NewsWatch

A bigger problem than a breadbox
A DRAMATIC reversal of the US economy has left shippers and liner operators challenged by a shortage of both containers and vessels.... Full Story

Aker Yards is nearing an STX chokepoint
THE SAGA of Aker Yards of Norway is approaching another chokepoint, as the European Commission has approved a 39.2% holding in the company for STX – and granted the South Korean corporation full voting rights for a 25 May board election. ... Full Story

UK still backs wind energy
BRITISH officials will push ahead with offshore wind energy despite Shell’s withdrawal from a project that would add to navigation hazards in the Thames estuary.... Full Story

TUI victor in round one
TUI’S CEO Michael Frenzel emerged as winner from last week’s showdown with John Fredriksen at one of the most spectacular AGMs in German post-war history. ... Full Story

Fredriksen’s Falklands foray
ONE OF John Frederiksen’s companies is about to join the race to open up the vast oil reserves believed to be beneath the Falkland Islands.... Full Story

US ethanol imports ride seesaw
US ETHANOL imports continue to gyrate wildly. Which way the market swings next depends on whether Congress renews the much-criticised $0.54 per gallon import tariff, which is due to expire in January.... Full Story

Upstart Korean yards feel heat
NEW YARDS that have sprouted in South Korea and China are facing increasing doubts that they can deliver ships on schedule.... Full Story

Cleaning bill at dry docks
REPAIR costs to vessels might be “considerably increased” by measures to clean dry docks of pollution from casualties, marine claim handlers have told Fairplay.... Full Story

Iran’s women seen at sea
IRAN’S maritime authorities have been urged to encourage women into seafaring. ... Full Story

Heat’s off Hanjin in Philippines
INVESTIGATORS have found no evidence to support allegations that Hanjin HI & Construction employed bribery and extortion in pursuing its $2Bn plan for a sprawling yard in northern Mindanao, Philippines.... Full Story

Running lean, going green
WITH FUEL prices soaring, the pressure to reduce costs has never been greater, so there is mounting anticipation of the next wave of cost-saving developments.... Full Story

PTP revs up to raise profile
MALAYSIA is trying to accelerate its transhipment goals with a deal between its showcase port PTP and the country’s leading international shipping line, MISC.... Full Story