29

1-Stop bureau could solve depot `Russian roulette'

The stevedores' e-commerce network 1-Stop says that it can help the large number of 77G depots that have missed the deadline register to use the new Integrated Customs System from October 12 – and now risk leaving client cargoes stranded.

Customs publishes key details of sea, air switch to ICS

Ship and aircraft operators with arrivals which straddle the start-up of the new Integrated Cargo System on October 12, are being asked to contact Customs urgently to find out which system they will have to use.

Hastings bid must await master plan: Victoria

The Victorian Government says that land use planning and the need for competitive bidding were the reasons why it knocked back a huge proposal by AngloPorts to develop port facilities in Hastings.

Sydney pilots in AIRC as woes continue

The problems of Sydney's injury-hit pilotage service were likely to continue into the middle of next year, Sydney Ports Corporation chief executive Greg Martin said.

PN and union resume talks

Pacific National management and Rail Tram and Bus Union officials will return to the negotiating table this week to break the deadlock over a new enterprise agreement.

Improving security

The SECURITY initiatives include:

Lack of screening makes it easier for bombs, drugs

Wheeler Report advocates tightening domestic cargo security and improving export scrutiny, writes Jenny Keown, Melbourne

Vanguard's unwieldy chopper a plane challenge

Vanguard Logistics moved a Sikorsky S76 helicopter from Dallas to Melbourne using a Boeing 747 Freighter recently.

Screen-free cargoes end October 12: Qantas

Some importers are still not clearing certain cargo adequately with the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Federation of International Forwarders says.

Asian lines draw up battle plan

NEPTUNE Orient Lines, one of the world's largest containership operators, is in great danger of being left behind in the scramble for market share after the present wave of merger and acquisition activity.

Chinese firepowers to tackle domestic markets

China's two biggest container lines have both set their sights on joining the top three in the world – but they face considerable obstacles following the events in Europe this northern summer.

Crash or crash through

On October 13, we will begin to know whether Customs decision to press on of the imports phase of Cargo Management Re-engineering will be a great leap forward or painful stumble for Australia's freight industry.

European box shipping giants jostle for ranking

European container lines have responded to the competitive threat from Asian lines in a determined fashion, with huge newbuilding programs that should strengthen their grip on the leader board.

Agents suffer from harsh ISPS rulings

SHIPPING agents are getting the blame and the punishments in disturbing cases of the harsh application of the International Ship and Port facility Security Code, a leading insurer has revealed.

Hundreds of LNG ships must be built: Cook

As global demand for liquefied natural gas rockets over the next 30 years, more than 400 new liquefied natural gas carriers will be required to cover transportation.

Bail for Maersk Barcelona in pollution probe

A FRENCH prosecutor last week ordered payment of E500,000 (US$600,000) bail as the condition for the release

Farmers call for foreign tonnage

The US national farm industry is demanding a waiver of the Jones Act for grain barges and dry bulk tonnage through the rest of the year.

PEAK TRAFFIC DOWN

A US Coast Guard cutter passes a tug with barges on the Mississippi River, where traffic has been abnormally quiet since hurricane Katrina limited navigation. Hundreds of barges laden with the new season's grain are still stranded on the river and farmers want foreign tonnage to help move the crop.

Rates on major routes `to drop'

Container freight rates on liner shipping's two major trade lanes are forecast by a leading investment bank to decline sharply in the next two years.

Battered at Battersea

General cargo James Prior (191 gt, built 1963) became stuck under Battersea Bridge, causing traffic diversions during the London evening rush hour while the structure was closed.

Calling all tugs for Scheldt grounding

Salvors mobilised 14 tugs, a floating crane and barges to asssist the 3,802 teu containership Fowairet when she grounded under pilotage in the River Scheldt near Antwerp on Tuesday last week.

This week's maritime casualties roundup

CHIEN-HSING (China)

Tired skipper and poor lookouts in bulker mishap

Poor lookout practice has again been singled out as a major factor in and Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation into another collision between a bulk carrier and a commercial fishing vessel.

Port operator censured over safety lapses

Newhaven Ports and Properties has been heavily censured for serious safety failings after a spate of ferry groundings at the English south coast port.