Goldenport, the international shipping company that owns and operates a fleet of container and dry bulk vessels announces that it has concluded the sale of the 1992-built container vessel 'MSC Scotland', to an unaffiliated third party "Joplin Overseas Investments Ltd" of Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands, for a cash consideration of US$ 6.5 million.

John Fredriksen-linked shipowner Golden Ocean has acquired for the 180,000-dwt Magnolia (built 2009 S. Korea) which brokers had heavily linked to Navios Group of Greece. Reports suggest the deal will cost approximately USD 33.6 million.

The collapse of the German KG ship financing system has left a hole in the small container vessel market which still needs to be filled, particularly as much of the fleet needs to be made more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

Charter rates for Capesize ships, the biggest carriers of iron ore, fell the most in almost six weeks amid speculation of slowing imports to China, the world’s biggest buyer of the commodity.

The Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant, has issued a renewed warning that Somali pirates are still determined to get out to sea and, if presented with an easy target, will attack.  “I am very concerned that seafarers and nations will lower their guard and support for counter piracy operations in the belief that the piracy threat is over..."

Greek ship owner Victor Restis has denied involevement in any sort of business activity with Iran, or Mr. Cambis, who is already faced with sanctions from the US government. United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) unveiled evidence of illicit business practices between Victor Restis, Chairman of Greek's First Business Bank S.A. (FBB), and the Iranian regime.

Oil tanker trade is growing at its fastest rate in a decade as the boom in US production forces exporters that in the past supplied the American market to seek new customers further afield.

Swedish shipping publication ShipPax Information, which offers specialist valuation services and undertakes feasibility studies in the passenger shipping industry with nearly 40 years of experience, handed an award to Attica Group for the design and interior concept of the BLUE STAR PATMOS.