U.S. Forecaster Sees Potential for Weak El Nino Conditions
The U.S. weather forecaster on Thursday projected a 50 percent to 60 percent chance of El Nino conditions during over the next two months, compared with the 65-percent chance it predicted for the Northern Hemisphere winter in December. The Climate Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, said in a monthly report that the agency remained on El Nino watch, but said it expects a "weak event," should El Nino emerge.
ClassNK Updates Container Stowage Guidelines
ClassNK has released the second edition of its Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arrangements. The update comes in response to recent industry changes as the amount and size of container carriers increases more than ever before, the classification society said. According to ClassNK, the average size newly delivered containership last year was over 7,000TEU and various new securing technologies…
US, Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaking Underway
The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have begun collaborative icebreaking operations. The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have commenced Operation Coal Shovel seasonal domestic ice breaking operations in the southern part of Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair and Detroit River systems, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, starting Thursday. The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers work together to prevent ice jams in these vital economic waterways as conditions worsen throughout the winter.
Polarcus Q4 Vessel Utilization Drops
Norwegian seismic explorer Polarcus' said its vessel utilisation dropped in the fourth quarter and it expected a challenging market through 2015. The firm had a…
Asia Bulk-Capesize Rates at 6-year Low
Charter rates at 6-year lows as cargoes scarce; some owners anchoring ships rather than leasing at a loss. Rates for capesize bulk carriers have plunged to fresh…
Seychelles Anti-Piracy Exercise
On Thursday 8 January, a counter-piracy exercise was carried out jointly by the Seychelles Coast Guard, Air Force and Police together with the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta-, and the EU’s civilian maritime security capacity building Mission, EUCAP Nestor. The purpose of the exercise was twofold; firstly, to practice cooperation between the Coast Guard, Air Force, the Police and EUNAVFOR Atalanta a joint counter-piracy operation…
U.S. Navy Officer Guilty of Bribery
Second U.S. Navy Officer Indicted on Related Bribery Charges. A commander in the U.S. Navy pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges today, admitting that he provided…
Thome Group Appoints New CEO
The Thome Group has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Olav Magnus Nortun, who will take up the position on 1st April, 2015. Mr Nortun, a Norwegian national, brings with him vast experience in the maritime industry, especially in the areas of strategic development and governance of production, knowledge management and systems related to ship classification. He has worked with DNV GL for many years in different locations around the world…
New Container Guidelines from ClassNK
ClassNK releases updates to its Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arrangements. Classification society ClassNK (Chairman and President: Noboru Ueda) has released the second edition of its Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arrangements. The update comes in response to recent industry changes as the amount and size of container carriers increases more than ever before. Last year…
BlackBerry Woos Shipping with Cloud Management
Shippers can keep tabs on freight thanks to new technology based upon Blackberry's cloud management platform. BlackBerry is rolling out a version of its QNX software…
China Rolls Out 2020 Shipping Development Plans
The Ministry of Transport, China has released a development guidance to establish a modern shipping service system by 2020 and to boost the development of the shipping industry.
Report: Hong Kong Box Terminals Should be Moved
A study says Hong Kong will eventually have to move its container terminals out of Kwai Tsing to remain competitive. A study by think tank SD Advocates, the Chinese…
Manila Port Congestion Could Increase in Short Term
Expecting worse congestion at the Ports of Manila to worsen with the arrival of Pope Francis on January 15, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has urged shippers…
ISS Appoints Riaan Blom as VP Sales, Africa
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) the world-leading marine, cargo and supply chain solutions provider has announced another key hire to its African regional management…
Saginaw River Shipping Volume at 10-Year Low
Saginaw River shipping traffic fell to a 10-year low in 2014. According to the local press reports, 110 ship visits were recorded in the Saginaw River from around May to mid-December…
BHP Billiton Donates to Sampson Flat Bushfire Relief Fund
In response to the significant impact of the recent South Australian bushfires on local communities, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities today donated A$250,000 to the State Emergency Relief Fund.
Despite Price Drop, Bunker Costs Still Hamper Shipping
The cost of marine fuel continues to be a major headache for global shipping companies. Bunker fuel costs account for approximately 70 per cent of the total voyage…
Thoresen Shipping Goes to Middle East
The dry bulk shipowner Thoresen Shipping rolled out new subsidiary Thoresen Shipping Arabia as part of its expansion plan to the Middle East.With a new office in…
MHI, Siemens JV Starts Operations
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI) and Siemens AG today announced the closing of their joint venture in the field of metallurgical industry. The new company is named Primetals Technologies…
Wärtsilä X62 Engine Ready for Production
Wärtsilä reports that its first X62 two-stroke engine has successfully passed its design validation, type approval tests and necessary sea trials, and is therefore ready for full market availability.
