Bidvest increases equity stake in Safren to 17% SOUTH African industrial holdings company Bidvest has taken advantage of transport group Safren's low share price in recent months to increase its stake to 17%.
Lloyd's cuts 300 support staff jobs Some 300 jobs are to go at the Corporation of Lloyd's in a shake-up designed to save '10m ($16.6m) at Lloyd's Insurance Services business unit.
Box sector battles a Latin lurch CONTAINER shipping experts are nervously contemplating Latin America's struggle to fend off financial downturn.
Carnival enjoys profits party THE remarkable profit record of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise shipping group, looks set to continue for the rest of this year and into 1999.
Philippines rethinks port modernisation The Philippines is re-evaluating its ambitious Peso500bn ($11.6bn) long term public ports modernisation programme because of funding difficulties.
PAL to shut down after collapse of union negotiations Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced yesterday that it would cease operations beginning midnight September 23 The airline board of directors decided on closure following the the breakdown of negotiations between man agement and the airline's labour unions.
Evergreen boxboat collides with HUAL car carrier A CONTAINERSHIP operated by Evergreen was in collision with a HUAL car carrier in Singapore waters this morning, according to local maritime authorities.
Keppel sells US boatbuilder for $3m SINGAPORE'S Keppel Marine Industries (KMI) today announced the disposal of its US sail boat building subsidiary, Pacific Seacraft Corp (PSC), for $3m.
PPECB steps back from shipping arrangements SOUTH African fruit exporters are being allowed to make their own shipping arrangements directly with container lines.
Thailand rejects shipper pressure on charges THAILAND'S government has rejected calls from local shippers to pass clauses in the Thai Maritime Law that would limit ship operators' ability to raise charges.
Evoikos master to be released on September 21 MICHAEL Chalkitis, the Greek master of the Evoikos, which was in collision with the vlcc Orapin Global, is to be released from prison in Singapore on September 21.
Indian customs strike threatens cargo movements A STRIKE by customs clerical staff, in opposition to the introduction of a new electronic data interchange, threatens to stall cargo movements in Chennai.
Port Louis terminal to open next month THE greenfield site container terminal at Port Louis on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is planned to be inaugurated next month.
Baltic launches new information exchange THE Baltic Exchange is setting up an internet-based information exchange.
Australian builders look to south-east Asia TWO Australian shipbuilders are conducting a feasibility study into establishing marine engineering and industry training centres in the Philippines and Vietnam.
Lloyd Werft lands major Birka refit ÅLAND islands-based shipping group Birka Line is to send its cruiseship Birka Princess to Lloyd Werft in Germany for a Fmk120m ($22m) refit.
Foschi slams Med port standards COSTA Crociere ceo Pierluigi Foschi has slammed Mediterranean ports, saying they are not ready for a 15 per cent rise in passenger throughput.
NCL to use Seattle as hub port in 2000 MIAMI-based Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it will begin using Seattle as its home port for its summer cruises to Alaska in 2000.
IACS to publicise suspended ships IACS is working towards greater transparency by providing information which would benefit those interested in safe shipping, according to its permanent secretary.
Australian customs standards come under fire AUSTRALIA'S law enforcement standards for preventing shipborne contraband have taken centre stage in the nation's general election campaign.
Carnival lifts income despite Ecstacy withdrawal CARNIVAL Corp lifted net income in the three months to August 31 to $344.8m on revenues of $1.06bn, despite having Ecstacy out of service from July 20 to September 16.
Knapp triggers P&O Nedlloyd strike ballot UK union leader Jimmy Knapp has triggered a strike ballot in reaction to P&O Nedlloyd's redundancy notice to 300 ratings.
La TACA ne s'incline pas devant l'amende de 10,9 mia. de BEF Comme nous l'annoncions dans notre édition précédente, la Commission européenne a imposé de grosses amendes aux membres et ex-membres de la Trans Atlantic Conference Agreement (TACA). Quelque 15 armements se sont vu confrontés à des amendes allant de 6,88 mio. d'ecu à 27,5 mio. d'ecu. P&O et Nedlloyd n'ayant pas encore fusionné du temps des infractions aux réglementations européennes, P&O Nedlloyd est aujourd'hui en tête du classement, avec une amende commune de 41,26 mio. d'ecu. Le président de la TACA, Olaf Rakkenes, a fortement critiqué le verdict de la Commission; le secrétaire général du European Shippers' Council (ESC), Chris Welsh, l'applaudit.
Le Parlement européen plaide pour une norme de sécurité uniforme pour les ferries et navires à grande vitesse Le Parlement européen discutera fin de la semaine à Strasbourg le rapport de son délégué britannique Mark Francis Watts de la commission au Transport concernant la proposition du conseil européen des ministres en matière de conditions pour l'exploitation de services réguliers par des ferries et des unités à passagers à grande vitesse dans l'UE.
Le Conseil des Transports donne la priorité à la directive Eurovignette et à l'accord de transit avec la Suisse Le ministre autrichien des Transports Caspar Einem, également président en fonction du Conseil européen des ministres des Transports, dit avoir constaté "un grand degré d'harmonie" auprès de ses collègues en ce qui concerne la nécessité de prendre des mesures efficaces contre les conséquence néfastes du transport routier pour l'environnement.
Patrick claims productivity boost Patrick yesterday claimed new productivity levels, despite the fact that the dispute over crane chasers has spread from Container Terminals Australia Ltd to its facilities. Responding to claims of low morale levels, Patrick director Bill Clayton said yesterday two gangs which worked aboard the containership Liao He at Port Botany on Wednesday evening achieved rates of 27.5 and 24 containers respectively. Rates as high as 27.5 have rarely been heard of in Sydney before and, according to the company are a direct result of its new enterprise agreement which came into force on Monday.
Police lash road rogues The Australian trucking industry was this week again lashed for its poor road safety record and urged to make dramatic changes to its culture to reduce fatigue-related road trauma involving trucks. At the Fatigue in Transport seminar in Melbourne, Victoria Police spokesman Roger Sanders argued it was up to the owners and manager of Australia's 15,000 trucking companies to take responsibility for their drivers' on-road behaviour. Inspector Sanders, who last month received the Australian Freight Industry 1998 Safety Award for road safety work, said disturbing road toll statistics continued to prove that truck drivers were flouting the laws and that employers needed to change their work practices and attitude.
Ansett reassures on freight Ansett Air Freight has assured Tasmanian freight customers that twice daily dedicated freighter services into and out of the state will be untouched, despite Ansett Australia's announcement on Wednesday it was withdrawing services to Tasmania. The freight division of Ansett also confirmed yesterday that other dedicated freighter services along the airline's eastern Australian regional route network would also continue and be unaffected by Ansett's proposed overhaul of its loss-making passenger services. "There is very little effect on the freight side," a spokesman for Ansett's domestic air freight operation told DCN. "If anything, it will enhance the services that we provide because there will be more frequency of flights."
Harradine wants air subsidy Ansett's announcement that it will progressively replace its services to Tasmania with those operated by subsidiary, Kendell Airlines, highlighted the need for "drastic action" to encourage more travellers to cross Bass Strait by air, according to Independent Tasmanian Senator, Brian Harradine. Ansett announced on Wednesday that it would withdraw all its regional services in eastern Australia over three years while Kendell spends around $300 million on 12 new 50-seater aircraft to service the affected routes including Melbourne-Launceston, Melbourne-Hobart, Canberra-Sydney, Canberra-Melbourne and Canberra-Brisbane
Secure container transport. Security in the transport of goods has always been a problem, and sophisticated techniques are required today to ensure safe arrival.
Maritime
Norasia Line is resuming direct calls at the port of Hamburg.
Yangming upgrades its North Sea-USA-Israel service.
Andrew Weir Shipping/Mac Andrews offers Rotterdam-Bilbao link.
Pro Line and Neptunia launch a new South American breakbulk service.
Maersk operates Far East-Australia service alone with Cho Yang as slotcharterer, and upgrades West Africa and Caribbean services.
Fesco and Contship cooperate between the USA and Australia.
Sea-Land serves Israel.
DFDS posts improved profits again.
Brussels: decision to fine Taca. A decision by the European Commission to impose fines of ECU 273 million on the members of Taca is meeting a mixed reception.
Egon Oldendorff intends to acquire Hoegh Lines plus four vessels.
Exports of South African perishables may be arranged direct with Saecs.
Shipping lines will talk about a discussion agreement to replace Taca.
Ports and Terminals
Auckland posted higher results in fiscal 1998 and buys a mobile crane.
ABP records a good half year.
Antwerp and Zeebrugge agree to form an economic interest group.
The first phase of Marseilles Distriport is open for business, after a number of delays.
Forwarding
Wilson Group is acquiring 50% of Combined Logistics (India).
Union-Transport purchases Per Transport in Italy.
Schenker has officially opened its new logistics centre in Singapore.
Aviation
Virgin adds a second weekly freighter to Australia, and plans scheduled flights to the Caribbean.
TMA launches flights to Shanghai.
UPS starts flights to Paris and South America, and also announces a round-the-world service.
Formation of the British Cargo Airline Alliance. The new air cargo alliance in the UK comprises Air Foyle, Channel Express, HeavyLift Cargo Airlines and Atlantic Airlines.
Swiss World Airways, a new Swiss international carrier, takes off.
Globe Air Services acts as general sales agent for Challenge Air Cargo.
DHL and Martinair cooperate between Europe and East Africa.
The AEA warns that although 1997 was an excellent year, airlines are still vulnerable to economic changes.
Secure container transport. Security in the transport of goods has always been a problem, and sophisticated techniques are required today to ensure safe arrival.
Maritime
Norasia Line is resuming direct calls at the port of Hamburg.
Yangming upgrades its North Sea-USA-Israel service.
Andrew Weir Shipping/Mac Andrews offers Rotterdam-Bilbao link.
Pro Line and Neptunia launch a new South American breakbulk service.
Maersk operates Far East-Australia service alone with Cho Yang as slotcharterer, and upgrades West Africa and Caribbean services.
Fesco and Contship cooperate between the USA and Australia.
Sea-Land serves Israel.
DFDS posts improved profits again.
Brussels: decision to fine Taca. A decision by the European Commission to impose fines of ECU 273 million on the members of Taca is meeting a mixed reception.
Egon Oldendorff intends to acquire Hoegh Lines plus four vessels.
Exports of South African perishables may be arranged direct with Saecs.
Shipping lines will talk about a discussion agreement to replace Taca.
Ports and Terminals
Auckland posted higher results in fiscal 1998 and buys a mobile crane.
ABP records a good half year.
Antwerp and Zeebrugge agree to form an economic interest group.
The first phase of Marseilles Distriport is open for business, after a number of delays.
Forwarding
Wilson Group is acquiring 50% of Combined Logistics (India).
Union-Transport purchases Per Transport in Italy.
Schenker has officially opened its new logistics centre in Singapore.
Aviation
Virgin adds a second weekly freighter to Australia, and plans scheduled flights to the Caribbean.
TMA launches flights to Shanghai.
UPS starts flights to Paris and South America, and also announces a round-the-world service.
Formation of the British Cargo Airline Alliance. The new air cargo alliance in the UK comprises Air Foyle, Channel Express, HeavyLift Cargo Airlines and Atlantic Airlines.
Swiss World Airways, a new Swiss international carrier, takes off.
Globe Air Services acts as general sales agent for Challenge Air Cargo.
DHL and Martinair cooperate between Europe and East Africa.
The AEA warns that although 1997 was an excellent year, airlines are still vulnerable to economic changes.
Secure container transport. Security in the transport of goods has always been a problem, and sophisticated techniques are required today to ensure safe arrival.
Maritime
Norasia Line is resuming direct calls at the port of Hamburg.
Yangming upgrades its North Sea-USA-Israel service.
Andrew Weir Shipping/Mac Andrews offers Rotterdam-Bilbao link.
Pro Line and Neptunia launch a new South American breakbulk service.
Maersk operates Far East-Australia service alone with Cho Yang as slotcharterer, and upgrades West Africa and Caribbean services.
Fesco and Contship cooperate between the USA and Australia.
Sea-Land serves Israel.
DFDS posts improved profits again.
Brussels: decision to fine Taca. A decision by the European Commission to impose fines of ECU 273 million on the members of Taca is meeting a mixed reception.
Egon Oldendorff intends to acquire Hoegh Lines plus four vessels.
Exports of South African perishables may be arranged direct with Saecs.
Shipping lines will talk about a discussion agreement to replace Taca.
Ports and Terminals
Auckland posted higher results in fiscal 1998 and buys a mobile crane.
ABP records a good half year.
Antwerp and Zeebrugge agree to form an economic interest group.
The first phase of Marseilles Distriport is open for business, after a number of delays.
Forwarding
Wilson Group is acquiring 50% of Combined Logistics (India).
Union-Transport purchases Per Transport in Italy.
Schenker has officially opened its new logistics centre in Singapore.
Aviation
Virgin adds a second weekly freighter to Australia, and plans scheduled flights to the Caribbean.
TMA launches flights to Shanghai.
UPS starts flights to Paris and South America, and also announces a round-the-world service.
Formation of the British Cargo Airline Alliance. The new air cargo alliance in the UK comprises Air Foyle, Channel Express, HeavyLift Cargo Airlines and Atlantic Airlines.
Swiss World Airways, a new Swiss international carrier, takes off.
Globe Air Services acts as general sales agent for Challenge Air Cargo.
DHL and Martinair cooperate between Europe and East Africa.
The AEA warns that although 1997 was an excellent year, airlines are still vulnerable to economic changes.
Secure container transport. Security in the transport of goods has always been a problem, and sophisticated techniques are required today to ensure safe arrival.
Maritime
Norasia Line is resuming direct calls at the port of Hamburg.
Yangming upgrades its North Sea-USA-Israel service.
Andrew Weir Shipping/Mac Andrews offers Rotterdam-Bilbao link.
Pro Line and Neptunia launch a new South American breakbulk service.
Maersk operates Far East-Australia service alone with Cho Yang as slotcharterer, and upgrades West Africa and Caribbean services.
Fesco and Contship cooperate between the USA and Australia.
Sea-Land serves Israel.
DFDS posts improved profits again.
Brussels: decision to fine Taca. A decision by the European Commission to impose fines of ECU 273 million on the members of Taca is meeting a mixed reception.
Egon Oldendorff intends to acquire Hoegh Lines plus four vessels.
Exports of South African perishables may be arranged direct with Saecs.
Shipping lines will talk about a discussion agreement to replace Taca.
Ports and Terminals
Auckland posted higher results in fiscal 1998 and buys a mobile crane.
ABP records a good half year.
Antwerp and Zeebrugge agree to form an economic interest group.
The first phase of Marseilles Distriport is open for business, after a number of delays.
Forwarding
Wilson Group is acquiring 50% of Combined Logistics (India).
Union-Transport purchases Per Transport in Italy.
Schenker has officially opened its new logistics centre in Singapore.
Aviation
Virgin adds a second weekly freighter to Australia, and plans scheduled flights to the Caribbean.
TMA launches flights to Shanghai.
UPS starts flights to Paris and South America, and also announces a round-the-world service.
Formation of the British Cargo Airline Alliance. The new air cargo alliance in the UK comprises Air Foyle, Channel Express, HeavyLift Cargo Airlines and Atlantic Airlines.
Swiss World Airways, a new Swiss international carrier, takes off.
Globe Air Services acts as general sales agent for Challenge Air Cargo.
DHL and Martinair cooperate between Europe and East Africa.
The AEA warns that although 1997 was an excellent year, airlines are still vulnerable to economic changes.
Secure container transport. Security in the transport of goods has always been a problem, and sophisticated techniques are required today to ensure safe arrival.
Maritime
Norasia Line is resuming direct calls at the port of Hamburg.
Yangming upgrades its North Sea-USA-Israel service.
Andrew Weir Shipping/Mac Andrews offers Rotterdam-Bilbao link.
Pro Line and Neptunia launch a new South American breakbulk service.
Maersk operates Far East-Australia service alone with Cho Yang as slotcharterer, and upgrades West Africa and Caribbean services.
Fesco and Contship cooperate between the USA and Australia.
Sea-Land serves Israel.
DFDS posts improved profits again.
Brussels: decision to fine Taca. A decision by the European Commission to impose fines of ECU 273 million on the members of Taca is meeting a mixed reception.
Egon Oldendorff intends to acquire Hoegh Lines plus four vessels.
Exports of South African perishables may be arranged direct with Saecs.
Shipping lines will talk about a discussion agreement to replace Taca.
Ports and Terminals
Auckland posted higher results in fiscal 1998 and buys a mobile crane.
ABP records a good half year.
Antwerp and Zeebrugge agree to form an economic interest group.
The first phase of Marseilles Distriport is open for business, after a number of delays.
Forwarding
Wilson Group is acquiring 50% of Combined Logistics (India).
Union-Transport purchases Per Transport in Italy.
Schenker has officially opened its new logistics centre in Singapore.
Aviation
Virgin adds a second weekly freighter to Australia, and plans scheduled flights to the Caribbean.
TMA launches flights to Shanghai.
UPS starts flights to Paris and South America, and also announces a round-the-world service.
Formation of the British Cargo Airline Alliance. The new air cargo alliance in the UK comprises Air Foyle, Channel Express, HeavyLift Cargo Airlines and Atlantic Airlines.
Swiss World Airways, a new Swiss international carrier, takes off.
Globe Air Services acts as general sales agent for Challenge Air Cargo.
DHL and Martinair cooperate between Europe and East Africa.
The AEA warns that although 1997 was an excellent year, airlines are still vulnerable to economic changes.
What's hot and what's not THE VOLATILE WORLD OF SHIPPING is living up to its reputation. The bottom has fallen out of the VLCC market while shipbuilding may be showing signs of a revival. Plummeting share values are leaving stocklisted tanker companies undervalued and the prospect of hostile takeover bids is growing. However, in the midst this turbulence a few bold owners are making strategic moves. Some are building up their share portfolios while others are moving to take advantage of low newbuilding prices, giving struggling shipbuilders a much needed fillip. See pages 4, 5, 6 & 7 in addition to main link.
The Suez Canal Authority has announced that it will introduce surcharges on transit tariffs through the Egyptian canal for most major cargo vessels, effective July 15.
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