INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Measuring the impact of supersized ships

The rapid growth in the scale and power of tonnage has fired up the imagination of French shipping but the economies of scale offered by such behemoths are counter-weighed by the additional risks posed by larger hulls and cargoes.

When is a tax not a tax?

When it’s a contribution to a maritime greenhouse gas fund. A worldwide tax on bunker fuel is the best way to tackle shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions, argues Justin Stares. But supporters have almost no chance of success

Idle bulk carriers on rise

THE NUMBER of bulk carriers idle at ports around the world has risen over the last month, at a time when surging iron ore and coal shipments have seen rates more than double for larger vessels.

Forwarders attack Rotterdam Rules

EUROPEAN freight forwarders have stepped up their criticism of the Rotterdam Rules, describing the still-to-be-ratified cargo liability convention as “a very extended grey area of uncertainty” that will add to supply-chain confusion.

MSC back to Suez

MEDITERRANEAN Shipping Co (MSC) is routing all its Asia-Europe services through the Suez Canal in both directions, having apparently stopped diverting some ships round the Cape of Good Hope.

Shipowners shunning gulf over piracy fears

SHIPOWNERS prepared to risk Gulf of Aden transits are negotiating “crazy” rates, as charterers report rising difficulties finding bulk carriers willing to take cargoes through pirate-infested shipping routes.

Safety campaign aims to reduce fire onboard

FIRES and explosions on board vessels remain a significant hazard at sea, despite rigorous port state control inspections carried out to target shortcomings on vessels.

Calls for more naval forces after attack

A GREEK shipowner whose bulk carrier came under attack in the Gulf of Aden last week has launched an impassioned plea for more naval protection in the area.

US Navy pinpoints pirate prone vessels

CHARACTERISTICS of vessels most in danger of being boarded in the Gulf of Aden and of those most likely to escape the attention of pirates, have been profiled by US Navy Intelligence.

Owners told to invest now to fend off crewing crisis

THE FINANCIAL crisis will not end the shortage of qualified seafarers and shipowners need to invest in cadet training now, says the head of the Norwegian Training Center – Manila (NTCM), in the Philippines.

Warning on tanker newbuildings

JOHN Fredriksen’s Frontline believes that as much as a third of the tanker newbuilding orderbook could be delayed or cancelled after the company culled a similar proportion of its own newbuilding program.

APL rates chance of rise

NEPTUNE Orient Lines container shipping arm APL is making a second attempt to raise rates on the Asia-Europe trade this year, writes Marcus Hand.

Box lines face huge loss

THE WORLD’S container lines could be heading for collective losses of US$10bn this year, according to Mitsui OSK Lines president Akimitsu Ashida.

Financial crisis to see Asia dominate shipping

WHAT might feel like a global shipping meltdown will in hindsight be viewed as a worldwide shift to an Asian domination of the maritime industries.

Hong Kong cruise move

PRELIMINARY work will start by December on the development of a state-of-the-art but long-delayed HK$5.6bn (US$718m) cruise terminal in Hong Kong, with the first berth set for first use in mid-2013.