Christmas Party News

While the term ‘pioneer’ is oftentimes loosely bandied about, there is no more accurate term to describe Jochen Deerberg, an environmental pioneer of the maritime industry, founder of Oldenburg, Germany-based Deerberg-Systems, who was recently feted by cruise industry luminaries at his farewell dinner late last year. “To start in 1979 one could see that environmental-waste management problems on shore and especially in the maritime industry would be of great importance in the future,” said Deerberg. “Of course, I was 10 years too early with my idea.

According to a December 29, 2008 report from Gulf Shipper, the Port of Mobile Propeller Club presented the USS Alabama Battleship Commission and the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico with donations of $4,500 and $17,000 at the organization’s annual Christmas party this month. (Source: Gulf Shipper)

Shipbrokers Simpson, Spence and Young's Pacific Capesize Index fell 53 points to 5,284. "Owners have been keen to get their vessels fixed well before the office Christmas party to keep them trading over the festive period, which has been gratefully grasped by charterers who got the discounts they desired," SS&Y said. "This may not be the case in January when the balanced positional market will have little encouragement for owners to discount asking prices, giving rise to more positive thoughts for rates," SS&Y added. SS&Y's Atlantic Capesize Index also fell 159 points to 5,266. "With two weeks to go the average for the year stands 5,153," SS&Y said.