The idled fleet of container ships around the world rose to 506 vessels, representing 1.34 million TEUs of capacity at the end of April according to AXS-Alphaliner, a Paris-based shipping consultant.
The level of piracy off the Horn of Africa continues to rise with the risk of death and capture regarded as occupational hazards for the criminal gangs involved. However, the tide could now turn after two attacks against US-flagged ships in a week alerted public opinion in the world's most powerful nation.
Cunard's former flagship Queen Elizabeth 2 is currently berthed at Port Rashid, where owners Nakheel have recently announced that there are no plans to move QE2 in the short term.
Klyne Tugs (Lowestoft) Ltd has delivered the former French aircraft carrier Clemenceau to the Able UK TERRC (Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre) facility at Able Seaton Port on the river Tees to be broken up.
Five members of a group of Somali pirates who hijacked a Saudi-owned oil tanker are reported to have drowned as they made their getaway. The pirates were in a small boat that overturned in rough seas as they left Sirius Star after a US$3 million ransom was paid.
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Ships Monthly is a well respected and authoritive source of information providing reports on the ferry, cruise, new building and cargo ship scene as well as the world’s navies. Informative features cover a selection of vessel types old and new as well as personal recollections, voyage reports, naval incidents and company histories.
