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Shipping News

Aussie maritime sector well advanced on security plans
AUSTRALIA'S ports and shipping groups are dismayed at suggestions by Acting Prime Minister John Anderson that the country may fail to meet the International Maritime Organisation's mid-year deadline for tough new counter-terrorism measures.
Shippers demand review of Klang's higher flat fee
MALAYSIA's busiest port, Klang, could still face resistance over its decision to consolidate and hike marine charges, after the Port Klang Shipping Agencies demanded a review.
Loans dispute stalls Royal Olympia ship at Greece
GREEK cruise company Royal Olympia Cruises' 14,000 gross tonne ship Triton was embroiled in a dispute between its parent, Royal Olympic Cruise Lines, and German banks over two ships owned by other Royal Olympic subsidiaries.
London Club gets boost from newbuilds
THE 30 million gross tonne London P&I Club says the increasing amount of new tonnage being ordered by its members, and entered with the Club for P&I and FD&D risks, is confirmation of the current healthy state of the shipping industry, as well as being good news for the Club itself.
MOL clinches charter
MITSUI OSK Lines has secured a third long-term contract from China's largest iron and steel group, Baoshan Iron and Steel Co, for a capesize bulk carrier newbuilding.

Air and Land Transport

Govts make flight decisions with only pieces of puzzle
IT has become an agonising daily judgment call: whether to cancel international flights on the basis of fragmentary intelligence warning of a Sept 11-style attack.
Use of armed French guards to continue
Thomas Cook won't fly with armed air marshals
Qantas will comply with US request
Jakarta expects 4 new domestic carriers in 2004
Foreign airlines can fly to Medina for haj

Strait Talk

Despite crises, 2003 a good year; 2004 set to fare just as well
FOR a year that saw a war in the Middle East, serious falling out among the major economically developed countries and a wide ranging outbreak of particularly nasty and contagious virus, 2003 turned out surprisingly well for the global shipping industry.

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Shipping News

Aussie maritime sector well advanced on security plans
AUSTRALIA'S ports and shipping groups are dismayed at suggestions by Acting Prime Minister John Anderson that the country may fail to meet the International Maritime Organisation's mid-year deadline for tough new counter-terrorism measures.
Shippers demand review of Klang's higher flat fee
MALAYSIA's busiest port, Klang, could still face resistance over its decision to consolidate and hike marine charges, after the Port Klang Shipping Agencies demanded a review.
Loans dispute stalls Royal Olympia ship at Greece
GREEK cruise company Royal Olympia Cruises' 14,000 gross tonne ship Triton was embroiled in a dispute between its parent, Royal Olympic Cruise Lines, and German banks over two ships owned by other Royal Olympic subsidiaries.
London Club gets boost from newbuilds
THE 30 million gross tonne London P&I Club says the increasing amount of new tonnage being ordered by its members, and entered with the Club for P&I and FD&D risks, is confirmation of the current healthy state of the shipping industry, as well as being good news for the Club itself.
MOL clinches charter
MITSUI OSK Lines has secured a third long-term contract from China's largest iron and steel group, Baoshan Iron and Steel Co, for a capesize bulk carrier newbuilding.

Air and Land Transport

Govts make flight decisions with only pieces of puzzle
IT has become an agonising daily judgment call: whether to cancel international flights on the basis of fragmentary intelligence warning of a Sept 11-style attack.
Use of armed French guards to continue
Thomas Cook won't fly with armed air marshals
Qantas will comply with US request
Jakarta expects 4 new domestic carriers in 2004
Foreign airlines can fly to Medina for haj

Strait Talk

Despite crises, 2003 a good year; 2004 set to fare just as well
FOR a year that saw a war in the Middle East, serious falling out among the major economically developed countries and a wide ranging outbreak of particularly nasty and contagious virus, 2003 turned out surprisingly well for the global shipping industry.

web site

Shipping News

Aussie maritime sector well advanced on security plans
AUSTRALIA'S ports and shipping groups are dismayed at suggestions by Acting Prime Minister John Anderson that the country may fail to meet the International Maritime Organisation's mid-year deadline for tough new counter-terrorism measures.
Shippers demand review of Klang's higher flat fee
MALAYSIA's busiest port, Klang, could still face resistance over its decision to consolidate and hike marine charges, after the Port Klang Shipping Agencies demanded a review.
Loans dispute stalls Royal Olympia ship at Greece
GREEK cruise company Royal Olympia Cruises' 14,000 gross tonne ship Triton was embroiled in a dispute between its parent, Royal Olympic Cruise Lines, and German banks over two ships owned by other Royal Olympic subsidiaries.
London Club gets boost from newbuilds
THE 30 million gross tonne London P&I Club says the increasing amount of new tonnage being ordered by its members, and entered with the Club for P&I and FD&D risks, is confirmation of the current healthy state of the shipping industry, as well as being good news for the Club itself.
MOL clinches charter
MITSUI OSK Lines has secured a third long-term contract from China's largest iron and steel group, Baoshan Iron and Steel Co, for a capesize bulk carrier newbuilding.

Air and Land Transport

Govts make flight decisions with only pieces of puzzle
IT has become an agonising daily judgment call: whether to cancel international flights on the basis of fragmentary intelligence warning of a Sept 11-style attack.
Use of armed French guards to continue
Thomas Cook won't fly with armed air marshals
Qantas will comply with US request
Jakarta expects 4 new domestic carriers in 2004
Foreign airlines can fly to Medina for haj

Strait Talk

Despite crises, 2003 a good year; 2004 set to fare just as well
FOR a year that saw a war in the Middle East, serious falling out among the major economically developed countries and a wide ranging outbreak of particularly nasty and contagious virus, 2003 turned out surprisingly well for the global shipping industry.

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NYK maps out fleet expansion plan Chinatrans International to handle Awards business Rotterdam hits record U-Freight building presence for Pearl River Delta boom New appointments at IMO CAAC to relax civil aviation market access FedEx to move Asia hub to Guangzhou Hactl wins top productivity award

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Panama Canal warns of steep increase in rates - ...plans to build third set of locks costing $ 8 bn Antwerp's 14 pc growth outstrips rival ports' - Neighbour Rotterdam handles record 7 million TEUs IRA to raise rates 4 times in 2004 NYK names new President Maersk Sealand starts new import haulage request system FEFC hikes St Petersburg terminal charges Samudera starts making Manila calls "K" Line orders double-hulled VLCCs MoS eases cabotage rules for cruise liners Visakhapatnam Port poised to assume numero uno position by March-end Kolkata Port eyes coastal cargo, plans to slash bulk, box rates Dubai Port Authority keen on Vallarpadam project PPT submits proposal to NHAI: road link upgradation 4-lane highway to link Tuticorin port with Tirunelveli soon Agent behind Mormugao Port record Allcargo Movers commences full-fledged operations at CONCOR's DRT CFS Betel leaf exporters' hopes soar with resumption of Indo-Pak air services Extra quota of ready goods for export announced India eyeing sprouting bamboo market Finance Ministry gives green signal for extending 20-year tax breaks to SEZ units UK Editors to speak at IMC on Jan. 9 EEPC annual awards function today CII spells out 15-pt agenda for closer Saarc economic ties

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JANUARY 6, 2004
State-side pricing less sensitive to crude patterns Bunker price movements state-side today were showing less volatility and sensitivity to crude movements than on the other side of the Atlantic. While bunker prices throughout Europe surged, bunker suppliers on both the East and Gulf Coasts of the US were a little more reserved in their pricing. Europe leads global bunker market gains The rally in crude prices yesterday affected bunker prices across the world today, but to very different extents. Prices throughout Europe surged for IFOs and distillates. In Asia fuel oil gains were mostly moderate while distillates firmed, while major US ports saw only moderate gains across all products, and even losses in some areas. Taiwan's Formosa sells HSFO cargoes following technical glitch Closure of a desulphurisation unit at the Formosa refinery has led the company to sell several cargoes of straight run high sulphur fuel oil. Turkish bulls fail to scare buyers Singapore on target for record 2003 The port of Singapore looks set to have had another record-breaking year in 2003 for total ship calling tonnage, container throughput, cargo tonnage and bunker sales, according to figures from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA) statistics through end November. Holidays and high numbers keep Gibraltar enquiries low New trader at O.W. Bunkers Crude slightly softer after hitting 9-month highs Crude prices took their cue from a rally in heating oil after forecasters said the US Northeast will face much colder and freezing conditions in the next few days. Uruguay market update Very firm market in Rotterdam

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U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has launched a new web portal Container Security Initiative implemented in Durban Frans Maas extends network to Morocco A "piggyback's" success story Alitalia cargo fleet renewal EWL extends liner network New Director for the NOL Group

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Shipowners to fight US proposal for IMO shoreside regulation SHIPOWNER representatives are gearing up to fight US proposals that would see the International Maritime Organisation, for the first time, regulating the competence of selected shoreside employees. Brokers quit HSBC for Tysers A SUBSTANTIAL team of insurance brokers from the HSBC group has switched to Tysers, the expanding Lloyd's broker, in what is reported to be the biggest change of allegiance in the London market for a considerable time. Ireland determined to drive through pollution sanctions Ireland will make reaching agreement on controversial proposals to introduce criminal sanctions for pollution offences a key priority of its six-month presidency of the European Union. P&O Nedlloyd director Williams walks P&O Nedlloyd director Barry Williams is to leave the company, writes Janet Porter. Lloyd's List Annual Review 2003 AS 2003 dawned on a markedly uncertain world, the cold light of January revealed a climate which did not seem propitious for maritime industry growth.

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JANUARY 6, 2004
Tasman S engineer: suicide claim IT is looking increasingly likely that George Koutsos, the 52-year-old engineer on the Tasman Spirit, tried to take his own life yesterday India bids for cruise ship return INDIA is trying to woo cruise ships and passengers back to its shores after visitors hit a low of 12,400 on 2002-03, compared to 40,000 in 2000-01 Ship security will raise costs THE new anti-terror measures for ports and shipping to take effect on July 1 will lead to higher freight rates, the Australian Shipping Association has warned Piracy update for Security Officers THE International Chamber of Shipping and the International Shipping Federation have published a new edition of their Pirates and Armed Robbers: Guidelines Final Stellamare body found THE heavy lift vessel Stellamare was successfully refloated in the port of Albany, New York state yesterday China lifts towage restrictions CHINA has opened its doors to foreign interests providing harbour towage services Brazilian exports bring Santos joy France introduces '600,000 fines India grades training institutions Carnival signs with Turks & Caicos Chinese yards flush with orders Inchon union agrees 24-hr schedule S Korea reacts to officer shortage

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JANUARY 6, 2004
Shipbuilding boom cools for S. Korea After record-setting year in 2003, shipyards cut estimates for new orders as forecast decline hits global market. Long Beach hikes tariff Five percent increase in general rate is first since 1999. West Coast awaits first U.S. Lines call New carrier's first sailing due at Long Beach this month as service gets underway. Record 6 million boxes for Hamburg India drafts advance manifest rule ILA appoints ethics counsel Wallenius Wilhelmsen launches U.S.-Mid-East service British firm acquires TradePoint Systems Oceania VSA trims calls OCEMA files discussion amendments NYK rebrands logistics operations Iowa Interstate Railroad sold CLM to sponsor State of Logistics Report

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JANUARY 6, 2004
Micro-management of supply chain is key, says shipper UK importer Poundstretcher has appointed Maersk Logistics (ML) to manage their supply chain from January 1, but the shipper will remain a 'micro-manager'. PONL director to leave the company Schedule integrity is priority for Pacific's newest operator Korean banks agree Hanjin's five-ship financing Toxic containers to be retrieved from the North Sea Fines for not filing USCG security plans could already total US$1.37billion Montreal sets new container traffic record Green team: Port and forwarder transfer cargo from road to rail Hamburg handles six millionth box two days before year's end

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JANUARY 6, 2004
Cruise returning to 'normality' Third major investment bank raises price target on sector's stocks. Risk appetite hits ratings The UK and Standard P&I clubs pay a price for their dangerous hunger. Golden State clean-up Oil spill companies merge in California. US Lines up and running New liner company launches first sailing, but will not go weekly until February. Ferry had 76 deficiencies Italy detains elderly passenger ship with many safety failings for nine days. Stellamare refloated Smit stabilizes Jumbo ship after last month's capsize. Torm ups profit forecasts Norden share punt brings paper gains for Danish owner while merger dreams still hold. Poison challenge for Multraship Dutch salvor wins Steamship Mutual contract to recover lost arsenic cargo. Mercator mulls cash call Expanding Indian tanker owner is plotting share issue to fund fleet expansion. Lack of total control not a problem for Toll Australian group satisfied with 84% holding in New Zealand ferry operator Tranz Rail. Mark Miles takes finance hot seat at IHC Caland Dutch shipbuilding and owning group to replace Gerry Docherty with internal appointment. Coal gas killed Dias crew Deaths of two seafarers down to human error in entering confined space. Albanian yard starts repair work again Durres facility back in business after lengthy workers' strike. Hess trader to chair Baltic FFA tanker group Exchange names Simon Toyne as head of its new Freight Market Information Users' Group. ANL fixes New Zealand route Australian boxship operator offers upgraded fixed-day weekly service to North and South Islands. China Shipping confirms boxships Five more newbuildingsps inked in as ambitious fleet growth plan takes off. Forth meets expectations UK ports and towage group said 2003 performance stayed ahead of previous year. MOL takes stakes in more Oman LNG ships Owner confirms it is taking undisclosed share in two more of Sultanate's gas carrier newbuildings. SKL inks coal hauling contract Sembawang Kimtrans Ltd wins deal to cover coal logistic needs of Indonesian coal producer.

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JANUARY 6, 2004
New guidelines for ships on pirate attacks EWL merges Europe/Caribbean/South America links NYK to seek further rise in profit FMC to discuss loosening of Chinese lines' pricing restrictions Suzuki: MOL needs restructuring Schumer proposes security measures for air cargo BNSF rate increases kick in Boyd Brothers goes private Short-line railroads seek expedited approval for sale U-Freight sees growth in transport links for Pearl River delta Orion picks BAX for next day service U.S. starts biometric controls on foreign travelers NYK renames logistics subsidiaries U.S. trade agency to hold regional security forum in Cairo Seven South Asian nations agree on framework for trade zone Poundstretcher picks Maersk Logistics Two Senators question U.S. agency's ability to block terrorist money U.S. Treasury Department cites changes to terrorism risk insurance U.S. agency to investigate auto parts patent infringement cases U.S. pizza exports said to undermine Canadian food producers Trade dispute with U.S. looms over small shellfish MOL breaks into China's towage market Port of Hamburg's annual traffic tops 6 millions TEUs Hutchison acquires extra stake in ECT Second phase of deepening of Yangtze channel starts