Icelandic Group PLC is delighted to announce that it has achieved Marine Stewardship Council certification for all its cod and haddock originating from Iceland.
The Icelandic Group Companies – which in the UK are Seachill, Coldwater and Icelandic UK – will now be able to supply cod and haddock from Iceland with the sustainable fisheries ecolabel of the MSC. All gear types have been included – trawled, line caught and seine net – enabling cod and haddock to be bought fresh or frozen in retail, wholesale or food service.
Icelandic Group is now taking a leadership role and is exploring making the certification an inclusive process for the Icelandic fishing industry through certificate sharing mechanisms. Following the certification, all cod and haddock from Iceland fisheries – a total allowed catch of 160,000 tonnes of cod and 50,000 tonnes of haddock per year – will be eligible to bear the blue MSC ecolabel.
Lárus Ásgeirsson, CEO of Icelandic Group, said: “We’re delighted to receive MSC certification, following an extremely rigorous process involving peer reviews within the public consultation process. Iceland has a long and proud history of supplying high quality fish, and now with the independent certification of the Marine Stewardship Council, it can be sold as sustainable.”
“The decision to undergo MSC certification for Iceland cod and haddock was market driven and is a clear sign to our customers that we are committed to the highest levels of sustainability possible. This is an outstanding result for Icelandic Group as a whole and for our companies.”
Rupert Howes, Chief Executive, MSC, said: “It is a great pleasure to congratulate Icelandic Group on the historic MSC certification of their cod and haddock fisheries. These fisheries enjoy a strong reputation for sustainability and I am delighted that Icelandic Group chose MSC certification to demonstrate that sustainability to the market.
There is now a clear business case for MSC certification and this is particularly true in the Northern Europe markets where Icelandic cod and haddock are sold. Icelandic Group’s commitment to MSC certification clearly aligns their brands with the highest standards of demonstrable sustainability those markets are asking for. “
Source MSC
National Holding Company "Uzbekneftegas" reported on the activities in the first quarter of the year. Mining enterprises of the Republic in view of foreign investors produced natural gas at 103.8% of forecast volumes, liquids production - 100% of the forecast.
Gas processing plants also produce liquefied natural gas and polyethylene.
Industrial enterprises of "Uzbekneftegas", taking into account foreign investors under the production sharing agreements, in the 1st quarter of 2012 produced output of more than 2 trillion soums ($ 1.08 billion on the rate of Central Bank of Uzbekistan), which is - 100.8%, with growth at constant prices 104.2%. Consumer goods worth 147.3 billion soums ($ 79.5 million), or 107.6% of the budgeted figure, were produced.
Asian News Service, en.ca-news.org
ESPO calls for transparent methodology to justify allocation of TEN-T funding to projects of common interest.
In a unique common appeal, more than 25 European transport organisations, covering all modes and nodal points, urged EU policy makers to safeguard the 32 billion Euro budget that has been allocated to EU transport infrastructure within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in the 2014-2020 budget. If the EU wants a transport infrastructure network that can meet traffic demand and support economic activity, it will need at least 250 billion Euro by 2020 according to European Commission estimates. This sum will remove bottlenecks and complete missing links in the core network of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T). A further 250 billion Euro will be needed to improve the comprehensive network, in order to provide accessibility to the core network. With the open letter that was issued this afternoon, the European transport industry expresses its collective concern that not enough funds will be available to cover investment needs. The 32 billion Euro, earmarked by the European Commission to the core network in the Connecting Europe Facility, only covers a small share of the investment needs. It furthermore represents only 3% of the total EU budget for the period 2014-2020. But this modest share is nevertheless under huge pressure from Member States who are keen to cut it down to even more marginal proportions. This would turn the proposed review of the Trans-European Transport Network policy into a sand castle, to the detriment of Europe’s economy.
The initiative for the open letter was taken by the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP). EFIP Director Isabelle Ryckbost pointed at the fact that the proposed transport budget actually compensates important cuts in regional funds. “It is important to put the proposed TEN-T budget into perspective. The 32 billion might seem a serious increase at first glance. We must however bear in mind that at the same time, other sources of funding for transport infrastructure will be reduced or even removed. This is certainly the case for the transport funding possibilities in the European Regional Development Fund in some regions, but will also count for other sources of funding like the Marco Polo programme, which in the future will have to be financed through this same TEN-T budget. The 32 billion proposed is therefore a vital minimum and must be guaranteed more than ever.”
Given that ports form one of the cornerstones of the new TEN-T policy, ESPO actively supports the campaign to safeguard the 32 billion Euro budget. “We are however not asking for a blank cheque”, said ESPO Secretary General Patrick Verhoeven, “As ESPO, we insist that TEN-T funds should only be spent on projects that generate measurable EU added value, in terms of transport efficiency, sustainability and/or territorial cohesion. We have therefore invited the Commission to develop a transparent methodology that would justify TEN-T funding so that in the end genuine ‘projects of common interest’ are supported.”
The full open letter can be read on the ESPO website where the ESPO position on the TEN-T review can be found as well.
ESPO
2012-04-24
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Hussein Dabbas as Regional Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), based in Amman, Jordan with effect from 1 June 2012.
Dabbas has served as President and CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines since 2009. That was the culmination of a career at the carrier that spanned over three decades during which Dabbas held various positions in the airline’s commercial departments. Dabbas takes over from Dr. Majdi Sabri who will retire from IATA after the leading the association in the MENA region since 2001.
“I welcome Hussein to IATA. His decades of aviation experience will help IATA to deliver its many important global programs in the fast growing MENA region. I also thank Majdi for his many years of dedicated service to IATA and the aviation industry of the region,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
"I am excited to be joining IATA and look forward to contributing to the development of aviation in the MENA region. Aviation is a critical component of the region’s development and exhibits a tremendous potential for growth. In the Middle East alone, the aviation sector currently supports 2.7 million jobs and $129 billion in economic activity. I look forward to leading IATA’s efforts regionally to ensure that aviation can continue be an economic catalyst by growing safely, securely and sustainably,” said Dabbas
IATA’s mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry. IATA brings together some 240 member airlines. Flights by these airlines account for 84% of all international scheduled air traffic.
IATA has 28 member airlines across the MENA region, including some of the fastest growing airlines in the world. From its Amman Regional Office, IATA supports the MENA region with access to the full range of IATA’s activities, programs and services. This includes flagship programs such as the IATA Operational Safety Audit, Simplifying the Business, and Checkpoint of the Future as well as the full range of IATA’s Industry Settlement Systems.
IATA
In the morning on April 23, 2012 the port of Odessa visited the liner Discovery (the length of 168 m, flag Bahamas). There were 600 passengers onboard, mostly British, Australian, Americans and New Zealanders. Odessa met the guests with music of municipal brass band and sun whether, perfectly suitable for familiarization tour. At 11 in the morning, when foreign visitors went for sight-seeing tours, the bus with inmates of boarding school №87 for visually impaired children approached the board of the ship.. According to information of ship’s captain Alexandr Tkachuk, British cruise company Voyages of Discovery supports few relief funds for diseased children in different countries, including well-known House Without Steps (Philippines), International Wheelchair-bound Children Fund and others. Thus, the charterer was kindly disposed towards the offer of the captain to accept the children onboard the ship. By force of crew members was organized familiarization tour and lection about the geography of navigation of the liner. After that the children were pleased by the concert. In addition the children were feed with lunch and presented with souvenirs. The pleasant impressions were mutual and possibly, the event may occur again during the second call of the liner to the port of Odessa (on October 2012).
Odessa Commercial Sea Port
THE Panama Canal Authority (ACP) plans to modify the canal's pricing structure to "align toll charges with the value the route provides".
The ACP said in a statement that the proposal aims to increase the number of segments from eight to eleven vessel types. It establishes a new segment for container/breakbulk vessels. In addition, it also breaks down the tanker segment into three distinct segments and incorporates the roll-on/roll-off vessels into the vehicle carrier segment.
If approved, the Panama Canal market segmentation scheme will include the following segments: full container, reefer, dry bulk, passenger, vehicle carrier and ro-ro, tanker, chemical tanker, LPG, general cargo and others.
The authority plans to introduce the new charges in July. Under the proposal, the ACP aims to increase the tolls for the following segments: general cargo, container/break bulk (new segment), dry bulk, tanker (redefined segment), chemical tanker (new segment), LPG (new segment), vehicle carrier and ro-ro (merged segment), and the segment known as others. The remaining segments will not be adjusted at this time. Additionally, there will be changes to tolls applicable to small vessels based on vessel length, to incorporate adjustments not previously considered.
"This proposal continues to align the Panama Canal tolls to the value, benefit and quality the route provides, and maintains the competitiveness of the Panama Canal," said ACP chief executive Alberto Aleman Zubieta.
As part of the tolls adjustment process, the ACP has established a consultation period from April 20 - May 21, during which the ACP will receive formal written comments, opinions and written requests from interested parties to participate in the public hearing, which will be held in Panama City, Panama, on May 23.
"The ACP will continue its dialogue with the industry to develop a pricing structure that meets the needs of our customers - one that benefits them and Panama," Mr Aleman Zubieta said.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
DUBAI's Emirates Shipping has announced it will impose a general rate increase (GRI) of US$250 per TEU on cargo from the Far East and south east Asia to east Africa from May 1.
This is the second GRI on the same trade lane announced by Emirates Shipping, registered in Dubai and commercially run from Hong Kong, in April. The world's 59th largest carrier recently increased the rate at the same level of $250 per TEU on April 15.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
ANTI-PIRACY security measures are proving more effective with 20 per cent fewer successful attacks in 2011 year on year, but ransoms demanded have increased 77 per cent from 2010, according to the Willis Marine Market Review.
London shipbroker Willis Group's review said cargo insurance buyers continue to enjoy the benefits of a soft market, achieving reductions in premium and deductibles, as well as increases in limits, at little or no additional cost.
"Despite ever-dwindling returns to insurers, competition for business remains fierce with a flurry of new entrants creating excess capacity," the review said.
"These are difficult times for the maritime industry. World shipping is in recession, the economic turmoil continues to dampen demand, pirates are seizing property and crew and increased sanctions demand further resources and attention," said Willis Global Marine CEO Alistair Rivers.
"For many, the year began badly with the loss of the Costa Concordia cruise liner [off Italy in January with 32 dead]. It was a timely reminder that 100 years on from the loss of the Titanic, disasters on this scale are still possible. The liability aspects of this loss will be of far greater significance to insurers as matters evolve throughout the year," he said.
The review reported February's insurance renewals were "disproportionately confrontational and protracted" as shipowners operating in one of the worst economic environments for a generation contested even inflationary increases. "On average, rate increases of four per cent were achieved," the review said.
Excess capacity in the Asian marine insurance market is putting pressure on rates as local and foreign insurers compete for market share. Asia is now home to half of the insurance world's merchant fleet, 14 of the top 20 ports and three of the largest ship building nations, said the review.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
CHONGQING-Xinjiang-Europe (Chongqing) Logistics Company Limited, the operator of Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe Railway, has been officially established, Xinhua reports.
The company has been jointly established by the railway departments of China, Kazakhstan, Russia and Germany and Chongqing Transportation Holdings (Group) Co Ltd and offers station-to-station transport between Chongqing and Europe.
Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe Railway's frequency will be enhanced to three Europe-bound runs and one Chongqing-bound run per week by the end of this year. A single journey lasts about 14 days.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
THE US International Trade Commission has approved anti-dumping duties on optical brightening agents from China and Taiwan after rejecting duties on steel wheels from China and refrigerators from South Korea and Mexico, Reuters reports.
North Carolina-based Clariant Corporation brought the case against mainland and Taiwan imports of brightening agents, used in detergents and cosmetics. The US imports US$39 million worth of brighteners from China last year and $19 million from Taiwan.
The commission also approved duties on steel nails from the United Arab Emirates on, voting 6-0 in both cases that US producers had been materially injured or threatened by the imports.
The steel nail ruling was brought about by the Mid Continent Nail Corporporation of Missouri, the largest supplier of fasteners to the US wooden pallet and crating industry.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
CHILE's major ocean carrier CSAV will impose a US$200 per TEU and a $300 per FEU general rate increase from May 1 on westbound cargo from the Indian subcontinent to north Europe and the Mediterranean.
"To continue offering our wide portfolio of services and high level of reliability, it will be necessary for us to implement a general rate increase," said a CSAV India statement.
Hamburg Sud earlier said it would apply a $200 per TEU rate increase on trades from the subcontinent to Europe, South America and the Caribbean from May 1.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
THE Port of Prince Rupert, nearly 500 miles north of Vancouver, posted a 120 per cent volume increase in March to 52,283 TEU year on year with the addition of two new services last year.
Imports increased 138 per cent and exports were up 100 per cent, the port authority. Prince Rupert's year-to-date volume increased 95 per cent with imports increasing 98 per cent and exports up 92 per cent against 2011 first quarter results.
Box volumes also increased at Vancouver, with container throughput up 10.5 per cent year to date. Imports increased 11 per cent and exports were up 9.6 per cent over the same period against 2011 first quarter results.
Prince Rupert attracted weekly services in May 2011 by China Ocean Shipping Co. and Hanjin Shipping, which doubled the weekly transpacific services calling at Prince Rupert to four.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
DURING the first quarter of this year, Chongqing posted a 28.7 per cent year-on-year increase in waterborne container volume of 146,000 TEU, reports Xinhua.
Overall waterborne cargo movement went up 10 per cent up to 26.15 million tonnes. Passenger transportation volume fell 12.1 per cent to 3.03 million. Turnover dropped 1.1 per cent to 208 million persons per kilometre.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
TAIWAN's Evergreen Line is to add West Africa connections through slots on the Algeciras-West Africa relay service operated by Hanjin, MOL and UASC, reports Alphaliner.
The service will also be used by Hapag-Lloyd as a slot buyer with Evergreen offering connections from the Hanjin terminal at Algeciras to Tema, Lagos-Apapaand Abidjan.
The service also calls at Tangier and Cotonou, although these two ports are not advertised by Evergreen, said Alphaliner. At Algeciras, the service connects with a revamped CKYH Alliance Asia-north Europe (NE 6) service, on which Evergreen has slots as part of the widened CKYH-Evergreen arrangement on the Far East-north Europe trade.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
NANHAI (Danzao) Logistics Centre, together with Guangzhou-Zhuhai Railway Foshan freight station as its core facility, has broken ground in becoming the largest railway cargo logistics facility in Guangdong's Foshan city, Xinhua reports.
The facility will cover 300 hectares (741 acres), costing CNY6 billion (US$951.2 million). The first phase of the freight yard will cover 26 hectares and have an annual capacity of 600,000 tonnes. After the second phase is completed, its capacity will be raised to eight million tonnes.
The logistics centre will mainly focus on the processing, distribution and trading of steel and aims to become one of the major steel logistics facilities in China.
Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
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