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Lack of infrastructure development could choke global trade
THE US and Europe 'urgently need' to invest in ports and land transport infrastructure to reduce chokes and avoid being swamped by the trade growth out of Asia, APL chief executive Ron Widdows has warned.
HK box volumes up 7% last year on strong river trade
HONG Kong's container throughput grew 7 per cent to 20.45 million TEUs in 2003, boosted by strong increases in river trade and transhipment volumes.
Philippine ferry captain blames blast for fire
THE skipper of a Philippine ferry destroyed by a deadly blaze that an Islamic militant group claimed responsibility for told investigators that he had heard an explosion and smelt gunpowder the night of the fire.
French police team in China to inspect Philippine freighter
TWO French police officers have arrived in China to inspect the Philippine-flagged freighter Seattle Trader which is being investigated for a possible role in the sinking of a trawler which left five French fishermen dead.

Air and Land Transport

SIA seeks more details on Boeing's 7E7 jetliner
SINGAPORE Airlines has asked Boeing Co for a specific proposal on the new 7E7 jetliner along with information on a potential purchase of 777s, aircraft industry sources familiar with the matter said.
HK, Changi passenger traffic down in Feb
Delta president to join Virgin's US project
China's TravelSky posts 47% fall in profits
China Airlines neglected tests on crashed plane
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Liner Scene

The significance of Mr Tanker's foray into box liner business
THERE has been a fascinating development at P&O Nedlloyd since it was announced that the Anglo Dutch container shipping giant would be spun off, and that in the process P&O would dramatically reduce its stake.

web site

Shipping News

Lack of infrastructure development could choke global trade
THE US and Europe 'urgently need' to invest in ports and land transport infrastructure to reduce chokes and avoid being swamped by the trade growth out of Asia, APL chief executive Ron Widdows has warned.
HK box volumes up 7% last year on strong river trade
HONG Kong's container throughput grew 7 per cent to 20.45 million TEUs in 2003, boosted by strong increases in river trade and transhipment volumes.
Philippine ferry captain blames blast for fire
THE skipper of a Philippine ferry destroyed by a deadly blaze that an Islamic militant group claimed responsibility for told investigators that he had heard an explosion and smelt gunpowder the night of the fire.
French police team in China to inspect Philippine freighter
TWO French police officers have arrived in China to inspect the Philippine-flagged freighter Seattle Trader which is being investigated for a possible role in the sinking of a trawler which left five French fishermen dead.

Air and Land Transport

SIA seeks more details on Boeing's 7E7 jetliner
SINGAPORE Airlines has asked Boeing Co for a specific proposal on the new 7E7 jetliner along with information on a potential purchase of 777s, aircraft industry sources familiar with the matter said.
HK, Changi passenger traffic down in Feb
Delta president to join Virgin's US project
China's TravelSky posts 47% fall in profits
China Airlines neglected tests on crashed plane
Log Book

Liner Scene

The significance of Mr Tanker's foray into box liner business
THERE has been a fascinating development at P&O Nedlloyd since it was announced that the Anglo Dutch container shipping giant would be spun off, and that in the process P&O would dramatically reduce its stake.

web site

Shipping News

Lack of infrastructure development could choke global trade
THE US and Europe 'urgently need' to invest in ports and land transport infrastructure to reduce chokes and avoid being swamped by the trade growth out of Asia, APL chief executive Ron Widdows has warned.
HK box volumes up 7% last year on strong river trade
HONG Kong's container throughput grew 7 per cent to 20.45 million TEUs in 2003, boosted by strong increases in river trade and transhipment volumes.
Philippine ferry captain blames blast for fire
THE skipper of a Philippine ferry destroyed by a deadly blaze that an Islamic militant group claimed responsibility for told investigators that he had heard an explosion and smelt gunpowder the night of the fire.
French police team in China to inspect Philippine freighter
TWO French police officers have arrived in China to inspect the Philippine-flagged freighter Seattle Trader which is being investigated for a possible role in the sinking of a trawler which left five French fishermen dead.

Air and Land Transport

SIA seeks more details on Boeing's 7E7 jetliner
SINGAPORE Airlines has asked Boeing Co for a specific proposal on the new 7E7 jetliner along with information on a potential purchase of 777s, aircraft industry sources familiar with the matter said.
HK, Changi passenger traffic down in Feb
Delta president to join Virgin's US project
China's TravelSky posts 47% fall in profits
China Airlines neglected tests on crashed plane
Log Book

Liner Scene

The significance of Mr Tanker's foray into box liner business
THERE has been a fascinating development at P&O Nedlloyd since it was announced that the Anglo Dutch container shipping giant would be spun off, and that in the process P&O would dramatically reduce its stake.

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Hong Kong's cargo throughput up 10pc in Q4 2003 Cosco launches direct service to Long Beach Singapore's throughput up 7.7pc in February China, Indonesia trade to reach US$15B in 2005 Chongqing river port capacity to rise HK, Malaysia reach air services agreement Delta president headed to Virgin Frankfurt posts record numbers in February Butterfield promoted at UA

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IPBCC announces westbound rate restoration Shipments of non-traditional items through Kolkata Port rise by 8 per cent Iron ore cargo should act as catalyst for chartering ships at Chennai Port, says Joseph Varun Shipping plans rights issue Poultry industry clucking again with orders galore pouring in India, Pak may join hands against EU curbs on basmati Tea industry brewing plans to tap Pak market EU lays down new anti-dumping rules for better transparency Pak keen to buy rice plants from India Mumbai Port's box terminal project evokes lukewarm response - MbPT likely to extend bid date IA, Singapore in talks over JV for ground facilities CONCOR may opt for joint venture route to manage ICD-Birgunj Commercial credit growth up by 49.5 pc, highest in a decade EOUs demand all of SEZ concessions Industrial subcontracting has vast potential: Official Wheat exporters limit purchases as govt dallies on policy guidelines IDBI may provide $ 500-m ECB window for textile units' revamp Industrial output grows 7.4 pc in January GDP growth rate may soar to 9 pc in 2003-04, calculates CMIE WTI plans Alumni Day on March 19

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MARCH 12, 2004
IFO180 premium stretched as players acquire cutter stock Singapore players that reported steady upsurge in enquiries for prompt supply from the begining of the week continued today. Indian supplier expands facilities M/S Global Fuels & Lubricants Inc announced today that it has expanded its infrastructural facilities by introducing a new barge to operate on the Western Coast of India. Rotterdam stable this morning High bunker prices prompt 'K' Line forecast revision Higher than expected bunker prices in the fourth quarter fundemental in revision.

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MARCH 12, 2004
NOL denies acquisition talks Torm profit surges in 2003 Brussels committee gets more power ISS in new take-over

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MARCH 12, 2004
U.S. salvors seek passage of stalled regs Needed to create improved response capability

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MARCH 12, 2004
Portland District nets $194 million in president's 2005 budget request Rail freight traffic up in most areas for February CBP boss nets honor for government excellence Bellingham Coast Guard Station receiving new cutter SEA LION Stelmar Shipping receives two more double-hull tankers

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ILO urged to delay biometric ID deal PLANS to bring in biometric identification for more than a million seafarers worldwide are facing a huge hurdle, with the UK recommending that the International Labour Organisation puts on ice a tripartite agreement that has taken two years to negotiate. Princess Royal thanks Lloyd's for charity work HER Royal Highness, The Princess Royal paid tribute to Lloyd's of London for its work with Save the Children at a reception at the Lloyd's building in Lime Street, London. Festival prepares to reveal identity of mystery white knight GENOA-based cruiseship operator Festival Cruises is preparing to play what promises to be its final hand in its battle to save itself from collapse. This is in the form of a new rescue plan backed by Greek and Italian banks and an investor whose identity is still unknown. Wallenius plans new generation of giant car carriers SWEDEN'S Wallenius Lines is preparing to introduce a new generation of pure car and truck carriers, with a series of five ships to be lengthened into the biggest such ships ever built. Propulsion hitch forces Celebrity reshuffle Celebrity Cruises intends to swap the itineraries of two sister ships, the Infinity and the Millennium , due to propulsion problems on the former, the operator has announced, writes Rob McKay.

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MARCH 12, 2004
Key West takes on cruise sector RESIDENTS of Key West, Florida are protesting against the island's ever-rising flood of cruise visitors, with the group 'Livable Old Town' organising a parade of horn-honking cars that winded through the city's historic port area this week Cruise fears grows after Madrid bombing THE possibility of Al-Qaeda involvement in yesterday's bombings in Madrid is raising concerns in the US about an impact on the cruise business in general P&O in livestock discussions P&O is consulting with lawyers in Dublin to identify the period it needs to consult with its customers before it stops carrying livestock Dutch shipbuilding: sunset industry DUTCH economic affairs minister Laurens Jan Brinkhorst says shipbuilding is a sunset industry that should not receive yard subsidies Mississippi collision: hearings end THE hearing into the collision between the Zim Mexico III and an offshore supply boat ended yesterday in finger pointing by lawyers representing the vessels New buoys for Port-au-Prince NEW buoys and other aids to navigation are being installed in the Port-au-Prince channel to help normalise ship traffic to and from Haiti Spain fears for cruise trade Italy defies Messina decision Jamaica upgrades protect trade Terror focus for Superferry probe Festival claims plan is accepted NOL scotches take-over talk Canberra to test karnal bunt wheat French fly out to Seattle Trader SSW head Jahncke slams Bremen THC list still needs clarification

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MARCH 12, 2004
Terror attack kills 11 at Israel port Bombings at heavily-guarded Ashdod first port attack amid Israeli-Palestinian violence. Senate boosts funds for port security Budget amendment for homeland security adds $275 for port security grants. Loss for Hyundai Merchant Marine Coast Guard gets $7.9B in funding Port of LA approves revised settlement in terminal suit CN presents improved offer to striking union Trans-Pacific lines to discuss terminal handling charges Maersk unit expected to manage India terminal Canada's Fraser port expands capacity Plans set for Denver multimodal hub Interpool completes $80 million in new financing Coast Guard unit returns from Kuwait duty

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MARCH 12, 2004
Port reaches settlement with LA residents on CSCL terminal Port of Los Angeles (POLA) reached an agreement in principle with environmentalists yesterday that paves the way for the stalled new China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) terminal to start operations. Carriers eye cargo-windfall from cancelled Maersk service The cancellation of Maersk Sealand's (MSL) Liverpool Express has left other carriers assessing the potential for a cargo-windfall from the cancelled UK-Med service. Carriers ready to debate THCs with Asian shippers Pacific shipping lines have formally entered into discussions with shipper organisations over the imposition of terminal handling charges (THCs) the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) announced yesterday. CN puts 'enhanced offer' to striking union Republicans rebel over 2005 seaport funding River-traffic boosts HK to higher-than-expected 2003 HK immigrant smugglers thwarted San Antonio posts strong 2003 results April launch date set for CMA CGM's latest intra-Europe loop Vancouver's neighbour boosts annual capacity German rail expands Frankfurt box facility Cape Town cranks up productivity-drive Conliner reorganises Rotterdam connections

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MARCH 12, 2004
Viken orders two aframaxes at Samsung Newbuilds backed by long-term charters to TotalFinaElf. European Vision sale go ahead Festival Cruises hopes for deal with banks as Galbriath's moves to auction ship. BMI up and running again by May Bankrupt US shiprepairer finally sold to investment firm plotting a renaissance. Ukrainian ports support Blasco National port authority to contribute to fund designed to revive shrunken liner operator. Moby buys into Strade Blu's ro-ro plan Italian ferry owner snaps up stake in compatriot owner's coastal terminal subsidiary. Korea opens the door to foreign crews Domestic labour shortage means work opportunities on Korean coastal vessels. STX profit dips in 2003 Korean shipbuilder drives up revenues, but can't match 2002's earnings. Another two for Stelmar Brace of new tankers keeps company on course. OMI forecasts growing profit in first quarter US tanker owner predicts doubling of earnings per share to 31 March. NYK denies 'Spring Drake' link Japanese giant claims victim of mistaken identity in pollution case. CSAV doubles its money Chilean container line Compania Sud Americana de Vapores enjoyed a strong 2003.

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MARCH 13, 2004
NOL denies imminent acquisition as stock price falls P&O Nedlloyd turned down takeover offer Mixed financial results at Hyundai Merchant Marine Transpacific lines seek to clarify basis of THCs Southwest Airlines Cargo adds sales managers Kuehne & Nagel acquires CAT Overseas Logistics Crowley Logistics adopts truck dispatch software USDA's draft soybean rust import study available for comment

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MARCH 12, 2004
Color Line orders two new ferries The Norwegian car/passenger ferry operator Color Line orders two new ferries at European yards with scheduled delivery in 2006 ... Ferry operator in red Mols-Linien, the Danish ferry operator, reports a DKK 61 million (EUR 8.2 million) deficit for the financial year 2003 ... Odfjell to build jack-up rigs Odfjell Drilling is to order a series of jack-up rigs at the Keppel Fels yard in Singapore. Such rigs ...