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Overhaul of TT-Line's board culture urged

A report by the Tasmanian auditor-general has called for a cultural overhaul in the way TT-Line is managed, finding former board members were unqualified and that there was no evidence they had sought independent advice before buying the Devonport-Sydney ferry, Spirit of Tasmania III.

Qantas clawing for share of lobster trade

Qantas Freight has applied to run a Boeing 747 freighter from the main centres in Australia to Hong Kong, in a move designed to cut into the lucrative lobster trade dominated by Cathay Pacific.

Rail race heats up as QR moves on CRT operations

In another major move towards vertical integration on Australia's rails, Queensland Rail is to buy Melbourne-based rail logistics and container operator CRT Group.

Scrapping immunities could have impact here: EU study

As the Federal Government considers a recommendation by the Productivity Commission to scrap Australia's Part X liner immunities, a new study commissioned by the European Union says that smaller north-south trades and shippers, like those of Australasia, are the most vulnerable to the Union's own planned deregulatory reforms.

Shadow transport minister has track record

The federal opposition has named Tasmanian senator Kerry O'Brien as the shadow spokesman for transport as talks continue this week between prime minister John Howard and the Nationals' leader, Mark Vaile, on a reshuffle to cover the federal transport minister's position.

Austal defiant over Stena defeat

With just days to request another appeal in a ship design wrangle, Fremantle shipbuilder Austal is playing down its latest defeat, in the Federal Court, despite having fought Scandinavian ferry operator Stena tooth and nail over a hull form patent since the late 1990s, writes

Captain honoured for long service

Shipping industry veteran Neville Daniel has received an Australian Merchant Navy long service medal to mark a distinguished career.

Charter rates wobble after bull run of three years

Containership charter rates have defied gravity over the past year, soaring to levels that few thought possible, let alone commercially viable.

Growers to pay demurrage fee

The AWB said this week it would seek payment from grain growers for the demurrage bill incurred from the Iraq wheat incident if it is unable to claim from its Iraq customers.

Lee warns of liner challenge

Maersk Sealand's bid for P&O Nedlloyd has prompted Singapore's minister mentor and legendary former prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, above, to warn of challenges ahead for PSA International.

Mount Gibson signs ore deal with China-based firm

Mount Gibson Iron has signed a deal to develop its magnetite resources in the mid west region of Western Australia in partnership with Chinese-owned, Hong Kong-based Shougang Holding.

Steel slowdown arrives on cue

After more than a year of production at an unprecedented rate, the steel industry appears to be ready to sit down and get its breath back.

Uranium deal with China predicted

Federal industry and resources minister Ian Macfarlane said Australia could have an agreement to export uranium to China within the next 12 months.

Australian miner outranks Europe's best performers

BHP Billiton's measured investment and profits on steroids sets it apart from its peers, says BusinessWeek magazine, placing the miner at the top of its list of Europe's 50 best-performing, publicly-listed companies.

Lufthansa's new manager has cargo sales reputation

Lufthansa has appointed Gabriela Ahrens as general manager, Australia, in its push to develop in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia/US launch aircraft export deal

Australia and the United States have signed a deal that will boost Australian exports of aircraft and parts to the US.

`Flying' ships by 2010

It's time for shipowners with multi-million dollar ship contracts for vessels to be

World holds breath as shakeup looms

Container shipping is in the throes of arguably the biggest shake-up in its 50-year history as the industry braces itself for the merger of two of the world's largest lines.

Finish what has started

John Anderson leaves after six years as transport minister, a man whose quiet affability was now and again portrayed as some bucolic ineffectiveness.

The fallow pose of Texas

TEXAS (US)

This week's maritime casualties round-up

ARATERE (New Zealand)

Blitz on `partying crews' on ferries

Danish ferry operator DFDS has told the Danish Maritime Authority it will tighten control of its ships after press allegations of drinking and drug abuse among crew members.