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US team to evaluate ISPS readiness at foreign ports
THE US Coast Guard will soon send personnel to foreign ports in order to evaluate their compliance with the ISPS Code, reviving fears that the new global maritime security rules will be applied unequally around the globe.
APL to launch direct services between China and Australia
NEPTUNE Orient Lines' container line APL says it will launch one of the fastest direct services between China and Australia next month to capitalise on 'flourishing' two-way trade.
Divestment will hit sales this year: Hapag-Lloyd
HAPAG-Lloyd, the logistics unit of TUI, said sales this year will decline as the company sheds subsidiaries to focus on its main container shipping business in preparation for an initial public offering in the second half.
California's ports could miss trade boom: report
CALIFORNIA needs to expand its seaports, airports and other shipping infrastructure to avoid missing much of an expected boom in international trade with Asia, according to a report.
Samsung Heavy wins US$900m ship orders
SAMSUNG Heavy Industries Co, the world's third-largest shipbuilder, won orders valued at a US$900 million combined from three companies for 10 liquefied natural gas carriers, container vessels and oil tankers.
MISC chief Mohd Ali dies of heart attack
MOHD Ali Yasin, managing director of Malaysia International Shipping Corp, one of the world's top three carriers of liquefied natural gas, died of a heart attack at the age of 60, the company said.
Japanese tighten pollution rules
JAPAN has tightened a marine pollution insurance law in a move which could see almost all North Korean ships barred from its ports, adding to recent legislation aimed at pressuring the Stalinist state.
Greenpeace protests against GE imports to Australia
GREENPEACE protesters used magnets to attach themselves to a cargo ship in Australia yesterday and painted the words 'Stop GE imports' on the hull as part of a campaign against genetically engineered food.
US okays new technology for box inspection
US Federal regulators have approved technological enhancements allowing more thorough checks of sealed cargo containers, part of the effort to prevent terrorists from using US Ports to smuggle explosives or chemical weapons.

Air and Land Transport

Taiwan carriers seek new China links
TAIWAN's airlines and shippers are seeking new ways to grow their business after the election victory of incumbent President Chen Shui-bian dashed hopes of direct links with rival China and sent share prices plunging.
Tough summer ahead for US airline industry
KLM not to pay merger-linked bonuses to execs
Austrian Airlines traffic in March surges on fare cuts
Emirates to launch non-stop NY service

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Shipping News

US team to evaluate ISPS readiness at foreign ports
THE US Coast Guard will soon send personnel to foreign ports in order to evaluate their compliance with the ISPS Code, reviving fears that the new global maritime security rules will be applied unequally around the globe.
APL to launch direct services between China and Australia
NEPTUNE Orient Lines' container line APL says it will launch one of the fastest direct services between China and Australia next month to capitalise on 'flourishing' two-way trade.
Divestment will hit sales this year: Hapag-Lloyd
HAPAG-Lloyd, the logistics unit of TUI, said sales this year will decline as the company sheds subsidiaries to focus on its main container shipping business in preparation for an initial public offering in the second half.
California's ports could miss trade boom: report
CALIFORNIA needs to expand its seaports, airports and other shipping infrastructure to avoid missing much of an expected boom in international trade with Asia, according to a report.
Samsung Heavy wins US$900m ship orders
SAMSUNG Heavy Industries Co, the world's third-largest shipbuilder, won orders valued at a US$900 million combined from three companies for 10 liquefied natural gas carriers, container vessels and oil tankers.
MISC chief Mohd Ali dies of heart attack
MOHD Ali Yasin, managing director of Malaysia International Shipping Corp, one of the world's top three carriers of liquefied natural gas, died of a heart attack at the age of 60, the company said.
Japanese tighten pollution rules
JAPAN has tightened a marine pollution insurance law in a move which could see almost all North Korean ships barred from its ports, adding to recent legislation aimed at pressuring the Stalinist state.
Greenpeace protests against GE imports to Australia
GREENPEACE protesters used magnets to attach themselves to a cargo ship in Australia yesterday and painted the words 'Stop GE imports' on the hull as part of a campaign against genetically engineered food.
US okays new technology for box inspection
US Federal regulators have approved technological enhancements allowing more thorough checks of sealed cargo containers, part of the effort to prevent terrorists from using US Ports to smuggle explosives or chemical weapons.

Air and Land Transport

Taiwan carriers seek new China links
TAIWAN's airlines and shippers are seeking new ways to grow their business after the election victory of incumbent President Chen Shui-bian dashed hopes of direct links with rival China and sent share prices plunging.
Tough summer ahead for US airline industry
KLM not to pay merger-linked bonuses to execs
Austrian Airlines traffic in March surges on fare cuts
Emirates to launch non-stop NY service

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Australian minister drums up support for Australia-HK trade Shenzhen set to operate rail link with Sichuan P&O Nedlloyd listing complete FCC approves new technology for cargo inspections Maersk waits to see if deal with India's JNPT will go through APL appoints new Philippines managing director Li Ka-shing behind world's largest container business Frankfurt cargo volumes reach record highs in March, Q1 FedEx expands operations at HKIA World Airways announces senior management changes

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Hanjin Shipping strengthens China-North America services Hatsu enters North Atlantic arena MOL upgrades intra-Asia service network New consortium (ZAP) to ease pressure on Aussie route - APL, PIL join hands with Zim NY/NJ port record OOCL Qingdao enters HK company's fleet APL appoints new Bangladesh country manager PIL ties up with ACT USADA to raise rates Maruti Udyog's car exports rise 5-fold in just 3 years Aussies longing to sink teeth into luscious Indian mango, the 'King of Fruits' Exports post robust 17.26 pc growth in 2003-04 Scrap dumping duty on calcium carbide-DGAD VCT now on global containerlines map! - m.v. Rajiv Gandhi becomes first MLV to call at VCT Mundra Port posts 9.3 pc growth in cargo throughput in 2003-04 Port Pipavav records highest throughput in March APM Terminals to increase stake in Port Pipavav Feeder operators to hike freight rates between KDS/Haldia & Singapore/Port Klang Forex reserves rise by $ 2,379 million to $ 1,12,696 million RBI issues new import credit norms for capital goods Inflation dips to 4.4 pc 1 pc share in global trade before 2007: DGFT Forex reserves vault by a record $ 3.37 bn in a week MPT bows to Dr Ambedkar's memory Baffled Fieo asks: How come? 'WTO Cancun Meet' presented at World Trade Centre Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers' team off to Pakistan on business

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APRIL 19, 2004
South America: Refinery back in action Refinery back on line one week ahead of schedule...disruptions to bunker market minimal. Strike plays havoc with bunkering schedules Vancouver harbour and Fraser River inaccessible to ships as container vessels are diverted to Seattle and Tacoma. Greek supplier moves to new offices Pricing patterns see increased demand in Suez PTP IFO380 sales jump 1500% in three years Arrival of container giants spurs rapid growth as plans for bunkering centre to rival Singapore continue. Venezuelan imports aimed at alleviating Argentina energy crisis Bunker suppliers in Argentina said they were optimistic that shortages in the gas oil market would be alleviated soon. UK broker expands team Rotterdam little changed Tokyo supply tightens ahead of Golden Week The Japanese bunker market is set to come to a virtual standstill during the forthcoming Golden Week celebrations, making early bookings essential. Tug strike action hinders bunker deliveries Two container vessels affected by Canadian union strike; length of industrial action unknown.

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APRIL 19, 2004
Second Basel International Hazardous Goods Conference EUR Telematik launches "Direct-To" Zimbabwe's freight companies run out of gas Exel's pharmaceutical licence now includes Barcelona facility ITX Cargo (Italy) with new partners FedEx opens new office in Toulouse Nigeria: Onne, Port Harcourt and Calabar update A new management for Dachser

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APRIL 19, 2004
Court allows Karachi 8 to go home MISC MD dies Marmaras pleads guilty to US oil record charge LNG carrier fleet "needs to treble by 2020"

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APRIL 19, 2004
WMU to use Seasecure training course IMO unit approves 11-part course and adopts it as part of graduate school curriculum IMO security cooperation program "in full swing" Program aimed at helping governments "having a significant impact, particularly in the developing world." Massive LNG ship building boom ahead? Study from Ocean Shipping Consultants forecasts major growth

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APRIL 19, 2004
Coast Guard set to close Columbia River on Tuesday APL adding new service covering China and Australia Cargill subsidiary inks deal to sell US grain to Cuba Five top firms named for WSF concessions business Coast Guard thinking globally with new security program

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Shell slashes more reserves as two reports blast past practices TWO damming external reports have forced Royal Dutch/Shell to slash more proved reserves and radically change its methods of booking and auditing hydrocarbon resources. Damned by their own words "SOON after coming to office as head of E&P in June 2001, I observed that the health of E&P was in a far worse state than was ever portrayed by my predecessor." Erck Rickmers joins furore on rising boxship charter rates GERMAN shipowner Erck Rickmers has added his voice to the growing chorus of concern about the impact of soaring containership costs on liner services. USCG in security checks on all ships THE US Coast Guard will board every ship on its first call at a US harbour on or after July 1 to check on compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the US Maritime Transportation Security Act, writes Rajesh Joshi.

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APRIL 19, 2004
Tasman crew plead for Mangouras THE four Greek members of the Tasman Spirit's crew freed by a Karachi court on Saturday have urged Spanish authorities to follow Pakistan's suit and release Prestige captain Apostolos Mangouras Drugs found on training ship INDIGNATION has hit Colombia after drugs were found on the country's high-profile training ship Gloria in the port of Cartagena de Indias last Friday Superferry 14 blaze re-examined THE question of whether the Superferry 14 fire was caused by a bomb or paint will be examined when a Philippines maritime agency chief appears before the top level panel Jinhui considers future takeovers JINHUI Shipping and Transport, the Hong Kong-based bulk shipping company, has opened doors to "inorganic growth" in the future at a presentation held today Karachi claims to be discussed CRUCIAL issues relating to Tasman Spirit's liability, insurance and Pakistani claims will be discussed in a meeting scheduled in London for 27 April Demos begin over Harwich development ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have started demonstrations at Harwich on the eve of the public enquiry into Hutchison Ports' 1.7M TEU Bathside Bay terminal project Crewmen held for captain's murder Stena boosts Irish Sea presence Arica strike now in seventh day MISC chief exec Ali Yasin dies Chennai plans ballast water treatment Tug strike takes its toll Concern over box below waterline Greenpeace targets GM vessel Genius seafarer saved by turtle RIF presentation delayed again

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APRIL 19, 2004
Truckers agree to Customs funding Use customs revenue to pay for short-sea, they say, but don't touch Highway Trust Fund. Lines scramble amid serious ship shortage APM to build $450 million Va. terminal Strike cuts Vancouver boxship calls almost in half FedEx, pilots seek new contract Coast Guard girds for July 1 security deadline Intermodal revs up rail carloads FMC clarifies China lines ruling Taiwan seeks Singapore logistics expertise Russia WTO talks underway Kuehne & Nagel granted China license

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APRIL 19, 2004
'Mid-stream' rates lure US Lines to CSX's HK terminal US Lines (USL) became CSX World Terminals Hong Kong's (CSXWTHK) latest customer last week after heavily slashing rates, according to a source close to the terminal operating company. Strike will hit 75% of BC shipping, warns Canada's Council of Marine Carriers In an initiative which the Council of Marine Carriers (CMC) warns will shut down 75% of BC shipping operations, some 800 west-coast tug and barge operators have gone on strike. Bolivian treaty clause heats up Chilean port strike K+N moves forward with wholly-owned Chinese subsidiary Baltic ports balance on Eurasian land-bridge Bangladesh garment shippers urge state licensing of forwarders and agents AP Moller announces management moves Shipping outsider named new CFO of RPONL board Cory Brothers sign double-agent pact with Vogt & Maguire Liner Weil am Rhein boxes grew against the tide in 2003

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APRIL 19, 2004
Jo Tankers to pay $19.5m fine Dutch chemical carrier owner pleads guilty to conspiracy to fix freight rates. Navgas contempt row flares Judge warns shareholders of sanctions as bondholders assert control. Exmar and Excelerate order LNG ship Third regas ship to deliver for partners in end-2006. Briese helps fly a kite Aptly named German owner backs bid to cut fuel cost with a return to windpower. LNG fleet needs to triple by 2020 Consultant maps requirements for burgeoning LNG sector. Exmar Kosan confirms LPG buy Partners snap up 11-ship fleet from Japanese owner. Strait Shipping sells Suilven New Zealand owner continues fleet changes with sale of ro-ro to new Fijian operator. Dato Ali dies Malaysia International Shipping Corp shocked at sudden death of CEO. KSINC sinks coastal service High-speed ferry plan scrapped by Indian company after difficulty securing a ship. Two Wan Hai ships held Hong Kong detains Taiwanese pair among 19 other vessels that failed port state checks. Costs curtail Aboitiz Transport Strong passenger and freight market for Philippine owner in 2003, but expenses rise. Jo Tankers ship detained Inspectors hold 135 ships during March. GSI on a high Guangzhou yard boosts 2003 net profit as finance costs fall. Karachi Eight freedom confirmed Men fly home today after Pakistan court extends bail conditions. Bulker under tow off Australia Tugs take panamax Harmonic Progress under tow after engine breakdown leaves ship powerless. Kirby seals Osprey stake Inland barge operator takes one-third stake in southern US container barge feeder service.

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APRIL 19, 2004
MEBA Pension Trust completes sale of FABC to P&O Nedlloyd CP Ships joins U.S. port security group Royal P&O Nedlloyd names Robbie CFO Kirby buys stake in container barge company Osprey Line Seafreight takes Florida/Barbados slots from Crowley Cargo 2000 gets new leadership USTDA awards $542,249 grant for Uganda airport study Schlausch named head of air and sea forwarding at ABX U.S. Commerce: Chinese televisions dumped on U.S. market

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APRIL 19, 2004
Remaining sections from "Tricolor" to be salvaged Four remaining sections from the car carrier "Tricolor", which sank in the English Channel in December 2002 after a collision ... Shipments from Murmansk storage tanker to begin Ship-to-ship transfers from the 360,000 DWT "Berge Pioneer" - renamed "Belokameka" while of 20 year charter to Sibneft and ... Klaipeda home port for Belarus fleet The Vice Minster for transport and communications in Belarus, Vladimnir Ulasjen, says that the President soon will sign a new ...