Jim Wilson

World trade volumes have ticked-up by about 1% in the first quarter of 2024 following a flat 2023, according to trade data from the World Trade Organization. Merchandise trade (average of exports and imports) was up in Q1 2024 vs Q4 2023; trade was also up in by 1.4% in Q1 this year compared to...

New research by marine insurer Gard demonstrates that 74% of all seafarer deaths are caused by some kind of illness. “Of course, this category of claims should ideally be zero. However, as an industry we are unfortunately far from where we would like to be, and over the past 5 years, Gard has recorded over...

Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has declared it will invest in UK-headquartered Carnot, which says it has developed advanced technical materials and an innovative engine design that radically boosts engine efficiency. Modern engines typically operate at about 35% thermal efficiency, Carnot says, adding that is new technology and design can achieve 70% thermal...

Shipping Australia was pleased to read an editorial in the AFR yesterday, “Shipping shock glimpse of world without rules“. In it, the AFR basically reviews the ongoing Red Sea crisis (caused by the ongoing conflict disaster in the Middle East) and reflects on the wonders of just-in-time logistics and world trade – which has largely...

Shippers will have breathed at least a little sigh of relief this last week as the increases in box freight spot rates have stalled. First up: the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index (SCFI), which is the freight rates out of, er, Shanghai (China) to about 12 regions around the world with data supplied by 23 carriers...

The 2024 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is to go to two sets of nominees: the Captain and crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda, for containing a fire after the ship was struck by an anti-ship missile; and the Captain and crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya, for their rescue of six...

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has confirmed that its digitalised Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE 2.0) is scheduled to ‘go-live’ on Monday 2 September 2024 and become the standard tanker inspection tool for the marine industry. The final transition to SIRE 2.0 and the withdrawal of the option to request a SIRE Vessel...

Freight rates are spiking, with Drewry’s World Container Index recording large weekly gains. The Asia to US East Coast rate jumped more than US$1,300 dollars for a forty-footer and now above US$9,100 for a forty footer; Asia-US West Coast also jumped and is now at about USD$7,500 for a forty footer. Asia-North Europe has hit...

Shipping Australia is delighted to invite you to our upcoming Industry Gala Night, a premier event that promises an evening of elegance, entertainment, and exceptional networking opportunities. This distinguished event has long been a highlight on the social calendar for the industry , bringing together key industry leaders, partners, and supporters for a night of...

Singapore-headquartered premium multipurpose and project cargo carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) has delivered a cargo of heavy lift heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) components for Keppel Infrastructure’s 600 MW combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant under construction on Jurong Island in Singapore – a site that will become the first hydrogen-ready and most advanced facility of...