South Japan News

At least three people were reported killed and rescue crews were searching for 13 crew members missing after a Hong Kong freighter and a Chinese fishing boat collided off southern , the Japan Times reported . The boats collided Friday night in the East China Sea, west of the southern , according to the reports. The reports said the fishing boat sank quickly after the collision and two of its crew were rescued. Source:  M&C

While the dry bulk carrier market waits for increased opportunities arising from the eventual onset of spring, the Panamax sector continues to trade in a relatively steady manner. Modern Panamaxes continue to attract a premium over older ships with the 2000-built, 74,000-dwt Far Eastern Glory reported to have been booked at $12,600 daily for delivery Taiwan between February 18 and 25. The charter involves an Australian round voyage followed by redelivery in Japan. Meanwhile, the 1992-built, 69,310 dwt Far Eastern Express, while older and smaller, has been reported chartered for mid February delivery in Yokkaichi for a trip via north Pacific with redelivery scheduled off the Continent at $11,800 daily. Both rates were considered healthy.