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ITF, shipowners agree on wage pact at last
SEAFARERS' unions and shipowners participating in the International Bargaining Forum have successfully concluded 'difficult' negotiations on a new international collective bargaining agreement covering more than 55,000 seafarers around the world.
Hopes rise for end to French oil terminal blockade
DOCKERS in the French port of Marseille returned to work on Saturday and hopes rose that a separate strike disrupting oil terminals at the Fos-Lavera hub could soon end, officials said.
Australian port raises coal exports
AUSTRALIA's Port Waratah Coal Services Ltd, which runs the world's largest coal-export port, increased exports by 3 per cent in September from the previous month as miners met supply contracts.

Admiralty Casebook

High Court orders insurer to pay up for loss from piracy
THE hull and machinery underwriter of Singapore-registered tug, BW Wisdom, which was lost to pirates in a brazen attack almost three years ago in Indonesian waters, has been told to pay up under the policy.

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Shipping News

ITF, shipowners agree on wage pact at last
SEAFARERS' unions and shipowners participating in the International Bargaining Forum have successfully concluded 'difficult' negotiations on a new international collective bargaining agreement covering more than 55,000 seafarers around the world.
Hopes rise for end to French oil terminal blockade
DOCKERS in the French port of Marseille returned to work on Saturday and hopes rose that a separate strike disrupting oil terminals at the Fos-Lavera hub could soon end, officials said.
Australian port raises coal exports
AUSTRALIA's Port Waratah Coal Services Ltd, which runs the world's largest coal-export port, increased exports by 3 per cent in September from the previous month as miners met supply contracts.

Admiralty Casebook

High Court orders insurer to pay up for loss from piracy
THE hull and machinery underwriter of Singapore-registered tug, BW Wisdom, which was lost to pirates in a brazen attack almost three years ago in Indonesian waters, has been told to pay up under the policy.

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Modern Terminals buys back shares Suzhou-Nangtong bridge construction begins MOL tests vessel transmit system Qingdao set for expansion Jiangsu toy exports fall Senator unveils new Asia-Med service Extended port hours at California ports not pleasing everyone Polar Air crew accepts new labour contract Hactl September tonnage up 8.2pc TNT orders 2 Boeing 737s

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Phenomenal response, rare MoU, Letter of Intent signed Block approval likely to hasten SCI's fleet expansion plan Sethusamudram project set to achieve financial closure this month-TPT Chairman Govt clears 17 SEZ proposals 4 shipping, port sector projects cleared in H1 Capt. Jimmy Sarbh steps down as P&O Ports India Chairman Railway operations to be restructured CHA/freight forwarder the architect of transportation Commerce Ministry favours SEZ-EOU parity for extending OBU credit PM's EAC may decide to scrap sunset clause for tax exemptions to EOUs

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Panopa expands sales activities in Eastern Europe Evergreen enhances its presence in the Indian market Turkish JV signs BOT agreement for Tbilisi Airport EWS seeks capacity for rail freight growth Geodis expands its express business in France

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OCTOBER 8, 2005
Schwartzenegger signs California ship pollution bill into law Chouest plans new Houma yard Gulf Coast marine salvage continues round the clock

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Transportation Services Index drops for second straight month US works deal with Russia for expanded airspace rights 'Nuts and Bolts' paper wins Young Freight Forwarder contest Panama Canal Authority shoots down expansion rumor US rail freight traffic makes gains in spite of storms

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Corsican activists threaten SNCM suitors as buyout decision looms A CORSICAN independence movement has warned the heads of the two companies proposing to take a majority stake in state-owned French Mediterranean ferry operator SNCM that they will be in physical danger if they try to visit the island. Tui extends CP Ships offer period as EC approval sought GERMANY'S Tui confirmed at the weekend that it had extended the offer period for buying CP Ships while European Commission approval is obtained. 'Time to batten down hatches' as gloom descends on boxship rates CONTAINERSHIP freight rates look set to follow the charter market downwards as an air of apprehension descends over the box trades, writes Janet Porter.

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Financial analysts under attack SHIPPING suffers from poor quality analysis by investment bank researchers covering the industry, delegates to the Marine Money conference in Athens were told yesterday LNG sector won't overheat, says expert FEARS that the huge number of LNG carrier newbuildings on order could make the sector overheat are described as 'rubbish' by one consultant India eyes overseas coal mines INDIA'S Energy Co-ordination Committee led by prime minister Manmohan Singh is promoting acquisition of foreign coal mines to meet country's growing demand Rough first half for Navios NEWLY acquired bulk operator Navios Maritime has reported a 46% drop in first-half profits as the result of fewer short-term charters, FFA losses and transaction costs Gas carriers drive IM Skaugen ahead IM Skaugen, the Norwegian LPG carrier and lighterage tanker operator, expects its Norwegian Gas Carriers division to continue the strong 3Q performance Gibraltar strait migrant lookout SHIPS crossing the Straits of Gibraltar and between Africa and the Canary Islands have been put on alert to look out for seaborne migrants after an interception at sea today French anger mounts over Marseilles Americans cautioned on Port-of-Spain Agents warned of security gaffe claims Belgian ports hit by strike action India faces severe LPG shortage Lawyers blame God in Barberi case Vafias scores, then stumbles

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Ports, intermodal operators should plot capacity strategy, says Mineta Transportation Secretary urges industry gathering to tackle congestion and capacity issues. Beaumont ship channel reopens C-TPAT importers get 'green lane' clearance TUI extends CP Ships offer Maersk: Trucker situation not that dire Strike keeps Marseilles port shut Nehru truck strike suspended Sept. gain for rail carloads $100M for China Shipping expansion Lakes ore traffic down

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Strike action silences Antwerp Belgian strike action has affected Antwerp, with handling at a standstill and terminals closed, although traffic has been moving on the Scheldt River, confirmed Antwerp port sources today. Private railcos welcome Mitsui loco, but express concerns about loan Fowairet towed to Rotterdam for repairs KazTransService: box-transport to boost Kazakh network use New study postpones Tasmanian rail closure Sino-US textile talks to resume Danish-German partners plan Asia-Brazil cargo-flow on SAFE commercial basis New PoMC chairman, as dredging trial concludes early Record high electronic product exports for Korea Asian shippers adopt joint action plan Tampa Port Authority to woo Panama Canal users

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Sohmens say yes to price A pricing of Bergesen Worldwide Gas (BWG) is likely to be announced Monday. Venable catches Cowen OSG veteran Bob Cowen is set to join a growing DC maritime lobbying team at Venable. Restis outlook dims Golden Energy offering likely to be pulled after efforts to revive issue failed on Thursday, finance experts say. First Olsen sells tanker trio Norwegian owner offloads three million-barrel ships, two of which were first reported sold in May. OSG takes Parakou tankers US operator makes CC Liu a happy man with 10-year charters for four product newbuilds. Skaugen back in business Stronger third quarter lifts Norwegian tanker and gas carrier owner to much better year-to-date profit. Trico gunning for Nasdaq Offshore operator files for new equity offering as it wins approval to regain full listing. Iran limbers up for LNG play Irisl chairman Ali Ashraf Afkhami says NITC, Irano Hind and Indian players preparing to go on an LNG shopping spree. Nasico takes it up a notch Vietnam yard builds revenues in first nine months as it prepares to expand capacity. Shell draws up LNG time-charter But will other majors by it as company refuses to drop the 'Shell.' Aker books another Norwegian yard group adds Farstad anchor-hander to its list of offshore contracts. Austal ties-up Turkey deal Aussie fast ferry specialist confirmed as preferred builder for Istanbul Deniz Otobusleri order. Kenyan bidding closes Seven yard groups vie for delayed tender for two coastal ferries in Mombasa. Wartsila seals $60m deal Finnish engine builder to supply 32 diesel gensets for six AP Moller offshore newbuildings. LNG lay-up looms? But colourful consultant Keith Bainbridge says the supply-demand numbers for shipping do add up & in time. Odfjell claims damages from Genoa Madinah punctured by steel bar hidden in fender as tries to berth in Italy. Navios not up to scratch US bulker player hit by reduced number of chartered ships and freight forwards losses in first half. Oglebay bulkers on the block Great Lakes shipowner hires investment banker to explore the possible sale of all or part of its fleet. ACL heads for Nasdaq Shares in the second largest barge operator in the US are due to begin trading on Friday.

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Maruba enters U.S./East Coast South America trade Yang Ming to start Egypt/Israel feeder loop FedEx requests mediator's help with pilots negotiations Airbus launches A350 aircraft UAL Corp. arranges $3 billion financing to exit bankruptcy BA World Cargo to raise fuel surcharge U.S. international air cargo rises 2.6% in August Continental to add Buenos Aires to network 4 Way Logistics adds business development manager More New Orleans services returning to normal

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Chemical explosion in the port of Szczecin Four crew members were injured when two heavy explosions occurred on the "Thalassa" when the vessel arrived in Szczecin from ... Trial call by "Pride of Telemark" in Str'mstad Norwegian Kystlink's ferry "Pride of Telemark" has made a trial call in Str'mstad on the Swedish west coast. A daily ... Østervold buys two vessels The Østervold family ' through the operating company Shipman ' has bought two offshore vessels in the UK and the US for ...

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OCTOBER 7, 2005
Low-sulphur bunkers: getting from 'ought' to 'is' Options for shipowners to get to a low-sulphur fuel future include blending, scrubbing, and emissions trading. BP spins off derivatives and refining group BP today announced that it is to sell Innovene, its olefins, derivatives and refining group for '9 billion. Double-hull rates on the rise as November fixtures trickle in Rates for double-hull VLCCs climb as first November interest becomes apparent. South African traders wary of shortages during refinery downtime Oil majors in South Africa have pledged adequate bunker fuel stockpiles, but one has stopped quoting and traders are wary. Salvors seek financial awards as income declines Salvors argue they deserve financial recognition for averting environmental disasters and saving billions in salved ships, cargoes and bunkers. Rotterdam market stable Friday morning, prompt still problematic Bunker fuel unloaded from damaged boxship Bunker fuel from the damaged boxship Fowairet has been fully unloaded. Lesser need for emergency supplies as US demand weakens The IEA said yesterday weaker demand for oil in the US has appeased the need to release more emergency oil supplies. Hurricanes cause massive oil pollution along US coastal waters More than 1,000 reports of oil spills along US coastal waters are likely to result in long-term pollution damage, a US agency said. The end of residual fuel bunkers? With sulphur restrictions to get tighter, the only solution may be distillate fuel: expert tells forum.