European Shipowners Welcomes EPA
The European Union (EU) and Japan signed the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement during the 25th EU-Japan summit in Tokyo. The European Shipowners welcome the signing of a highly ambitious trade agreement between two of the world's largest economies.âAt a time that unilateralism and protectionism are rising, the EU and Japan are sending a strong message in support of free, fair and rules-based tradeâ, said European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA)' Secretary General Martin Dorsman.The agreement with Japan will remove the vast majority of customs duties that cost EU companies exporting to Japan EUR 1 billion a year and willâŚ
European Shipowners Welcome EU Trade Agreements with Japan, Singapore
The European Commission presented trade agreements with Japan and Singapore to the Council to eventually be adopted. The European shipowners are very pleased that the first step towards the conclusion of these agreements has been taken. âWith Japan and Singapore agreements Europe sends a strong message to the world in support of fair and regulated tradeâ, said European Community Shipownersâ Associations (ECSA) Secretary General Martin Dorsman. The agreement with Japan is the biggest bilateral trade partnership ever negotiated by the European Union. It will remove the vast majority of customs duties that cost EU companies exporting to Japan âŹ1 billion a year. EU exports to Japan could increase by over one third.
Hong Kong Receive BMT Maritime Strategic Study
BMT Asia Pacific (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, says it has completed a major strategic study - âEnhancing Hong Kongâs Position as an International Maritime Centre (IMC)â, undertaken on behalf of the Hong Kong Transport and Housing Bureau. The study aims to plot a development roadmap and strategy that will enable Hong Kong to remain a successful IMC in an increasingly competitive region. BMT explains that it conducted the IMC study utilising extensive industry engagement to examine the context and economic significance of Hong Kongâs maritime cluster, as well as the key challenges facing Hong Kong as an IMC. The findings, which were recently made available to the publicâŚ
Hong Kong Plans to Add High-Value Maritime Services
In his annual policy address to the Hong Kong SAR Legislative Council, Chief Executive C Y Leung pledged that the Government would continue to improve port facilities and enhance the efficiency of port operations, thereby seizing the opportunities brought by the growth of trade in the Mainland and Asia. "The logistics industry has flourished in recent years. Ten hectares of land have been set aside in Tuen Mun West for logistics use. Land will also be earmarked in new development areas for the construction of modern logistics facilities.
ISS Appoint Romi Kaushai Asia Pacific Operations V-P
International maritime services provider, Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), has appointed Romi Kaushal as Executive Vice President of Operations for their Asia Pacific region. With extensive experience in operations and shore based management, Romi has worked in senior commercial and operational positions across the globe. He was also a Principal Consultant for KPMG, CEO for the Emirates Shipping Line in Hong Kong and has held shipping roles in Hamburg, New York, Dubai and Montreal.
IMS Saves Money
Following a record number of ASD Tug deliveries in 2012, accomplished Ship Delivery and Crew Training specialists, International Maritime Services (IMS) have handed over two ROPAX Ferries and a Workboat in quick succession to their respective owners. After completing an arduous 10,100 NM delivery voyage, the 117 metre ROPAX Ferry âSanta Cruz de Tenerifeâ arrived in its new home port of Busan Korea, earlier this week, hot on the heels of the successful delivery of a 26 metre Damen catamaran work boat from Singapore to Australia and a 99 metre Coastal Ferry relocated from Greece to Zanzibar. In all three cases, IMS provided Onboard Familiarisation & Maintenance (OFM) Training to the ownerâs crewâŚ
Ship Delivery Recognized as ISM Compliant
International Maritime Services (IMS) Ship Delivery department has been recognised for meeting the international standard for safe management and operation of ships and pollution prevention (ISM Code). On 14 February, a Document of Compliance (DOC) was issued by Germanischer Lloyd on behalf of Bahamas Maritime Authority, which will immediately encompass the requirements for an upcoming delivery voyage of 10,500 nautical miles. IMS Chief Operating Officer, Brendan Cooley stated, âWe pride ourselves on offering our clients a flexible and quality level of service at all times. IMS is one of the worldâs leading ship delivery companies and âtotal solutions providerâ.
Cabotage Off the Table in Trade Talks
The Jones Act will not be on the table when a new round of talks on international trade in services begins this fall, according to a draft document prepared by U.S. trade officials outlining U.S. objectives for the negotiations. The document outlines the Administration's broad goals and industry-specific negotiating objectives for the upcoming "Seattle Round" of services trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization, so called because the talks will begin with a meeting of international trade ministers in Seattle, November 30-December 3. The 1994 General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) requires a new round of services negotiations begin by January 1, 2000. While the Administration is still consulting with Congress and the private sector to finalize U.S.
