.1 billion less-than-truckload operator is trading up both trucks and technology, CEO James Welch said at the Truckload & Logistics Council's 41st annual conference...
India to automate paperwork for import containers The Indian Ministry of Shipping has set April 15 as the date by which shipping lines should start issuing import delivery orders electronically to the cargo interests, another initiative toward paperless operation at major ports aimed at reducing wait times and costs. "The Ministry has initiated many measures to improve ease of doing...
US Senate votes Doyle to second term on FMC William P. DoyleWilliam P. Doyle was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a second term on the Federal Maritime Commission, with a vote of 89-0. Originally confirmed by the Senate on Jan. 1, 2013, to fill the unexpired term of former Commissioner Joseph Brennan, Doyle was renominated by President Obama for...
Port innovation needed to better meet demands of mega-ships Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates had the highest berth productivity for larger ships in 2013, according to the JOC.Ports must embrace revolutionary changes in handling containers to meet carriers' productivity demands for their large vessels, according to Drewry Maritime Research. "The simple fact is that while overall berth productivity...
Turkey shipper Butterball seeks ways to slice transportation costs When the polar vortex unleashed storm after winter storm last year, the network of distribution centers and third-party warehouses Butterball uses to ship whole turkeys and other products across the U.S. suffered serious disruptions, even in the usually temperate Southeast. "We had some real struggles as weather created all kinds of...
Lawsuit filed in advance of Baltimore ILA vote Several dozen Baltimore dockworkers have filed a lawsuit challenging their national union's takeover of their local chapter and dismissal of 500 new members before Wednesday's referendum on a local contract. The lawsuit reflects an ongoing power struggle within International Longshoremen's Association Local 333 and further complicates a two-year effort to settle...
Apparel's low-cost sourcing model not sustainable, say shippers HONG KONG - The low-cost sourcing model that has driven the apparel manufacturing industry from country to country in search of cheaper production alternatives is not sustainable and has to change, top shippers said at a sourcing conference.Heavy discount practices and consumer reluctance to pay more for garments and footwear...
A crude warning on rail service Intermodal service is sliding back downhill. After recovering rapidly in the weeks following Thanksgiving, the four-week moving average intermodal train speed (for all Class I rails except Canadian Pacific) topped out at 30.9 mph in late January. Since then, this measure has moved steadily downward for six straight weeks and...
Late winter weather hampers US railroads' trek to restore intermodal service JACKSONVILLE, Florida - Fierce late winter weather dealt a blow to U.S. railroads' efforts to restore intermodal rail service to the level shippers enjoyed before the 2013-2014 winter dragged down performance. But with the weather easing as spring began on Friday, the railroads say they are confident they can make significant...
Crude awakening The rebound that has lent support to rates for tankers that trade in the spot market will likely continue in the foreseeable future, a researcher at True North Chartering told TradeWinds today.
Sobelmar 'safe' A bankrupt Belgian bulker operator has emerged victorious in the first phase of a race to protect its assets from creditors while pursuing a financial overhaul in the US.
Blackouts continue in ECAs Port authorities are raising concerns about incidents of vessel blackouts following fuel switching in emissions control areas (ECAs), says a top Lloyd's Register (LR) official.
Perri abandons Paragon Robert Perri made waves on Wall Street today after announcing plans to part ways with Greek bulker operator Paragon Shipping.
Canaccord retreats It appears that Canaccord Genuity, a diversified North American investment bank, has abandoned an initiative aimed at breaking into the shipping industry.
Proceed with caution It appears that shipowners are growing increasingly concerned about how much it will cost to maintain compliance with new regulatory requirements.
Coffee, tea or LNG? LNG power has become an increasingly popular topic at trade shows in recent years but few operators have actually taken the plunge.
Restis suit thrown out A US judge has jettisoned Victor Restis's defamation lawsuit against an Iran sanctions pressure group on the grounds that the litigation would reveal protected government secrets.
Aframaxes make hay in Med Aframax tanker rates have surged as the knock on effect of bad weather has brought the sun out for owners in the Mediterranean.
More canal cash needed Egypt's government is turning to the public again with a bond issue to raise money to widen the Suez Canal.
Carisbrooke coping UK short-sea operator Carisbrooke Shipping has revealed how it has adapted its fleet to new fuel rules without the option of scrubbers or engine retro-fits.
DNB raises products sights DNB Markets has brightened its view of the products tanker sector, boosting its rate expectations.
Grieg Shipbrokers in black Grieg Shipbrokers returned to profit in 2014 as its parent Grieg Group reported what it termed acceptable annual results.
Floreana ready for sinking A salvage operation to remove a grounded cargoship from the Galapagos Islands is nearing completion.
Lauritzen VP dies J Lauritzen vice president Henrik Steffensen has died at the age of 53.
Alam snaps up $60m OSV Malaysia's Alam Maritim Resources has spent $60m on a modern offshore support vessel from China.
Second fire hits Teekay FPSO A fire broke out this morning on a Teekay-owned floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, west of Floro in Norway.
Western Bulk pays less Western Bulk executives saw their pay packets shrink in 2014 due to smaller bonuses.
Rickmers adds seven Germany's Rickmers group has won a deal to technically manage a fleet of seven supramaxes.
Dry trio for Wilson Norwegian owner Wilson has inked three bulker newbuildings in China.
Cosco Pacific profit cut Port terminal operator Cosco Pacific has seen its annual profit squeezed despite revenue and container throughput increasing.
Ship total losses fall Last year was the safest for world shipping in a decade according to the big Allianz insurance group.
Pareto trims Odfjell stake Pareto Management has trimmed its holding in Norwegian shipowner Odfjell.
Tanker damage found A Norwegian tanker has suffered hull, rudder and propeller damage after grounding over the weekend.
Ore exports to resume Mexico will resume exports of iron ore from its ports in Manzanillo and Lazaro Cardenas after authorities confiscated illegal shipments controlled by drug cartels last year.
Drunk master fired A captain has been sacked after he was found drunk on his bulker in New Zealand.
Libya premium shrinks The freight rate premium demand by tanker owners to load Libyan crude oil cargoes is said to be disappearing, according to Platts.
Gagasan tanker arrested Gagasan Carriers has run into trouble with another of its service providers after one of its ships was arrested in Singapore.
DCIX shares surge Investors look to have given the thumbs up to Diana Containerships' recent acquisition of two panamax boxships.
Party time The Connecticut Maritime Association's (CMA's) annual conference is well underway and many attendees are anxious to shake hands with the brightest stars of the event, Shipping 2015.
Indian Defence Minister: Somali pirates may shift towards India As security in the Gulf of Aden tightens.
Dual-fuel engines for boxships to gain popularity in 'coming years' As companies do not seem to be 'in a rush' to adopt technology right now, says chief executive.
Mega-box ship deals could prove very costly Recent falls in bunker prices offer respite but not a permanent fix to high levels of debt.
Shipbuilder shares LNG technology Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering has signed an MoU that will see the spread of its patented technology.
Ship operator says ECA rules have been a bonus 'We are confident that the investment has led to safer, greener and more efficiently-run vessels,' says Carisbrooke Shipping CEO.
Lower fuel bills give filip to box trades Box ship executive optimistic on future growth.
Japanese market 'tight' ahead of refinery turnarounds Trader: 'We are not even sure we can cover term-demand.'
Unpaid bunker bills prompted Singapore arrest Ship's owner said to be looking for market exit.
LNG bunkering: 'Numbers could be pretty substantial' 'Oil is like dating, gas is like getting married,' says FGE Chairman at Fujcon 2015.
Swedegas gets new owners New players see 'major development potential' in Swedish gas market.
Piracy alert issued for Singapore-Malacca Strait area ReCAAP ISC warns of potential hijackings 'over the next few days'.
Antigua to develop local bunker market Has plans to develop St John's harbour area.
Andatee board member resigns 'Personal reasons' behind decision.
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