“Curiosity of the Day” 
In 1783, the first hot air balloon was launched carrying a sheep, duck and a rooster. The flight lasted for eight minutes before landing safely with its passengers. more
Investment in Jaxport Channel continues 
Keeping up public investment, the US federal government has just earmarked USD 93 million for the next phase of deepening Florida's Jacksonville shipping channel to 14 m from its current depth of 12 m. This step is part of the US government's full funding of its portion of... more
Airbus looks back to the future
Airbus China has been authorised to restart operations of the Tianjin final assembly line, which had been suspended after the coronavirus outbreak. This means it can gradually increase production. During the Singapore air show, Airbus revealed the 2 x 3.2 m (2.25 sqm)... more
Railway upgrade through the Nile Delta goes ahead
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Egyptian ministry of international cooperation (MOIC) have signed a cooperation agreement to provide up to EUR 1.5 million of grant financing for a feasibility study for the Tanta – El Mansoura – Damietta Rail project. The aim is to... more
Vopak announces share buyback programme
The Dutch tank storage company Vopak has announced its financial results for full year 2019. Full year ebitda of EUR 830 million (2018: EUR 734 million) increased by EUR 96 million, reflecting a good aggregate business (including new assets) performance of EUR 37 million,... more
Helicopter parents
Fossil fuels are under fire, which in turn has led to a decline in demand for helicopter services from the offshore oil and gas industry. Two large operators have reacted to this trend and are seeking salvation in a merger. more
Third relief action within short time frame
Through its logistics subsidiary Maskargo, the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) uplifted disposable medical protective gear for use at various hospitals across the Hubei province in China via a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai Pudong. This is in collaboration with local relief... more
Intermodal sector benefits from increased activity in Poland
After Rail Time Polska was taken over by Austrian ÖBB RCG in autumn 2019, the Polish carrier was renamed to Rail Cargo Carrier – Poland. Now ÖBB RCG has started providing its own traction services in Poland. The rail company bridges the gap on freight corridor 8 for... more
Surprisingly bright outlook for container shipping
The Berlin (Germany)-based European credit rating agency Scope ratings published its 2020 outlook on container shipping. According to its expectations, and maybe surprisingly, the container shipping industry is sailing into less choppy waters this year. Due to improved cost... more
Shipping Australia welcomes Jim Wilson
Shipping Australia has appointed international maritime and transport journalist Jim Wilson as its new policy and communications executive. Wilson is already known to the Australian freight industry from his days as the editor of Lloyd’s List DCN / Lloyd’s List Australia and... more