NewsWatch

Spy scandal, Mark 2
ESPIONAGE aimed at pilfering South Korea’s shipbuilding secrets has sparked a new uproar between Seoul and Beijing.... Full Story

Hapag’s staff vows resistance
WORKERS at Hapag-Lloyd have threatened industrial action to spoil the shipping line’s sale to a foreign investor. Parent TUI is believed to have granted prospective buyers the option of excluding the company’s property, including the Hambur... Full Story

Fake visa scam foiled by border guards in Finland
BORDER guards in Finland have foiled three attempts by bogus shipping companies to obtain transit visas to the country for ‘seafarers’ who were also fake. ... Full Story

Rock collision sparks tighter ferry rules
MEMORIES of the nightmare sinking of the Greek ferry Express Samina in September 2000 were revived last week when another ferry struck a rock in the eastern Aegean. The incidents showed striking similarities, and sparked new safety rules.... Full Story

Tanker rates soar skywards
VLCC rates are unseasonably high. This is highlighted in EA Gibson’s latest tanker market report. In normal circumstances, VLCC rates rise towards the end of the fourth quarter and again about March of the following year. This year is an ex... Full Story

Iran-Gambia deal closed
GAMBIA and Iran have concluded a maritime agreement under which Iran will give Gambia technical aid to help it develop a yard and port, both at Banjul. ... Full Story

Weathermen blamed by Sulpicio for sinking
SULPICIO Lines, operator of the Philippines ferry Princess of the Stars, appeared last week to be clutching at straws in the wind when explaining why the ro-pax sailed, dooming more than 700 people aboard.... Full Story

NYK lines up its defence against takeover
A BOARD proposal that will enable the company to scrutinise and potentially block any large scale purchase of its shares was approved by NYK’s shareholders at the annual general meeting on 24 June in Tokyo. ... Full Story

Valdez ruling reins in US liabilities
THE US Supreme Court decision on 1989’s Exxon Valdez spill was a champagne-popper for Exxon Mobil. ... Full Story

Brazil weighs port investment overhaul
BRAZIL’S congested, creaking port system could receive an injection of $15-20Bn if legislation is enacted that is already supported by President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.... Full Story

Mentor-based training urged
A VETERAN ship manager has called for changes in advanced maritime training, using a “mentoring” system to familiarise newcomers with widening roles.... Full Story

Fuel prices seen as silver lining
THE SURGE in bunker prices has a silver lining, the Maritime & Logistics Conference has been promised. ... Full Story