West Africa – the global rice trade and its challenges for marine cargo underwriters

By Caroline Paul The West African region depends on international imports for some 40% of its…

Crew Health: Food safety on board

When it comes to ensuring a fit and healthy crew, all vessels should apply food safety…

Does sinking shipping market mean end for ultra-large newbuild orders?

As ocean carriers reel from a disastrous first half this year, they seem to have lost…

Are more offshore companies set to fail after Swiber?

By Marcus Hand from Singapore The dramatic collapse of Singapore offshore company Swiber underscores the parlous…

The world’s busiest hub for transshipment traffic

In the late 13th century, a settlement known as Singapore was established on the north bank…

Greek shipowners drive European fleet growth

By David Glass from Athens Since the start of 2014 European shipowners have been in expansion mode, primarily driven…

Not the end of the world for Philippines crewing as China takes No.1 spot

By Marcus Hand from Singapore Back around 2002 – 2003 the fear of the rise of Chinese crewing was…

Happy Birthday, Dear Box!

Container shipping was 60 years old last week. From its origins in the first seaborne transportation…

New container weight regulations have safety in mind

Shipping companies will in future have to adhere to strict international weight verification regulations for containers…

The critical role of a surveyor in bunkering

By Peter van den Boomgaard Although the drop in oil price has led to a fall…

From Nigeria to Singapore: How low crude oil prices are changing pirates’ tactics

Piracy off the coast of Nigeria is estimated to cost over $7bn annually, with the bulk…

What’s for shipping in China’s 13th Five-Year Plan?

By Lee Hong Liang from Singapore With the conclusion of the 2016 Chinese Lunar New Year and the start…