Trade, Shipping and Transport News 15^th September 2015

M.V Rotterdam - Diana Containerships Inc.

Diana Containerships Inc. stated that yesterday, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it took delivery of the m/v Rotterdam.  , “Rotterdam” is a newly delivered vessel  Post-Panamax container vessel of approximately 6,500 TEU capacity   Diaba Containerships Inc.’s fleet currently consists of 14 container vessels.

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New Vessel from CMA-CGM 

 The 18,000-TEU container ship, designed by China State Shipping Corporation, is the largest China has ever made. The vessel is named CMA CGM Zheng He after the Ming Dynasty navigator and its deck is as large as four soccer fields. It is understood the shipbuilders Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co are sent to build  20,000 TEU vessel

Port of Kotka

Finland's three big trade union federations plan industrial action on Friday against the government's labour reform programme. The port will be shut on Friday 18th beginning ag 9am local time. The nations ports have experience a decline in volumes during the last few years

 European News

Statement by the European Commission following the temporary reintroduction of border controls by Germany
Yesterday the European Commission issued a statement underlining that Germany's decision to reintroduce border controls, particularly at the German-Austrian border, is a temporary measure.


EU's Civil Protection Mechanism helps Hungary cope with refugee influx

Last Friday (11 September 2015) Hungary activated the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism which will allow it to benefit from material support to help cope with the influx of refugees and asylum seekers


Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of GPG by KIA and GNF in energy sector
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint control over Global Power Generation S.A.U ("GPG") of Spain by the Kuwait Investment Authority (“KIA”) of Kuwait and by Gas Natural SDG, S.A. ("GNF") of Spain. GPG owns and operates several power plants, mainly in Latin America. None of them are located in the European Economic Area (EEA)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over Mitsubishi Agricultural Machinery by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mahindra & Mahindra

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of joint control over Mitsubishi Agricultural Machinery Co. Ltd. ("MAM") by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. ("MHI"), both of Japan, and Mahindra & Mahindra Limited of India. MAM manufactures and sells agricultural equipment. 
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EUROSTAT: Industrial production up by 0.6% in euro area
In July 2015 compared with June 2015, seasonally adjusted industrial production rose by 0.6% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.3% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In June 2015 industrial production decreased by 0.3% and 0.1% respectively. In July 2015 compared with July 2014, industrial production increased by 1.9% in the euro area and by 1.8% in the EU28

 Transport News

 Mobile Phone Warning: HGV and PSV Drivers

The DVLA has just issued a warning aimed at bus and lorry drivers who have accrued penalty points on their licences for mobile phone offences.
Mobile phone offences are frequently dealt with by way of fixed penalty offers (£100) and the endorsement of 3 penalty points. If the matter is prosecuted in court, then the court has the discretion to disqualify instead of imposing penalty points.