DFDS could make 20 people redundant by Christmas Carsten Jensen, DFDS senior vice president responsible for UK business, has confirmed that the Danish ferry company is considering "potential" closure of a department at its White Cliffs Business Park office in Whitfield, near Dover. Quoted by news agency KentOnline, Jensen stated: "I can confirm
Mutriba joins KOTC fleet Classification society ClassNK has completed work on the 31,445GT product tanker Mutriba - built by Hyundai Mipo for the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) and now officially delivered to KOTC at a ceremony held in Kuwait. Mutriba is the fourth and final medium range product tanker to be constructed
BHP coal, iron ore production up Mining company BHP Billiton reported a 25% increase in metallurgical coal production to 13Mt, with iron ore up 15% to 62Mt compared with the same quarter last year, according to its September quarterly results released today. The miner attributes the new record iron ore output in part to a higher
NGOs call for Myanmar port project halt The Dawei port development project in Myanmar should be stopped while problems in the project's early stages are dealt with, an alliance of NGOs said in Bangkok. Environmental degradation and illegal extraction of resources, as well as land seizures and enforcement relocations, were detailed in the
Likelihood of MH370 debris washing up remote Floating debris washing up on Australian beaches is still being reported to officials and inspected, the Australian Transport Safety Authority reported in its weekly MH370 update today. However, none has proven to be related to the missing Boeing 777. Speaking with IHS Maritime, Mick Kinley, CEO
Samsung to use robots for LNG ship cleaning South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) will use underwater robots for cleaning the hulls of LNG vessels. The world's second-largest shipbuilder announced: "We have developed the robots and completed the performance testing. The robot will start its cleaning work from this November."
China completes DP3 system development China's Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) on Monday announced it had completed the development of the Dynamic Position 3 (DP3) system, the highest level of current DP systems. Named "Best Sea Assembly Institute (BSA)", this system is the first developed by China that can meet the requirements
NYK receives approval for ballast water management system Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) received approval from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for its ballast water management system, SKY-System, on 21 October. NYK group company Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co Ltd has developed the system with
Chinese financial leasing company urges box ship investment Bank of Communication Financial Leasing will emphasise investment in containerships that have secured charterparties at current stage. The Chinese financial leasing company's focus on containership investment and ownership will not materialise without relevant charterparties, Xiuzhi Fang, general
Havila interims firm on strong AHTS market Havila Shipping, the listed Norwegian offshore services vessel operator, has reported an increase in 3Q14 net profit on a strong AHTS market. Group net profit in the third quarter rose to NK72.1M ($12.4M) from NK67.0M in the same period last year as revenues increased to NK497.0M from NK398.5M. In
Jones Act tanker sells for around $155m Sale price seen as high, so too is charter rates
ILO agrees seafarer health and safety guidelines Spending 'not cost but investment', UN body claims
Busan New Container Terminal to add 700,000 teu capacity Venture poised to have handling capacity of 2.5m teu per year by mid-2015
Winter sailing cancellations stack up Maersk Line and G6 announce further cancellations on the Asia-Europe and transpacific trade lanes
Teichert extends contract at Lloyd Fonds But Seeler steps down for political role
Golar LNG issues shares to tempt staff to stay Golar undergoing major transformation and needs to retain personnel
Shipping needs to set itself ambitious goals, says Madsen DNV GL chief predicts industry will be surprised by pace of change
Aqaba dockers' unions agree to halt strikes Port workers walked out last week and in July amid collective-bargaining talks
China's growing thirst for oil could bring winter boost for VLCCs September figures suggest that Beijing is taking full advantage of falling prices
Moody's maintains Sovcomflot rating State-owned tanker company escapes Russia bond downgrade
November loading dates to offer shot in the arm for VLCC market Expectation of earnings boost for November loading programme
California congestion fails to halt rise in box traffic Long Beach posts highest September volumes for seven years, following impressive Los Angeles figures
Port of Hamburg launches Ebola checks German gateway will quarantine ships if inspections spot seafarers with symptoms
Fourth quarter brings solid earnings for crude tankers Three weeks in, owners of spot market tonnage draw comfort from cheaper bunker fuel
Free trade deal may axe contentious tariffs on Australian coal shipments to China Canberra hopes the FTA will end Beijng's punitive curbs on exports of thermal and metallurgical coal
BHP Billiton forges ahead with its 290m tonnes iron ore target Pilbara production volumes rise as the mining giant seeks to 'maximise value' from infrastructure
Investec talks to German banks about box-fleet divestment Specialist banker targets container-asset finance
Japan's trade surplus with US grows Japan's trade surplus with the United States expanded for the first time in eight months in September on a year-over-year basis, as exports posted relatively strong growth despite a decline in auto shipments, according to preliminary trade figures released by the Japanese Finance Ministry today. Japan's exports to the U.S. rose...
US, China trade groups work to ease apparel, footwear shipments The American Apparel & Footwear Association and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles and Apparel today signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at easing U.S.-China shipments of fashion products in both directions. The MOU will facilitate the exchange of trade and investment information between the two...
Dockworkers strike over APMT terminal agreement in Costa Rica Dockworkers in Costa Rica walked off the job today, continuing a long battle over a proposed container terminal operated by APM Terminals with a strike. Union leaders described the strike as "indefinite." The union, which represents workers working at terminal overseen by the Atlantic Port Authority (JAPDEVA), had threatened a strike...
Construction begins on Crowley LNG-powered ship Construction on Crowley's two vessels powered by liquefied natural gas began today, with the first of the pair slated for delivery in second-quarter 2017 and the second expected later that year. The vessels, which will be able to carry up to 2,400 20-foot equivalent units and nearly 400 vehicles, will replace...
Truck tonnage flat on retail weakness, factory strength A key indicator of trucking activity was flat in September compared to August, reflecting decreased demand in hauling for retailers but increased business from factories. The unchanged seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage provided by the American Trucking Associations comes after the index rose 1.6 percent to a record high in August....
DP World's automated Jebel Ali terminal services first ship Photo courtesy of DP WorldDP World's newest Jebel Ali terminal received its first vessel call today, paving the way for the automated terminal to become fully operational next year. The APL Phoenix arrived in DP's prized Container Terminal 3, an $850 million project that the terminal operator says will be the...
Equipment finance index rockets as businesses increase capital spending Equipment financing activity skyrocketed in September, rising 31 percent from August and 21 percent year-over-year, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association said. The sharp rise in the ELFA's Monthly Leasing and Finance Index in September reflects strong industrial, transportation and construction demand for commercial equipment. The ELFA MLFI-25 index measures the...
British shippers, forwarders confront peak-season truck driver shortage British freight forwarders and shippers are struggling with a trans-Atlantic problem: a shortage of skilled truck drivers. A severe shortage of heavy-duty truck drivers could "wreak havoc" with deliveries this holiday season, the British International Freight Association warns. An earlier, stronger-than-expected peak season with high container and trailer volumes is making...
Diversions from LA-LB could benefit CN Canadian National Railway said today that congestion at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex could cause U.S. shippers to divert cargo to western Canadian ports in three weeks, giving the railroad more intermodal business. U.S. shippers' diversion of cargo to the Metro Port Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert to...
IATA: Air freight will grow 4.1 percent annually through 2018 Air cargo volume will grow 4.1 percent annually through 2018, according to recently released forecast from the International Air Transport Association. Though the market hasn't declined, the freight sector averaged growth of under 1 percent each year since 2011 The expected compound annual growth over 4 percent is a boon for...
Fixing the LA-LB mess For a while, it was looking like 2014 was going well for Los Angeles-Long Beach. But as is often the case, things can change quickly in this industry, and the situation at the largest port complex in the Americas definitely looks different now. Earlier this year, the adjacent ports were attracting...
Trans-Pacific carriers still navigating tumultuous GRI waters General rate increases in the trans-Pacific count on participation from all carriers to be successful, and are hurt when one carrier or several discount prices on the eve of a hike, Transpacific Stabilization Agreement executive administrator Brian Conrad says. Perhaps, that is the reason that general rate increases by the 15...
FMCSA pumps $1 million into driver training programs for US veterans Federal regulators will spend $1 million to help U.S. military veterans train for careers behind the wheel and alleviate what trucking companies say is a growing shortage of skilled drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will provide $1 million in grant money to nine technical and community colleges to bolster...
CP CEO Harrison makes case for rail industry consolidation Canadian Pacific Railway CEO E. Hunter Harrison yesterday struck back at critics of potential rail industry consolidation, saying U.S. regulators could approve a merger and service would improve as a result. During a phone call with analysts and media, Harrison said CP met with CSX Transportation three to four times to...
Amsterdam, London Heathrow close freight gap on Paris, Frankfurt airports London - Amsterdam and London have closed the gap with Europe's top freight airports as pilot strikes at Lufthansa and Air France shrunk cargo traffic at their Frankfurt and Paris hubs. London Heathrow was the best performing top four airport in September, boosting freight traffic by 7.8 percent to 124,570 metric...
CP builds on domestic intermodal growth Canadian Pacific Railway's domestic intermodal push keeps gaining steam, with volume jumping 19 percent year-over-year in the third quarter and demand sometimes even exceeding the railroad's capacity. The steep rise in the shipment of 53-foot containers more than made up for an 8 percent year-over-year decline in international intermodal traffic, as...
Hamburg Süd takes steps to combat LA-LB congestion Hamburg Süd said it has taken steps to combat significant delays in vessel arrivals and departures at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as severe congestion at the largest port complex in the Americas has reached a new level of intensity. In a customer advisory obtained by JOC.com, Hamburg...
Growing container volumes add to perfect storm in LA-Long Beach Big ships, a trucker shortage and a broken chassis system are cited as reasons for the massive current congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Now add heavy volumes to the list of culprits. September throughput at the largest port complex in the Americas rocketed upward after being...
American Phoenix takes flight A joint venture between MidOcean Marine and US compatriot Alterna Capital appears to have parted ways with a Jones Act product tanker.
Transgas ponders renewal A leading operator is scouring the LPG market for second-hand tonnage after parting ways with one of its ageing gas-carriers.
Captured captain sues Oil major Chevron and Edison Chouest Offshore (EOC) are the targets of a lawsuit filed by a captain who spent more than two weeks as the hostage of West African pirates.
TSA claws back costs Asia to US container lines are tackling the cost of new cleaner fuel rules by upping a surcharge.
Scorpio takes one more step Scorpio Bulkers has crossed another bridge en route to funding its vast newbuilding orderbook.
Antwerp volumes up The key Belgian port of Antwerp has continued to see cargo throughput increase this year.
Stifel dials down cape view A slack start to the fourth quarter has seen US investment bank Stifel slice its capesize rate estimates for the period in half.
Matson pays for spill US container line Matson Navigation has pleaded guilty to two violations relating to the illegal discharge of more than 230,000 gallons of molasses at Honolulu harbour in 2013.
No new ferry for now An Australian property developer has halted plans to fund a new passenger ferry from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island.
Dry shares spike globally A jump in dry cargo shares in Oslo yesterday on the tail of a record rise in the capesize market has passed to stocks around the globe.
Tankers boost Brightoil Hong Kong energy group Brightoil has seen annual earnings increase as it enjoyed the first full year of operation for its VLCCs and aframaxes.
Buyers circle Perth Investors interested in Scotland's Perth Harbour have one month to submit their business plans.
Strike ended in Aqaba Workers at Jordan's Aqaba Container Terminals (ACT) have ended their strike after reaching an agreement with the facility's operator APM Terminals.
Arcadia on the hunt India's Arcadia Shipping is actively seeking second-hand acquisitions as it seeks to expand its fleet.
HHI chops again Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has cut back the number of its business divisions as it seeks to turn around losses.
GFI bid goes hostile BGC Partners has launched a hostile $675m all-cash bid for derivatives broker GFI Group, it emerged Wednesday.
No fallout for SCF A downgrade of Russian government debt will have no impact on state-owned shipowner SCF Group (Sovcomflot), Moody's says.
Stena ferry breaks free Tugs had to retrieve a Stena Line ferry in Belfast after a storm snapped its moorings.
Iran needs FPSO Iran needs a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel to unlock a southern oil field.
JMU wins ferry double Japan Marine United (JMU) has signed a contract to build two large eco-ferries for MOL Ferry.
Havila turns it around Havila Shipping has posted a robust improvement in its third quarter performance, figures released Wednesday show.
BHP makes it three BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, has produced a record amount of iron ore in the September 2014 quarter.
Barclays upgrades PB Barclays has upgraded its view of Pacific Basin despite the shipowner's recent bleak third quarter trading update.
Swiber sells sukuk bond Swiber Holdings, the Singapore offshore contactor, has raised SGD 50m ($39m) from a three year sukuk bond.
Long Beach sees new high Long Beach has joined the Port of Los Angeles in seeing record container throughput in the month of September.
Fujairah's bunker revenue tops $4 billion a year UAE port services 100,000 ships a year.
INTERTANKO lauds IMO's move on bunker quality issue But calls for transparency in compliance checks.
'Slow steaming is part of our toolbox': Maersk Commitment remains unshaken, despite falling bunker prices.
Freight users monitor ECA-related price rises Via web-based 'knowledge centre' tracking developments in ferry sector.
Bunkering starts at Las Palmas Oryx confirms start.
ARA tops MARPOL sulphur complaints table Bunkerworld analysis shows only 20% of MARPOL-related sulphur complaints would stand up in a commercial dispute.
Gibraltar 'must respond to competition' Port will work hard not to lose its place as the most competitive bunkering port in the Mediterranean.
Lines must act quickly to recover ECA costs The TSA low-sulphur fuel surcharge will be based on Bunkerworld price indications.
'Eco' ferry deal for Japanese yard Features include contra-rotating propeller and hybrid propulsion.
Oosterlee heads new ARA bunker operation Initial focus is on MGO.
DSME LNG fuel system receives technology award Recognised as among top ten technologies of South Korea.
Biofuel supplier resumes marine operations at Hawaii With new fuelling permit and upgraded biodiesel production plant.
Firm sells first small-scale LNG production unit Applications of unit include marine bunkering.
Shipbrokers and agents voice 'concerns' over ECAs ECAs to bring about 'adverse impact' on short sea shipping.
Fuel prices dip in the Americas Despite rise in crude prices.
The Suez Canal Authority has announced that it will introduce surcharges on transit tariffs through the Egyptian canal for most major cargo vessels, effective July 15.
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