Jim Wilson

Proposed new rules that would see car carriers calling in United States port hit with steep fees should be withdrawn, the World Shipping Council has told the U.S. Trade Representative. Referring to the part of the U.S. Trade Representative’s Notice that imposes fees on vehicle carriers, the WSC has declared in a further submission to...

IMO’s Safety Committee (MSC110) met in mid- June and progressed work on the non-mandatory Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code. Key outcomes included finalisation of 18 Chapters of the Code. Other critical aspects, such the human elements, will be addressed through an intersessional working group. The non-mandatory MASS Code is expected to be finalised and...

By the International Maritime Organization. Dr. Rosalie Balkin has been named as the winner of the International Maritime Prize for 2024.  The decision was announced today by the International Maritime Organization Council during its 134th session (7-11 July 2025).  She will receive the award at an official ceremony in November 2025. Nominated by the Government...

Australia’s competition watchdog has declared that it will not oppose DP World’s proposed acquisition of Silk Logistics because the purchase is unlikely to engage in discrimination and won’t substantially lessen competition. “Although DP World Australia may be able to engage in subtle forms of discrimination without adversely affecting its primary function as a container terminal,...

A preliminary feasibility study to set up a green shipping corridor between Australia and South Korea was announced in a Korean-language statement earlier this week by the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. A spokesperson from Australia’s Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts confirmed the development in response...

Shipping Australia Queensland held its Annual Golf Day on 25 June 2025. After two postponements it was great to finally get on the course which held up reasonably well from the previous saturated conditions. The postponements caused a few cancellations as changing dates did not always suit previously booked parties. Still, we were very pleased...

Japanese shipping major, “K” Line, has announced its first ever use of Bio-LNG, a potentially game-changing fuel for ocean shipping. Bio-LNG was supplied by Shell Western LNG to “K” Line’s car carrier, Oceanus Highway (IMO 1046049) a Japanese-flagged, 2025-built, ship with a length and beam of 199 metres and 38 metres respectively. The ship took 500...

Strong trade volume growth has been recorded by the World Trade Organization for the first few months of 2025 but this surge is thought to be connected to importers’ desire to avoid higher Trump Tariffs by bringing forward goods purchases. “If so, trade growth should slow later in the year as sellers draw down inventories...

Australia’s Maritime Safety Authority has drawn attention to the revised IMO guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from ships. The revised guidelines provide updated design, technical, operational and maintenance guidance applicable to shipbuilders, designers and operators. The revised guidelines are to be applied to new and existing ships, taking into account ship design,...

A 25% boost has been injected into the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, it was announced earlier this week. Tassie businesses will now receive more financial help from Canberra of up to AUD$1,070 per TEU under the scheme’s domestic component. Goods being shipped from Tassie to the rest of the world via trans-shipment at a mainland...