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Shipping News

Crude tankers' freight rates dip while clean tankers' soar
Rates for crude tankers on key Asian freight routes are expected to remain under pressure this week as supplies continue to outweigh demand.
Container demand growth falls sharply
Global demand growth for seaborne containers, a key indicator of global economic activity, fell sharply in the first quarter as traffic slowed following last year's double-digit expansion, an industry consultancy group said yesterday.

Strait Talk

Another line is crossed in piracy crisis
ONCE again piracy pushes its way back onto this column. Now Somali pirates may have done something that could change everything.

Motoring

GM minivan: gone in US, thriving in China
General Motors Co (GM) killed its minivan in the US market thanks to its soccer-mom stigma, but the automaker has carved out a high- priced niche for the vehicle as a chauffeur-driven executive ride in China.
Ford to idle plants in Taiwan, China, South Africa
The Ford Motor Co will idle plants in Taiwan, China and South Africa beginning this week due to the shortage of parts from Japan after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the company said.

web site

Shipping News

Crude tankers' freight rates dip while clean tankers' soar
Rates for crude tankers on key Asian freight routes are expected to remain under pressure this week as supplies continue to outweigh demand.
Container demand growth falls sharply
Global demand growth for seaborne containers, a key indicator of global economic activity, fell sharply in the first quarter as traffic slowed following last year's double-digit expansion, an industry consultancy group said yesterday.

Strait Talk

Another line is crossed in piracy crisis
ONCE again piracy pushes its way back onto this column. Now Somali pirates may have done something that could change everything.

Motoring

GM minivan: gone in US, thriving in China
General Motors Co (GM) killed its minivan in the US market thanks to its soccer-mom stigma, but the automaker has carved out a high- priced niche for the vehicle as a chauffeur-driven executive ride in China.
Ford to idle plants in Taiwan, China, South Africa
The Ford Motor Co will idle plants in Taiwan, China and South Africa beginning this week due to the shortage of parts from Japan after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the company said.

web site

Shipping News

Crude tankers' freight rates dip while clean tankers' soar
Rates for crude tankers on key Asian freight routes are expected to remain under pressure this week as supplies continue to outweigh demand.
Container demand growth falls sharply
Global demand growth for seaborne containers, a key indicator of global economic activity, fell sharply in the first quarter as traffic slowed following last year's double-digit expansion, an industry consultancy group said yesterday.

Strait Talk

Another line is crossed in piracy crisis
ONCE again piracy pushes its way back onto this column. Now Somali pirates may have done something that could change everything.

Motoring

GM minivan: gone in US, thriving in China
General Motors Co (GM) killed its minivan in the US market thanks to its soccer-mom stigma, but the automaker has carved out a high- priced niche for the vehicle as a chauffeur-driven executive ride in China.
Ford to idle plants in Taiwan, China, South Africa
The Ford Motor Co will idle plants in Taiwan, China and South Africa beginning this week due to the shortage of parts from Japan after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the company said.

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Widdows to retire as NOL chief, ex-Singapore army chief to take helm Shanghai truck strike ebbs as port cuts fees truckers must pay US Customs to conduct cargo security checks on Chinese soil Gold Star at Da Chan Bay, opens Far East-West Africa service Pirates attack 6,500-TEU Hanjin Tianjin, but Korean destroyer scares them off ICTSI takes over management of Croatian terminal on Adriatic APM Terminals acquires controlling stake in Georgian Black Sea port India's Concor full-year profit up 5.5pc to US$184 million Two box truckers shot dead, NATO drivers strike over drone attacks TransCore sees truck freight volume in Canada rise 35 per cent Union Pacific first quarter profit increases 24pc to US$639 million America's CSX rail profits up 30pc to US$395 million Changi air freight volume rises 5.6pc to 166,100 tonnes in March Hong Kong Trade Representative offers words of comfort to dethroned Memphis US air cargo security rules 'daft', declares BA chairman Broughton

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Anchor Freight Services enters new era of operations CMA CGM Rossini becomes first vessel above 270 m LOA turned around for night sailing at JN Port South Indias tea exports climb 9.44 pc Senior naval officers visit JNPT States to pump 1.67 lakh cr. into non-major ports Visakhapatnam Port sets new record in unloading ammonium nitrate GDL's net jumps 23 pc in 2010-11 IATA should face reality & recognise forwarders as its most important customer group: FIATA Air passenger traffic up by 10 million in Four Years Economy to grow by over 8.5 pc this year: PMEAC Chairman Finance Ministry deliberating on infra debt fund structure PM to meet key Ministers on manufacturing policy Steel usage to go up rapidly in India

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APRIL 26, 2011
IDS expands range of services Germany's largest general cargo alliance, IDS Logistik, is expanding its delivery service for private recipients at private addresses with effect from May. The alliance will also o... South Africa: Transnet to shut down coal line South Africa-based Transnet Freight Rail plans to shut down the coal line at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal for 20 days between May 23 and June 11. The rail freight company is... USD 6.8 million for freight railway improvements in Pennsylvania The US transportation secretary Ray LaHood announced a USD 6.8 million grant to upgrade railfreight services in four central Pennsylvania counties to support the Marcellus Shale na... Sri Lanka's new airport only ready in 2012 Sri Lanka's Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that work on the construction of a passenger terminal at Maththala international airport in Hambanthota is successfully underwa... ANA's cargo traffic increased despite earthquake Cargo traffic seems less impacted by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami of 11 March as passenger traffic. ANA's international cargo traffic increased by 8.9% to 49,343 t this... EU removes four Indonesian all-cargo air carriers from list of banned airlines The European Commission has adopted the 17th update of the list of airlines banned in the European Union. Some airlines ' including four all-cargo air carriers from Indonesia (Card... Man and Sinotruk present first Sitrak HGV for China Sinotruk and MAN SE recently presented their first new joint truck brand Sitrak at the Auto Shanghai 2011 trade fair. The vehicle is destined for markets in China and other Asian c... Study shows 50 largest US for-hire carriers increased revenue in 2010 According to a SJ Consulting Group study, the 50 largest US for-hire trucking companies expanded by 9.4 % in 2010 and increased revenue to USD 85.4 billion, after shrinking by 17.7... 173 ICF flat wagons up for auction The liquidator of Inter-Interfrigo SA, Troostwijik NV, based in Antwerp (Belgium), has released 173 container wagons from ICF's fleet of rolling stock for an on-line auction. Bids ... Farewell Stena Scandinavica Sometimes it's hard to say goodbye: the ferry "Stena Scandinavica" set sail punctually from the Skandinavienkai at the port of Kiel (Germany) at 19.30 on 18 April on its ... Maasvlakte 2: pile frame moved The port of Rotterdam has announced that the large pile frame for the construction of the 40 m deep quay walls of Maasvlakte 2 (www.maasvlakte2.com) was recently moved from the sit... Club of Logistics re-elects board and names new advisory board The board of the Club of Logistics was unanimously voted into office for another two year period. This means that Arnold Schroven, DPD, Stephan Zilkens, Zilkens GmbH, and Peter H. ... TDG continues cooperation with Argos A new three-year extension has been agreed between TDG and Argos for TDG to continue running Argos' distribution centre at Mossend in Scotland. In addition, TDG will cross-dock Hom... J.B. Hunt announces record first quarter results J.B. Hunt Transport Services announced record Q1/2011 net earnings of USD 50.1 million, a handsome increase compared to the USD 37.5 million in Q1/2010. Total operating revenu... Metso extends partnership with Kuehne + Nagel in China Metso Minerals (Tianjin) International Trade Co Ltd, a global supplier of technology and services for the construction and mining industries, has awarded Kuehne + Nagel a contract ... BLG investing EUR 3.5 million in Cuxhaven Business is growing at the BLG car terminal in Cuxhaven (Germany). To ensure that this trend will continue, BLG is investing EUR 3.5 million in a new ro-ro berth, 53,000 sqm of spa...

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APRIL 26, 2011
Huntington Ingalls names Edenzon and Mulherin shipyard presidents Gladding Hearn delivers pilot boat to Maryland pilots Gene Taylor joins E.N. Bisso

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APRIL 26, 2011
Oregon, Washington governors announce design choice for new bridge ATA truck tonnage index climbs during month of March NYK earns spot on ethical firms list Port of Coos Bay taps ARG Trans as new operator for rail line Corps of Engineers announces Willamette Falls Locks to stay closed

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APRIL 26, 2011
Panamaxes missing out on rising Chinese thermal coal demand Freight costs make Australian imports 'unattractive' compared to domestic supplies Prominent character in history of Australia's ports sector Indian tanker prices up 5% on pre-monsoon scrap spree Alang breakers exceed Bangladesh rates Qube acquisition opens new chapter in Australian logistics Operator is looking to strengthen its position in the country's cargo handling industry with the purchase of P&O Trans Australia from DP World Owners watch for chance to push up VLGC rates next week Charter rates for very large gas carriers to ship liquefied petroleum gas from the Middle East to Asia look set to remain above $50 per tonne this week, despite little chartering activity, as a lack of available tonnage keeps supply balanced with demand Chittagong yards facing further legal challenge Bangladesh could face another period of closure after the first week in May as an environmental group appears set to challenge the recent reopening of the country's shipbreaking yards German owners consider VDR boss warns that Berlin's lack of financial support for shipping will scupper plans to return vessels to domestic flag Sohmen's call reveals lack of will on piracy The momentum to attack pirates rather than waiting to defend ships has been lost in debate VLCC earnings sink to record low Falling demand in Asia hits key routes APM Terminals downplays Russia move Russian media reports port operator is considering investing more than $3.5bn in building a new Baltic container port in Baltiysk, Russia, which would be able to handle 6m teu a year. Boxship ordering on course for bumper year Owners order more than $7bn worth of new containerships in the first three months of the year Nordea Bank starts selling arrested Korea Line product tankers Scorpio Tankers snaps up Singapore pair as US duo heads for court auction UASC agrees $140m bank loan Container operator to invest in growth and network expansion Energy companies in bid to save Rotterdam windfarms Settlement sort after ports and shipowners take legal action over alleged threat to the safety of shipping Excel Maritime vessel released by pirates Bulk carrier Renuar hijacked on December 10 on way to Fujairah with all 24 crew members BG agrees first $175m contract for Deep Sea Metro drillship Deepsea Metro I will drill well for Woodside Energy on leaving HHI, before departing for Tanzania on day-rate of about $480,000 Le Havre throughput drops in first quarter National port strikes and a downturn in crude and refined oil products combined to produce a 13% fall in first quarter 2011 The bold approach Why such frequent change at the top for NOL? Is this the best way to run a business that has to look so far ahead when making investment decisions? Point of control It is time to ensure that a sole responsibility requirement is imposed on all foreign and domestic drilling units in US waters Ennore Port Ltd considers initial public offering Listing could fund up to $269m for port expansion Essar denies London listing reports No plans for shipping to follow energy division Hellespont chemical tankers to join Brizo8 pool Navig8 Chemicals-run pool comprises 16 ships of 15,000 dwt-20,000 dwt Strong growth for Germany inland waterway cargo Imports increase by 24% to reach 104m tonnes Widdows departure heralds strategic change for NOL Appointment of Ng Yat Chung could imply the status quo is set for a shake-up China trade buoys Cosco Pacific's first quarter throughput Strong exports and imports pushed overall container traffic throughput at Chinese ports up by 13% STX OSV plays down sale rumours Singapore exchange statement claims that STX Europe is 'continually exploring opportunities' for its subsidiaries Samudera adds boxship but warns of near-term 'slowing' of demand Asian box carrier back in black in first quarter 2011 compared with same period last year

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APRIL 26, 2011
E-doc standard sought MORE THAN a dozen box carriers are pushing to standardise electronic shipping invoices through a project led by e-commerce provider INTTRA, it was confirmed today Rickmers Erck backing German flag SHIPOWNER Erck Rickmers threw his weight behind the campaign to bring more ships under the German flag today as the 8,200teu COSCO Germany was reflagged in Hamburg US coal plans mount ANOTHER entrant has joined the race to ship Western US coal to overseas buyers: terminal operator Kinder Morgan More piracies reported in Southeast Asia MORE piracy cases are being reported in Southeast Asia, while the number of reported attacks in South Asia has fallen, according to ReCAAP ISC Maersk aims for rebound from gulf fire MAERSK Oil is pledging a "quick return" to production at its al-Shaheen field off Qatar after an oil platform fire last week, IHS World Markets Energy reported today STX OSV springs back NORWEGIAN shipbuilder STX OSV today quashed talks that its parent, STX Europe, plans to sell some of its interests, which resulted in its Singapore share price recovering Golar to make tanker into LNG carrier NORWAY'S Golar LNG will be converting one of its tankers, Khannur, into a floating storage & regasification unit for an 11-year charter to PT Nusantara Regas Samudera's fortunes turn INDONESIAN intra-Asia liner Samudera has warned of a short-term drop in shipping demand because of overcapacity concerns, slowing consumption growth and rising bunker prices

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APRIL 26, 2011
Canadian National Posts Large 1Q Gain Canadian National Railway boosted its profit 31 percent in the first quarter to nearly US$702 million and raised its full-year... European Imports to Grow Despite Japan Disaster The Japanese earthquake and tsunami will have only a small impact on European imports over the next year according to... Durable Goods Production Rose 9.9 Percent in 2010 Durable goods manufacturing and retail sales led the economic recovery in 2010, according to a preliminary study by the federal... Used Truck Prices Rise 6 Percent The average sales price of used heavy-duty trucks increased 6 percent in March from February, as demand for capacity collided... Truck Tonnage Grows 1.7 Percent in March The American Trucking Associations seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 1.7 percent in March after falling a revised 2.7... Railroads Work Through Storm Impact Severe spring storms are hampering freight transportation in the Midwest, as several major railroads closed tracks from as far south... Shipping Group to Set Electronic Payment Standards INTTRA, an electronic booking portal for the ocean freight industry, formed a new advisory board with its customers to set... Rotterdam Container Traffic Jumps 10 Percent Container traffic in Rotterdam grew 10 percent in the first quarter of 2011 from a year ago, driven mainly by... Consumer Confidence Index Inches Up A widely watched gauge of U.S. consumer confidence edged up last month and continues to suggest a slowly improving economy,... Seaspan Takes Delivery of 8,500-TEU Ship Container ship owner-lessor Seaspan took delivery of the 8,500-TEU Cosco Vietnam from South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries. The new... UPS Signals Strong Outlook on 66 Percent Profit Gain UPS's profit soared 66 percent in the first quarter to $885 million, and the parcel giant issued a glowing outlook... APM Terminals Eyes Russian Port Investment APM Terminals is considering investing in a new Baltic Sea port in the Kaliningrad region of Russia, according to Russian... French Ports Reform Starts Next Week The hard-fought reform of French ports takes effect next week amid optimism the nation's container hubs can win back traffic... Emirates Adds Intra-Asia Service Emirates Shipping Line will join Hyundai Merchant Marine and STX Pan Ocean in the NIS intra-Asia service, which links Korea,... Container Ships Set Record for Capacity Growth Record deliveries of container ships in the next few months likely will add further down pressure on ocean freight rates...

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APRIL 26, 2011
Legal apathy promoting piracy Army chief to succeed Widdows at NOL CMA CGM borrows more cash Indian exports surge, but Chinese slowdown 'a threat' Maersk scoops FMC environment award

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APRIL 26, 2011
Sheriff confirms KLC sale Sheriff in Singapore confirms market chatter surrounding US-listed owner's raid on KLC product pair. Golar shares on fire John Fredriksen's Golar LNG sees stock march up after boosting its interest in spin-off Golar Energy. Sanko seals spot fix Odebrecht taps Tokyo-based owner's anchor-handler for Brazilian offshore contract, brokers say. Costs cut CSDC profit Hong Kong-listed owner sees rising operating expenses drag down its bottom line in the first quarter. Metrostar nets BG deal Theodore Angelopoulos-led Metrostar has tied up a debut contract for a drillship operated in a JV with Odfjell drilling. Pemex taps Prosafe Oslo-listed offshore contractor sends three rigs to Mexico in deals worth $83m. Cruise chief jailed Former Paul Gauguin Shipping boss pleads guilty in US to defrauding company of more than $2.4m. FOE drills Brazil Oslo-listed drilling contractor on the fringe of raking in $47m from fourth-quarter contract tied to Dolphin floater. Topaz into Africa The marine support services giant continues expansion with a move into West Africa. Gulf Nav eyes IPO Dubai tanker owner appoints advisers to help it form Saudi Arabian joint venture. Sevan continues IPO push Oslo-listed offshore owner has again rung the changes as it looks to force through the topsy-turvy listing of its drilling wing. LNG ship diverted Maersk Meridian heads to Bermuda after engineer develops abdominal pains. Deep Sea quartet fixed John Fredriksen-linked offshore shipowner secures another season of work for four anchor handlers in the Sakhalin area. Tanker survives hit Glory Shipmanagement vessel escaped an attack from pirates on Easter Sunday, TradeWinds has learned. Libya frees supply ship Italy's Asso Ventidue released in Tripoli with all 11 crew unharmed. Pirates free bulker Somali pirates have released the Excel Maritime bulker Renuar held since December. U-Ming's upswing Taiwanese bulker owner sees 2010 profit jump on higher revenue and investment earnings. Hellespont takes plunge Hamburg-based owner places four small tankers in Navig8 pool and charters two more to Ardmore of Ireland.

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APRIL 26, 2011
TBB Global Logistics to offer container swaps TBB Global Logistics said it has entered into a deal with a unit of the British brokerage firm to offer container freight swap agreements. Swaps "create opportunities for many businesses who were previously unable to take a more active approach to ... Security Storage becomes Secor Group The 120-year-old Washington-based Security Storage Co. and its 11 affiliates have rebranded themselves as the Secor Group. The brand change will cover Federal Forwarding, Federal Moving and Storage, Security International, Security International Lo... Crowley, Sea Star ask court to O.K. settlement Crowley Maritime and Sea Star told a U.S. District Court they want to move forward with a settlement with shippers that used their Puerto Rico container liner services between 2002-2008 and claimed they were overcharged. In separate motions filed l... UPS profit up sharply in first quarter UPS said it had first quarter net profit of $885 million, 66 percent more than the $533 million earned in the same 2010 period. Revenue was $12.58 billion in the quarter, 7.3 percent higher than in the $11.73 billion earned in the first quarter of ... DHS color-coded alert system fades to black A new Department of Homeland Security terror alert system goes into effect today, replacing the color-coded threat alert system that has been in place for the last 10 years with one intended to provide more actionable information to the public. Th... Abu Dhabi, CBP partner on cargo security Abu Dhabi will station a customs official at the National Targeting Center for cargo outside Washington as part of an exchange program to help identify suspicious shipments and inspect them, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Friday.A CB... American Shipper May 2011

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APRIL 26, 2011
Fujairah market softens Distillates subject to avails in Durban. Bunker prices mixed in Europe Some Rotterdam suppliers fully booked for this week. MGO dispute triggers two court processes Sun Coast Resources and Clipper Bulk Shipping pursuing counter-claims in US courts. Slow steaming under renewed attack Ship operators using 'pre-slow steaming dynamics' when setting bunker surcharges, US enquiry told. IFO prices at major ports firm against Singapore's benchmark Bunker avails tight at Hong Kong and Busan on Tuesday. Bunker supplier ordered to suspend some of its operations MOBC told to stop loading or unloading operations as Maltese authorities act on 'persistent foul smell'. Staff movement at Dan-Bunkering Trader moves back to Copenhagen office. Sinopec Fuel Oil diversifies domestic product portfolio Company working with SinoBunker to develop domestic bunker business in China. Shipping firm files suit for off-spec bunkers Clipper Bulk Shipping files case against bunker supplier Sun Coast Resources for alleged off-spec MGO. Rising bunkers to impact shipping demand Singapore-listed shipping firm plans to continue implementing bunker recovery surcharges to mitigate price increases. China bunker industry a 'threat' to Singapore Price differential between Singapore and Chinese ports likely to narrow, says IBIA's Singapore chairman.