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Australian aid for PNG rescue effort

Australian authorities are assisting in efforts to find survivors from the Papua New Guinea ferry disaster, with as many as 100 people feared drowned after the vessel Rabaul Queen sank yesterday.

Sweeping changes for WA port authorities

Seven of Western Australia’s eight port authorities will be consolidated into four regional port authorities from 2014, the WA government announced yesterday.

Baltic Dry Index hits 26-year low

The Baltic Dry Index has fallen to a 26-year low of 662 points, one point below the trough reached in late 2008 following the financial crash, as charter rates for bulk carriers have come tumbling down following a fourth quarter surge and compounded by Chinese new year holidays slowing activity.

Parties meet today over Port Kembla dispute

Negotiations are underway today in an effort to resolve the industrial dispute Port Kembla Coal Terminal in New South Wales.

Mooring system highlighted in Tycoon foundering

An increase in wind speed and sea conditions combined with the failure of an unconventional mooring arrangement caused the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Tycoon to founder off Christmas Island last month.

LNG ‘credible alternative fuel’ says FMC official

A leading Federal Maritime Commission official has encouraged further development of liquefied natural gas technology as a “credible fuel alternative” for shipping.

Owners must justify claim of piracy risk if route changed

Shipowners wanting to avoid the Gulf of Aden will have to prove that, with reasonable judgement, there is a real likelihood the vessel will be exposed to piracy, following a final High Court ruling.