WORLDWIDE MARITIME NEWS (XX)
1.- TANGIER MED: CONTAINER HANDLING RECORD
In 2014 the Tangier Med Port hit the record of three million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) container, a rise by 20% compared to the figure of 2.55 millionTEU container in 2013.
2.- MEXICO: BIDDING FOR MAJOR INFRAESTRUCTURE PROJECT
Starting 2015 foreign investors will be allowed to bid on a project to quadruple the Port of Veracruz capacity. The estimated cost will be close to USD 5 billion. Once completed, the port will be able to dock ships 400 meters long.
3.- INDIA: POLICY CHANGES IN SHIPPING
The Indian Shipping Minister, Mr. Nitin Gadkani, recently announced a policy support to the shipping and port sectors. Among other measures, he anticipated tax-exemption to seafarers, cargo support to Indian-flag carriers, free-bunker to coastal shipping, incentives to shipyards and de-regulation of port tariffs.
4.- SHIPPING: MORE M & As in 2015
If the low freight rates go on, the shipping industry is expected to see more merger and acquisition ( M & A) operations in 2015. Particularly owners of smaller fleets will be forced, either by volition or coertion, to find pooling partners to maximize the potential of their vessels.
5.- PANAMA CANAL: LARGER SHIPS WITH GREATER VOLUMES
The Panama Canal's current restrictions meaning smaller vessels known as Panamax Tankers are going to be over in a near future thanks to the undergoing expansion that will allow for the passage of larger vessels with capacities of approximately 400.000-680.000 barrels of crude oil.
