Vestdavit to Equip Norwegian CG Vessels

Vestdavit secured an order to supply three new Norwegian Coast Guard vessels with davits equipped for polar conditions, in a project which also calls for installation of a deck-mounted transfer system for rapid deployment.The ships are being built by Vard Group within the P6615 project to replace Nordkapp-class ships with a new generation of search-and-rescue, surveillance, and oil recovery vessels. The 136m length newbuildings have been developed for worldwide operations including arctic areas and will feature ice-strengthened hulls and ice-class notation on their delivery from Vard Langsten…

SFI Acquires Three VLCCs From Hunter Group

Bermuda-based ship-owning and ship chartering firm Ship Finance International Limited (SFL) has agreed to purchase three very large crude carriers (VLCCs) from Norwegian investment company Hunter Group. The 300,000 dwt oil tankers are currently being constructed by South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). Hunter Group placed the order for the VLCCs last year. SFI will pay almost $60 million for each tanker and a total of $180 million for all three.

Baltic Index Falls for Third Straight Day

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell on Monday for the third consecutive day, as lower demand for ships across segments eased rates.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 40 points, or 1.6%, to 2,442 points.The capesize index dropped 105 points, or 2.1%, to 4,844 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, fell $800 to $36,121.The panamax index fell 25 points, or 1.1%, to 2,191 points.

MacGregor Develops Cargo System for MSC Boxship

Cargotec company MacGregor has developed a new cargo system for one of the world’s largest container ships, the MSC Gülsün.The ship was built by South Korean company Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and delivered in July of this year, having a capacity of more than 23,000 TEU, a length of 400 meters and width of 61.5 meters, and is the first of 11 ultra-large containerships MSC has on order, six of which are being supplied by SHI. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering will construct…

DP World’s Topaz, P&O Merger Complete by Year-end

Port operator DP World's planned merger of its P&O Maritime and recently acquired Topaz Energy and Marine businesses is expected to be completed by the end of the year, Topaz CEO Rene Kofod-Olsen said on Monday.DP World bought Dubai-based oil services company Topaz in July with the intention of combining it with P&O Maritime as part of efforts to diversify beyond its core port operations to other marine-related sectors.The merged entity, to be known simply as P&O, will give Topaz…

Baltic Index Dips as Broad Demand Weakens

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index continued to fall on Friday, having broken a 10-day winning streak on Thursday, as rates throughout vessel segments eased.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 37 points, or 1.5%, to 2,462 points. The index on Wednesday hit its highest since Nov. 2010 at 2,518 points. It has nearly doubled this year.The capesize index dropped 87 points, or 1.7%, to 4,949 points, but marked its fourth consecutive weekly gain.

2Q Red Ink for CMA CGM Again

CMA CGM, the world's fourth-largest container shipping firm, reported a second straight quarterly loss as its takeover of CEVA Logistics weighed on its results, but said its business volumes remained strong thanks to growth in the U.S. economy.The French-based group said on Friday that it expected a better second half of the year, supported by previously announced plans to reduce costs and reorganise its shipping services.CMA CGM said it made a second-quarter net loss of $109 million…

Danica Welcomes Two Bulk Vessels

Crew management specialist Danica Crewing Services has announced it has taken on the crew management of a further two bulk carrier vessels: the Four Emerald and the Four Diamond.The 33,392 dwt Four Emerald, built 2012, and the 34,059 dwt Four Diamond, built 2011, both sail under the Maltese flag.Crew management of the vessels will be conducted in partnership with Sea World Management, a boutique style ship manager based in Monaco, which will deliver the technical management while…

BMT Wins Multiple Nav Simulator Orders

BMT, a leading, multidisciplinary management consultancy, has reported phenomenal growth in sales of its maritime simulator and has just signed multiple key contracts with select cruise lines including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn in North America and P&O Cruises Australia. The orders for both office and ship-based licences of BMT’s REMBRANDT maritime simulator will support cruise lines on more than 39 cruise ships.REMBRANDT is fully scalable – operating in full mission modes through to desktop and laptop configurable modes.

Tideworks, Liebherr, Enter Cooperation Agreement

The two companies to cooperate on offerings for the global supply chain.Tideworks Technology announced cooperation activity with Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. (LCC).This is Tideworks’ first cooperation with an equipment manufacturer and demonstrates a progression of its efforts to provide the global supply chain with next-generation TOS solutions and innovative options that include both software and hardware in a harmonized approach. The cooperation will allow terminal operators…

U.S. Blacklists IRG Oil Shipping Network

The United States on Wednesday sanctioned a sprawling network of firms, ships and individuals allegedly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that supplied Syria with oil worth tens of millions of dollars in a breach of U.S. sanctions.The individuals included a former Iranian oil minister and his son, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement. Also hit were subsidiaries of an Indian firm with an interest in the Adrian Darya, the Iranian tanker that has been cruising the Mediterranean since its release from detention by authorities in Gibraltar in July…

BREAKBULK SHIPPING: Breakbulk Breaks the Mold

In the cargo shipping world, there’s the bulk sector, the container segment, and then, there is “everything else.”When it comes to ‘everything else,’ breakbulk is the cargo that resides in between, comprising much of that remainder, including forest products (lumber, baled pulp) and steel. Breakbulk may, at times, share space on multipurpose vessels that also handle heavylift and project cargo, but can also be transported on vessels that handle drybulk. Prior to the advent of containerization, bales, barrels and pallets dominated.

DP World Taps Kalmar for Indian Box Terminal Cranes

Cargotec company Kalmar has been contracted by DP World to supply 15 rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) for the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) in Mumbai, India.The order includes 24 months of on-site maintenance support, with delivery scheduled to be completed during Q4 2020. NSICT was India’s first public-private partnership project and is part of the country’s largest port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which handles 40 percent of India’s maritime trade.The Kalmar Classic RTG combines the diesel and electric technology to give fuel savings…

Trump warns China Against Trade Talk Delays

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned he would be "tougher" on Beijing in a second term if trade talks dragged on, compounding market fears that ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China could trigger a U.S. recession.The world's two largest economies imposed fresh tariffs on each other on Sunday, ratcheting up a tit-for-tat tariff war that has unsettled financial markets and raised the specter of a global recession. U.S. and Chinese negotiators are due to meet in person in Washington this month, but no date has yet been set.U.S.

PORT PROFILE: Big Baltimore

The Port of Baltimore is poised to muscle its way into the nation’s elite top 10 ports. How that happened really isn’t hard to understand. That’s because what comes next will be the dividend of many years of focused planning.The Port of Baltimore consists of state owned marine terminals managed by the MPA and privately owned marine terminals. Approximately 90 percent of all general cargo tons move through the MPA’s public terminals, while the private terminals handled most of the Port’s bulk commodities.In 2018, the Port of Baltimore (POB) experienced a record year in foreign cargo tons.

Baltic Index Up for Again on Firmer Capesize Demand

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index rose for a ninth-straight session on Tuesday, holding on to a near nine-year peak touched last week, helped by stronger capesize demand.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, gained 59 points, or 2.4%, to 2,501, a level last seen in November 2010. The capesize index rose 203 points, or 4.4%, to 4,862 points, its highest since June 2010.Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $1,418 to $37,519.

BPA Welcomes Infrastructure Funding Scheme

The British Ports Association has welcomed the announcement by the UK Government that there will be a new grants scheme for infrastructure modification at UK ports should there be a ‘no-deal’ Brexit but has stated a deal was the best way to avoid potential disruption at ports.The UK’s Department for Transport is to introduce its £10 million (about $12.17 million) Port Infrastructure Resilience and Connectivity Fund for English Ports scheme in the run up to the Brexit date of October…

McQuilling Mid-Year Tanker Market Outlook

McQuilling Services Announces the Release of the 2019 Mid-Year Tanker Market Outlook Update.The Mid-Year Tanker Market Outlook Update provides an outlook on the global tanker market in the context of global economic growth and oil fundamentals influencing tanker demand and vessel supply. The outlook includes a view on future asset values, time charter rates, market freight rates and TCE revenues for 24 major tanker trades and four triangulated routes across eight vessel segments for the second half of 2019 through the remaining four years of the forecast period 2019-2023.

Capesize Strength Propels Baltic Index to 9-Year High

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index climbed to a near nine-year peak on Friday propelled by robust capesize demand, with rates for all the vessel segments scaling multi-year highs.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, rose 101 points, or 4.4%, to 2,378, a peak since November 2010. The main index also posted a 27.3% monthly increase, extending its winning streak to a sixth month.The capesize index jumped 261 points, or 6.2%, to 4,467, a level last seen more than 9 years ago. The index also posted its third weekly gain, up about 11.9%.

Fredriksen Seeks Investors for Empire

Industrialist John Fredriksen is seeking investors to take larger stakes in his companies and could relinquish control of operations as part of a plan to reduce his workload, the Norwegian-born 75-year-old told two newspapers on Friday.It was the clearest sign to date of a succession plan for Fredriksen, whose net worth has been estimated at more than $12 billion.His self-made business empire includes oil-tanker firm Frontline, dry bulk shipper Golden Ocean and rig owner Seadrill, as well as fish farmer Mowi and other companies."There are several ways this could be done," he told business dail

FMC Steps Up Oversight in the Commonwealth

Commission Expresses Concerns about Puerto Rico Terminal Facilities Agreement.An agreement filed at the Federal Maritime Commission allowing a joint venture between two adjacent terminals at the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, will go into effect on August 29. However, concerns about the agreement and its impact on the marketplace will lead the FMC to adopt a more vigorous oversight plan than its traditional monitoring program.Under the terms of the Puerto Nuevo Terminals LLC Cooperative Working Agreement (FMC Agreement No.

Inland Container on Vessel Logistics Advance

Missouri Port Authorities Team Up To Advance Plan For Statewide Initiative That Focuses On Innovative Inland Waterway Container-On-Vessel Freight Service.Missouri Governor Michael Parson visited the Mississippi River town of Herculaneum on August 12 to find out more about statewide efforts to deliver a new option to transport freight along the inland waterways and what role an innovative waterway vessel could play in moving larger volumes of goods and commodities along both the Mississippi River and Missouri River and their tributaries.

Haisla Nation, Seaspan ink LNG Canada Tug Deal

HaiSea Marine, a joint venture partnership between the Haisla First Nation and Seaspan ULC, today announced the signing of a contract award with LNG Canada to design, build and operate escort tugs and harbor tugs required for LNG Canada’s LNG export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia.The value of the contract award is approximately $500 million over 12 years and will result in employment for approximately 70 mariners and six onshore staff, plus other roles for employees of the partner organizations.“HaiSea Marine is majority-owned by the Haisla…

American P&I Club adds to London, Hong Kong Staff

One appointment in the London office and two in Hong Kong.In a circular to Members of the American P&I Club, its Managers, Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. (SCB), have today announced that Arsinoi Iliokaftou has been appointed Claims Executive in London, to add further strength to its existing capabilities in the claims liaison sphere, whilst in the Managers’ Hong Kong office, Vicky Cheng and Joe Wan have been appointed as Business Development Executives – Asia to assist in the…

Baltic Index Soars to 5-1/2 Year High

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index rose to its highest since December 2013 on Wednesday, pushed by strong demand across all vessel categories, with the panamax index hitting an eight-year high.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, gained 54 points, or 2.4%, to 2,267, a peak since December 2013.The capesize index jumped 131 points, or 3.2%, to 4,213, its highest in more than a month. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170…

New ‘Eyes’ on the Prize

Tappan Zee Constructors ‘See’ Below Hudson River with Trimble Marine Construction Systems and Teledyne Marine Imaging.Since 1955, the Tappan Zee Bridge has been a critical thoroughfare for New Yorkers commuting between Rockland and Westchester Counties, located approximately 20 miles north of Manhattan and across the Hudson River from each other. However, a heavy increase in traffic and exponentially increasing maintenance costs ultimately lead to the decision to replace the historic bridge. The new Governor Mario M.

Hybrid Straddle Carriers to Improve Antwerp Hub

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, won a contract to supply Lineas Intermodal with two Kalmar Hybrid Straddle Carriers. The order was booked in Cargotec's 2019 Q3 order intake with delivery scheduled to be completed in Q1 2020.Being the largest private rail freight operator in Europe, Lineas operates the intermodal rail connected terminal ‘Main Hub’ in Antwerp-North. The company’s Green Xpress network concept offers customers a door-to-door solution with daily, fast and reliable rail connections between Europe’s economic hubs…

NYK Group to Build New Heavy-lift Vessels

NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd., an NYK Group company and the only shipping company that owns and operates heavy-lift ships in Japan, signed a contract with Nanjing Jinling Shipyard Co. Ltd., which is part of the China Merchants Group, to build a pair of heavy-lift vessels. The ships will be equipped with a pair of 400-ton cranes and be able to lift up to 800 tons of heavy cargo. The hold will be about 95 meters in length at its maximum without any bulkheads, i.e., upright walls within the hold.

Iran: Oil Sold from Tanker Released by Gibraltar

Iran has sold the oil from a tanker released by Gibraltar after weeks in the custody of British Royal Marines and the vessel's owner will decide on its next destination, IRIB news agency quoted an Iranian government spokesman as saying on Monday.Separately, Tehran - embroiled in a spiralling confrontation with Washington over U.S. sanctions meant to strangle Iranian oil exports - announced that it had deployed a naval destroyer with cruise missiles to help secure Iranian ships.The Iranian government spokesman did not identify the recipient of the oil carried by the Adrian Darya tanker.

OP/ED: The Latest Waterfront Development Hustle

Where there is the allure of the water, there is no shortage of dreamers, visionaries, hucksters, investors, or salesmen willing to expound on the endless new possibilities.It's a tale as old as time. Which is why some of the oldest land use regulations, notably the public trust doctrine, have survived as basic underpinning notions of western property law. The importance of the preservation of public control and access to navigable waterways and urban waterfronts for water dependent uses…

Baltic Index at 4-week Peak on Broad Support

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index rose to its highest in more than four weeks on Thursday, lifted by strong demand across all vessel segments.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, gained 57 points, or 2.8%, to 2,118, its highest in a month.The capesize index jumped 158 points, or 4.3%, to 3,829, its highest since July 23. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $1,059 to $29,490. "The Brazil to China route is now showing signs of improvement.

Peel Ports Steps Toward Brexit Ready

Peel Ports Group has been accredited with the internationally recognized quality mark of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) at all its principal ports by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customers, affirming the Port’s efficient and robust processes to customers worldwide.The Liverpool based port operator said that achieving AEO status from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs was a “significant milestone” especially on the path towards Brexit.Peel Ports Group has successfully achieved AEO status for the following ports: Clydeport Operations Limited…

Shell Charters LNG-Powered Tanker Fleet

Shell Tankers (Singapore) Private Ltd has agreed a long-term deal to charter a fleet of 10 LNG dual-fuel Aframax crude oil tankers from Sinokor Petrochemical Co Ltd, which expects to take delivery of them from Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea in 2021."Shell has agreed to charter a fleet of new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled crude oil and products tankers, as part of its drive to decarbonise shipping," said a press note.Separately, Shell has agreed long-term charters for four new LNG dual-fuel oil products tankers, from institutional investors advised by J.P.

Baltic Index Down on Lower Capesize, Panamax Rates

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for the second straight session on Tuesday, hurt by softer demand for the capesize and panamax vessel segments.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 0.4%, or 8 points, to 2,059 points.The capesize index slipped 63 points, or 1.7%, to 3,665 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, fell $290 to $28,591.The panamax index eased 13 points, or 0.6%, to 2,161 points.

ABB’s Digital Solution Helps to Reduce Fuel Costs

ABB secured its first contract for ABB Ability Tekomar XPERT for fleet of 55 vessels with Hamburg based ship manager CPO Containerschiffreederei (CCPO).CCPO offers high quality service to its charter clients and professional ship management for 111 of own and third-party ships. They were an early adopter of the smart engine performance diagnostics software, Tekomar XPERT, during its initial release in 2015. The latest Tekomar XPERT for fleet web application launched in June this…

Baltic Index Snaps 7-day Win Streak as Capesize Drags

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell on Monday, breaking a seven-day winning streak as rates for capesize vessels eased.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 21 points, or 1%, to 2,067 points.The capesize index fell 98 points, or 2.6%, to 3,728 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, fell $743 to $28,881.Dalian iron ore futures gave up early gains and ended lower on Monday…

NORDEN Inks Long-Term Contracts

NORDEN  contracted with Enviva to transport 1.3-1.5 million metric tons of wood pellets from the US to Europe over a six-year period. The Contract of Affreightment (CoA), which runs from 2021 to 2026, builds on NORDEN’s long-term collaboration with Enviva, which began in 2012.NORDEN has also been awarded a 3-year contract with a power company in Hong Kong for the transportation of coal from Indonesia to Hong Kong.The CoA, which runs from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, will see NORDEN ship around 1.3 million tonnes of coal per year on Panamax vessels, an estimated 17-20 cargoes annually.

ICE, Magellan to Offer Dock Capacity to Houston Oil Futures Customers

Intercontinental Exchange Inc and Magellan Midstream Partners LP said on Wednesday they would auction dock capacity at Magellan's terminals in Galena Park and Seabrook, Texas, for holders of ICE's Permian West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures contracts.The monthly auction process will allow customers who purchase an ICE Permian WTI crude futures contract, deliverable at Magellan's East Houston terminal (MEH), the option to load crude directly onto a vessel at Galena Park and Seabrook dock facilities for export…

Baltic Index at 2-week High on Capesize, Panamax Strength

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index climbed to a near two week high on Tuesday propelled by strong demand across capesize and panamax vessel segments.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, gained 90 points, or 5.1%, to 1,864 points, a high since July 31.The capesize index added 188 points, or 5.8%, to 3,454 points, its highest in more than a week. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal…

China in Talks with U.S. Trade Officials

Senior Chinese and U.S. trade officials spoke by telephone on Tuesday as the Chinese side lodged solemn representation on additional tariffs on Chinese goods scheduled to start next month, China's Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.The statement was issued at around the same time that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer's office said the United States will delay imposing a 10% tariff on certain of the products, including laptops and cell phones.The Chinese statement made no mention of this planned delay.Chinese Vice Premier Liu He spoke with Lighthizer and U.S.

St. Croix Upgradess with New Lake Assault Boats Craft

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office in Hudson, Wisconsin, earlier this summer took delivery of a Lake Assault Boats rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). The new boat enhances the office’s patrol capabilities and water-based emergency rescue operations on a 27-mile stretch of the St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway.“Our stretch of the St. Croix River is a heavily used recreational area, with many cabin cruisers, houseboats, and all types of pleasure craft while, further north…

Trafigura in Fuel JV with Frontline, Golden Ocean

Trafigura Group is joining forces with shipping firms Frontline and Golden Ocean to set up a company to supply shipping fuels ahead of a shake up in regulations next year which could disrupt fuel delivery and cause prices to spike.The three companies said on Tuesday that subject to agreement on final terms, the joint venture is expected to start operating in the third quarter.From Jan. 1, International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules will bar many ships from using marine fuel, also called bunker fuel, containing more than 0.5% sulphur in order to help reduce air pollution.

Port of Los Angeles Reports Record July TEUs

Volumes Increase 9.4% Compared to Previous Year.For the fourth consecutive month, the Port of Los Angeles has set a new single-month cargo record. In July, the Port moved 912,154 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), the busiest July in the Port’s 112-year history. “Container exchange per vessel reached 9,915 TEUs, the highest and most efficient level we’ve ever experienced,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Despite the continued decline in exports and high level of uncertainty driven by trade tensions…

Baltic Index Rises on Capesize, Panamax Rates

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index rose on Monday, supported by strong demand across capesize and panamax vessel segments.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, rose 26 points, or 1.5%, to 1,774 points, level last seen on August 5.The capesize index added 44 points, or 1.4%, to 3,266 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $388 to $24,410.The panamax index was up 34 points, or 1.8%, at 1,932 points, its highest since July 30.

New ABB CEO: Committed to the Next 5 Years

New ABB Chief Executive Bjorn Rosengren is committed to at least five years with the Swiss engineering group, Chairman Peter Voser said on Monday.Age or nationality was also not an issue in appointing the 60-year-old Swedish executive, Voser told reporters. Rosengren, the current CEO of Sandvik will turn 61, a month after taking over at ABB next March."Age didn't a play a role. What is important is the experience, it's the focus, it's the empowerment of people, it's the way a person drives the businesses.

China Fixes First U.S. Crude Cargo Since Latest Tariff Threat

Chinese oil trader Unipec chartered a supertanker to ship U.S. crude to China in September, trading sources said, the first such cargo since U.S. President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on Chinese import, ending a monthlong trade truce.Unipec, the trading arm of state refiner Sinopec , has fixed the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Anne to load U.S. crude in mid-September, according to a shipbroker and Refinitiv Eikon data. VLCCs are capable of transporting about 2 million barrels of crude.Unipec has three other vessels…

Ponant to Acquire Paul Gauguin Cruises

Adding access to exciting itineraries and experiences for passengers of both brands.PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions to locations that only small ships can navigate, has announced its plan to acquire PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES, the renowned specialist in sailings to exotic ports in French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Like PONANT, PAUL GAUGUIN combines exceptional itineraries with luxury hotel services and fine cuisine to create memorable experiences at sea. Following the acquisition…

Retail Imports at Near-Record Levels Despite Tariffs

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to continue at near-record levels this month and the remainder of the year despite a new round of tariffs on goods from China, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.“Even with virtually everything American imports from China soon to be subject to tariffs, it isn’t quick or easy for retailers to change their supply chains,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said.

Matson Announces Q2 2019 Results; Lowers FY2019 Outlook

Matson reported net income of $18.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 was $32.6 million, or $0.76 per diluted share. Consolidated revenue for the second quarter 2019 was $557.9 million compared with $557.1 million for the second quarter 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, Matson reported net income of $30.9 million, or $0.72 per diluted share compared with $46.8 million, or $1.09 per diluted share in 2018.

HDR to Lead $870M Rail Project at PoLB

The Port of Long Beach, one of the greenest ports in the world, has selected HDR to perform the final design as it moves ahead with its $870 million effort to streamline rail operations and reduce bottlenecks at the second-busiest container port in the U.S.The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility Project will expand the port’s capability for loading shipping containers directly on rail cars instead of being loaded on trucks for short-haul trips. The expansion and reconfiguration of the existing Pier B railyard will create a staging area for loading freight trains nearly 2 miles long…

Port Manatee wins $1.4 million for Port Security

Port Manatee has been awarded $1,425,000 in federal funding to advance three projects to bolster security at the fast-growing Central-Southwest Florida Gulf Coast port.“Port Manatee greatly appreciates federal support of our efforts to ensure safe, secure and efficient flows of dynamically increasing cargo volumes,” Vanessa Baugh, chairwoman of the Manatee County Port Authority, said today, following notification of the fiscal 2019 Port Security Grant Program award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.David St.

Softer Capesize Demand Drags Down Baltic Index

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for an eleventh straight session on Tuesday to nearly one-month lows, pushed down by lower rates for capesize vessels due to sluggish demand in both Atlantic and Pacific regions.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 40 points, or 2.3%, to 1,734 points, lowest since July 8. The index has, still, nearly tripled since February, mainly driven by strong demand for vessels that ship iron ore from Brazil into China over the past few months.

Port of Oakland Ready for Peak Season

Uncertainty clouds the peak season container shipping outlook with more threatened tariffs on Chinese imports to the U.S. looming. But the Port of Oakland said today that there’s no uncertainty about handling the annual August-November cargo rush.“The Port is operating efficiently, ships are getting in-and-out on time and cargo is moving without delay,” said Maritime Director John Driscoll. “We don’t see that changing in the coming months.”The Port said it wouldn’t project volume for shipping’s traditional highwater mark when imports increase to support holiday merchandising.

Oldendorff Chooses PAS ε-ORB Software

Cyprus-based maritime technology & marine risk prevention firm Prevention at Sea Ltd has been awarded a contract from Oldenorff Carriers for switching from the traditional paper Oil Record Book to ε-ORB (electronic Oil Record Book).Oldendorff Carriers’ decision was based on recognition of the burdens arising from the use of the traditional paper version of MARPOL Oil Record Books as well as the complexity and accuracy of recording proper operational entries relating to discharges…

NWSA Issues RFP for Terminal 46 Cargo Ops

Terminal 46 on Seattle's working waterfrontThe Northwest Seaport Alliance is now accepting proposals for Terminal 46, a 50-acre deep-water marine terminal.Strategically located on the Seattle waterfront with convenient access to major road and rail infrastructure, this property is uniquely suited for water-dependent uses including marine cargo operations, logistics and other maritime-supported activities.The successful proposal will align with and support our goal of growing cargo volumes and creating family-wage jobs in the Puget Sound region…

Jacksonville's Seaport Generates 26,000+ Local Jobs

New study finds port investments including Harbor Deepening have resulted in “significant” job growth over last five years.Cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport positively impacts tens of thousands of jobs and supports nearly $31.1 billion in annual economic output for the region and state, according to a newly released study. The study, citing double-digit growth in the port’s total economic impact over the last five years, was conducted by Martin Associates, a widely recognized maritime research firm.In the Jacksonville area…

Baltic Index Nears One-Month Nadir

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for a tenth straight session on Monday to its lowest in nearly a month as a combination of better ship supply and easing demand hurt vessel rates.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 14 points, or 0.8%, to 1,774 points, lowest since July 9. The index has, still, nearly tripled since February, mainly driven by strong demand for vessels that ship iron ore from Brazil into China over the past few months.

Report: Cruise Sector Seafarers Unhappiest

The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, published by The Mission to Seafarers, has revealed that seafarers working onboard cruise ships and ferries rank among the unhappiest in the industry.The report, which is produced in association with leading mutual P&I insurer the Shipowners’ Club, is based on the responses of thousands of seafarers across the global maritime industry. The latest report showed that cruise and ferry crews had an average score of 5.3/10 on their general happiness level - 15 per cent less than the global average across all vessel types…

Tentative Deal to End Alaska Ferry Strike

Contract negotiators between striking Alaska ferry boat workers and state officials have reached a tentative deal to end a 9-day-old walkout that has shut down the state Maritime Highway System, a federal mediator said on Friday.About 420 members of the Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific (IBU) walked off the job on July 24, idling a ferry network that serves more than 30 coastal and island communities statewide. It was the first strike against the Alaska Maritime Highway System in 42 years.The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service…

Hamburg: Double-digit Box and Bulk Gains

Hamburg is Germany’s biggest universal port and, with 9.9 million tons throughput in 2018, its second biggest inland port. For the first quarter of 2019, the recently published inland vessel data from the northern statistics office reports 34,640 TEU – 20ft standard containers – for the Port of Hamburg. This represents an increase of 20 percent in comparison with the same period last year. Additionally, in the first three months of 2019, at 2.57 million tons, the total quantity…

K-Line Guilty of 'cartel conduct'

Japanese shipping firm Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K-Line) was convicted of criminal cartel conduct and ordered to pay a A$34.5 million ($23.50 million) fine by a federal court, Australia's competition regulator said on Friday.K-Line’s fine is the largest ever criminal penalty imposed under the Competition and Consumer Act, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).The company was found to have engaged in a cartel with other shipping companies in order to fix prices on the transportation of cars, trucks, and buses to Australia between 2009 and 2012, ACCC said.K-Line

Canadian Natural Resources eyes Rail Contracts

Canadian Natural Resources, the country's biggest oil and gas producer, is looking at taking on the Alberta provincial government's contracts to move crude by rail, a senior company executive said on Thursday.Shipping more crude by rail is seen as critical for Canadian oil producers due to congested pipelines that forced Alberta to order mandatory oil curtailments this year.Alberta's United Conservative Party government said in June that it would divest rail contracts amounting to 120,000 barrels of crude per day (bpd) to the private sector this fall.

Oil slumps 7% as More Tariffs Loom

Oil prices plummeted more than 7% on Thursday, with the U.S. benchmark posting its worst day in more than four years, after President Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs Chinese imports starting Sept. 1.The drop in Brent crude was the steepest in more than three years, undoing a fragile oil rally built on steady drawdowns in U.S. inventories even as global demand looked shaky due to the U.S.-China trade dispute.Trump's announcement of an additional 10% levy on…

U.S. to hit $300B of Chinese goods with 10% tariff

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would impose an additional 10% tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports starting Sept. 1, as talks aimed to ease tensions between the world's two largest economies continue."Trade talks are continuing, and during the talks the U.S. will start, on September 1st, putting a small additional Tariff of 10% on the remaining 300 Billion Dollars of goods and products coming from China into our Country. This does not include the 250 Billion Dollars already Tariffed at 25%," Trump tweeted.Reporting by Makini Brice and Susan Heavey

ZIM’s starts Central America-Caribbean Service (CCX)

ZIM has announced a new service between Mexico, Caribbean and Central America, commencing on the second half of August, with the following rotation:Veracruz-Altamira-P. Cortes-Santo Tomas-Kingston-Rio Haina-San Juan-Kingston-Veracruz  ZIM will operate 3 vessels in a weekly, fixed-day service offering the fastest transit time and best product in the region:From Mexico to Dominican Republic;From Mexico to Puerto Rico;Connecting USEC & Canada to Mexico, Guatemala (and El Salvador) & Honduras…

MacGregor Acquires TTS Group Units

Cargotec’s MacGregor business area has completed the acquisition of the marine and offshore businesses of TTS Group ASA. Cargotec announced in February 2018 an agreement to acquire the businesses for an enterprise value of approximately $96 million.Completion of the acquisition follows receipt of required approvals from the relevant countries and authorities. The acquired businesses will be integrated within MacGregor's operating structure, and their results will be consolidated into MacGregor's financial figures as of August 1…

Yilport Pact for 49-Year Concession at Taranto

Turkey's Yilport Holding signed a concession agreement with Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea (PNAIS), the managing institution of the Port of Taranto in Italy for the multipurpose terminal.The deal was signed on 30 July 2019, at Castello Aragonese in Taranto, Italy by Robert Yuksel Yildirim, Yilport Holding Chairman, and Sergio Prete, the President of Taranto Port Authority.The agreement appoints Yilport to undertake all operations at the multipurpose terminal of Taranto Port for 49 years.This is the 22nd marine port in Yilport Holding’s portfolio, and its first terminal in Italy.

Weak Iron-Ore Demand Weighs on Baltic Index

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for a seventh straight session on Wednesday, as demand for shipping iron-ore fell in the Atlantic.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 1.6%, or 31 points, to 1,868 points. The index has still more than tripled since February, mainly driven by strong demand for vessels that ship iron ore from Brazil into China."A step back was witnessed during this past week in freight levels, as activity seems to have slowed down on the key Brazil – China route," Allied Shipbroking said in a note.

Beijing: U.S.-China Trade Talks 'constructive'

U.S. and Chinese negotiators wrapped up a brief round of trade talks on Wednesday that Beijing described as "constructive", including discussion of further purchases of American farm goods and an agreement to reconvene in September.The first face-to-face trade talks since a ceasefire was agreed last month amounted to a working dinner on Tuesday at Shanghai's historic Fairmont Peace Hotel and a half-day meeting on Wednesday, before U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin flew out."Both sides…

U.S. DOT Names Nine Marine Highway Projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the designation of nine Marine Highway Projects and a Marine Highway Route that will benefit Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington State and American Samoa. Marine highways are navigable waterways that can be used as alternate options to traditional shipping methods. “The designation of marine highways by Congress will help move cargo and people to help grow the economy and shift freight off of congested highways,” said Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Steel Cut on Second Costa Cruise Ship

The steel cutting ceremony of the second Costa Cruises ship build at Meyer Turku commenced with new traditions: The brand new plasma cutter line was used for the first time in a production start ceremony.Costa Cruises’ Costa Toscana will be the first ship benefiting fully from the new panel line of Meyer Turku. The panel line is just one of the major over 100 million euro investments inside the steel halls, the whole shipyard going through an investment program of 200 million euros.

ICS Weighs in on Proposed Panama Canal Tolls

Global Shipping Industry Delivers Comments to Official Consultation on Proposed Modifications to Panama Canal Tolls.The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is conducting a public consultation on a proposal to adjust the Panama Canal tolls for containerships, vehicle carriers, dry bulk carriers, tankers, chemical carriers, LPG and LNG vessels, passenger vessels and small vessels. The proposed new toll charges are anticipated to enter into effect on 1 January 2020, the same day as the IMO ‘Global Sulphur Cap’ regulation.

ZEAMARINE Secures Largest Contract to Date

ZEAMARINE has successfully been awarded a large ocean transportation contract from Schenker Australia Pty Limited for the BHP South Flank Project in Western Australia. The project scope encompasses the transportation of approximately 450,000 freight tons from China to Port Hedland, Western Australia, with the majority of the cargo being heavy and oversized modules.ZEAMARINE will be utilizing its newly-built ZEA 14k-900 vessel type for the execution of the project. The F-900 vessels…

Iranian Ship Departs Brazil, Second Bulker to Follow

An Iranian ship called Bavand, which had been at the heart of a geopolitical spat between Brasilia and Tehran, set sail from Brazil on Monday after receiving fuel from state-run Petroleo Brasileiro , the port of Paranaguá said.Meanwhile, a second Iranian ship, the Termeh, which set sail from Paranaguá port two days ago, was on Monday heading to the southern Brazilian port of Imbituba, where it is due to pick up a shipment of corn before heading back to Iran.The ships were stranded after Brazil's state oil company, known as Petrobras, refused to sell them bunker fuel in the wake of U.S.

Panamax, Supramax Rates Drag Baltic Index

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for a sixth straight session to a more than two-week low on Tuesday following weak demand for panamax and supramax vessels.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 1.2%, or 23 points, to 1,899 points, its lowest since July 12.The capesize index rose 4 points, or 0.1%, to 3,664 points. However, average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal…

DP World to Boost Turkish Capacity, Mulls Acquisitions

Port operator DP World intends to increase its capacity in Turkey's western Yarimca port by 30% with $50 million investment by Q2 2020, its Turkish unit's chief executive Kris Adams said.Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, Adams also said that DP World is also in the market for acquisition of other Turkish assets but is waiting for the right price."We would be willing to look at acquisitions in the Turkish market if opportunities arise," Adams told reporters."There are local players that are willing to exit the industry but they are still working with very high multiples.

Port of Oakland Okays Long-Term Lease for Box Logistics

Shippers Transport Express has deal to keep moving boxes away from docks. A program that accelerates Port of Oakland cargo flow has a new lease on life…literally. Port Commissioners last week approved a firm’s 13-year lease to continue moving loaded import containers off Oakland docks.The agreement keeps Shippers Transport Express on 32 acres at the Port’s Seaport Logistics Complex through 2032. The firm transports loaded containers from Oakland’s largest marine terminal to a less-crowded pick-up point nearby.

Baltic Index Dips as Panamax Rates Slide

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell to a more than two-week low on Monday, weighed down by weaker rates for panamax vessels.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 0.8%, or 15 points, to 1,922 points, its lowest since July 12. Nevertheless, the capesize index rose 13 points, or 0.4%, to 3,660 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $72 to $27,217.The panamax index fell 59 points, or nearly 3%, to its lowest in two weeks at 2,050 points.

China: U.S. Shipped 'several million tonnes' of Soybeans

The United States has shipped several million tonnes of soybeans to China since the two country's leaders met in June, Chinese state media said on Sunday, ahead of fresh trade talks in Shanghai this week.Chinese companies have made inquiries about buying U.S. soybeans, cotton, pork, sorghum and will continue to purchase U.S. agricultural goods if prices and quality remain reasonable, Chinese official broadcaster CCTV said on Sunday.The reports said the United States should take specific measures to make good on its promises to improve economic and trade ties.Reporting by Cate Cadell

SPA Nod for Maersk to Operate in All Saudi Ports

Saudi Ports Authority has issued a license to the local subsidiary of Maersk to operate in all ports in Saudi Arabia, state news agency SPA reported on Monday.Maersk currently has weekly containerised shipping services to the ports of Jeddah, King Abdullah, Dammam and Jubail, it says on its website. Reporting by Nafisa Eltahir

Fourth Global Regulatory Summit Held at FMC

Senior government officials from the European Union (EU), the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the United States met Wednesday at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to participate in the Fourth Global Regulatory Summit.Attendees represent the competition authorities responsible for regulating international liner shipping in the world’s largest liner trade lanes. The delegations were led by Director Henrik Morch from the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission and Deputy Director-General YI Jiyong of the Water Transport Bureau…

Canadian Navy Awards ELMS2 Contract to BMT

BMT Group  (previously British Maritime Technology) announced that it has been awarded the Engineering, Logistics, and Management Support 2 (ELMS2) contract by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND).According to the provider of focused solutions to projects in the energy, ports, mining, defense and transport fields, the services will directly support the Director General Maritime Equipment Program Management (DGMEPM) and the Director General Major Project Delivery (DGMPD) (Sea).Under this contract…

DOT Secretary Chao Announces Infrastructure Grants

Department Proposes $856 Million in INFRA Grants. The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced $855,950,000 in proposed grants through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program. “This significant federal investment will improve major highways, bridges, ports, and railroads around the country to better connect our communities, and to enhance safety and economic growth,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. INFRA discretionary grants support…

Rotterdam Port Traffic at Record Volume

Trade volumes at the port of Rotterdam reached a record in the first half of the year, as Europe's largest port handled more container goods and imports of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).The Dutch port was cautious about prospects for the rest of the year, however, as international trade tensions and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit look set to curb traffic in the months to come."Relations between the world's major trading blocs remain strained and there is ongoing uncertainty about the introduction of trade tariffs post-Brexit"…

Brazil: No Trade Impact to Iran Shipping Impasse

Brazil's foreign trade secretary Lucas Ferraz said there are no signs that the impasse involving Iranian ships without fuel near Brazilian ports will affect bilateral trade relations.So far, Ferraz said, there has been no impact on Brazilian exports to Iran. The ships, scheduled to bring grains back to Iran, lack fuel for the journey because state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA refused to sell them bunker fuel due to U.S. sanctions on Iran.Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier

Baltic Index Falls on Sliding Capesize Rates

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for a second straight session on Wednesday to its biggest one-day decline in nearly six months, as rates for capesize vessels fell after a strong run.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 7%, or 151 points, to 2,014 points, its biggest one-day drop since January 31. The index has still more than tripled since February, mainly driven by strong demand for vessels that ship iron ore from…