Government Update News


New Entry Criteria for vessels calling French Ports

Jan 08, 2016

The French State has implemented new provisions regarding tax exemptions on commercial vessels of at least 15 meters in length, including yachts.  The provisions came into force on the 1st January 2016. These provisions can be found in…

Abu Dhabi Ports' Maqta Gateway Starts Operations

Jan 07, 2016

Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone in the Emirate, has started initial trial operations of its Port Community System, ‘Maqta Gateway’, following the successful completion of Stage1 of the overall project development…

U.S. Shipbuilding: Funds Available for Small Shipyards

Jan 06, 2016

Maritime Administration announced funding availability for small U.S. shipyards; grants aim to help yards modernize and improve efficiency The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the availability of $4…

Commercial Ships Makes a Comeback to Iran

Jan 06, 2016

With MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has resumed vessel operations to Iran, after services were suspended in 2012 in response to trade sanctions, Some of the world’s largest container shipping lines are pursuing business in Iran, reports WSJ…

Denmark Tightens Sulphur Emissions Rules

Jan 05, 2016

A new action plan published today by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to strengthen enforcement of regulations on ships' sulphur emissions in both Denmark and the SECA countries for 2016 onward…

Sedgwick LLP Adds Five Maritime Lawyers

Jan 05, 2016

Sedgwick LLP has announced that five San Francisco-based attorneys, nationally recognized for their work in maritime law, joined the firm on January 1, 2016.Eric Danoff, Andrew Port, James Tamulski, Cheryl Morris and Katharine Essick have…

IIMS Prepares to Celebrate Silver Jubilee

Jan 04, 2016

The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) is set to celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2016.  Marine surveyors continue to provide a pivotal and vital role to the world's shipping, maritime, boat and yachting industry sectors.…

NTSB Releases El Faro Images & Video

Jan 04, 2016

Subsea images and video released as part of NTSB public docket on investigation into the sinking of U.S. cargo ship El Faro.Underwater video and images of the sunken cargo ship EL Faro have been released by the U.S. National Transportation…

China Merges Shipping Firms in Reform Push

Jan 04, 2016

Chinese shipping subsidiaries will realign their businesses in response to the merger between China Ocean Shipping (Group), known as Cosco Group, and China Shipping Group, reports Nikkei. Sinotrans & CSC Holdings Co., the nation's third largest shipping company…

Sinha Takes Over as CMD of SCI

Jan 02, 2016

Capt. B.B. Sinha, Director (P&A) of The Shipping Corporation of India limited (SCI) has assumed the additional charge of the post of Chairman & Managing Director, SCI w.e.f. 01.01.2016 as per the Office Order received from the Ministry of Shipping till 31…

Korea to Create $1.2bln Shipping Fund

Dec 31, 2015

The South Korean government will create a US$1.2 billion ship investment fund to aid the shipping industry which has been struggling due to decreasing global trade.  A report by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said the fund will help shippers buy and sell vessels with less financial risk…

India: New Opportunities Unveiled in Shipping Sector

Dec 31, 2015

The Ministry of Shipping has taken many proactive and progressive interventions in the areas of shipbuilding, port development, inland waterways and coastal shipping this year for the development of the maritime sector in the country.  The key initiatives includes  Sagarmala Project…

Indian Ministry of Shipping to Promote Ease of Biz

Dec 31, 2015

Promoting ease of doing business has been at the core of the efforts of the Ministry during the year. Focus has beenonsimplifying procedures by removing irritants that make it cumbersome to carry on business smoothly.  The major highlights…

Cyber at Sea: House-Passed Legislation Signals Focus on Maritime Cybersecurity

Dec 31, 2015

Recent developments in the United States suggest that cybersecurity of the maritime sector will come under increasing focus in 2016, says Hogan Lovells. On December 16, 2015, H.R. 3878, “Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act of 2015…

Green Signal for Sinotrans-China Merchants Merger

Dec 30, 2015

China's cabinet on Tuesday (Dec 29) approved a deal that fuses two of the country's biggest state-owned transport and logistics firms, reports Reuters. China's cabinet has approved China Merchants Group's acquisition of Sinotrans & CSC Holdings Co…

Current News

Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Pipeline Pumping Station

EU Wheat Drops as Focus Shifts to Ukrainian War, Argentinian Exports

White House to Extend Jones Act Shipping Waiver

Albany Port District Commission Names New Board Members

Subscribe for Maritime Logistics Professional E‑News