News From Lloyd's List DCN

Asciano secures Queensland coal haulage deal

Asciano has won a deal to haul 7m tonnes of coal each year for two of Macarthur Coal’s mines in Queensland and is looking for more market share.

Trade deficit continues to increase

Australia’s trade gap fell deeper into the red in December, despite a small increase in exports.

Imports boost Port Botany's December volumes

Imports helped lift the overall volume of containers handled at Port Botany by 11% in December.

Shipping executives to speak at YSA luncheon

Leading executives from three of the Australian market's top shipping lines will speak at a Young Shipping Australia (YSA) lunch to be held in Sydney this month.

Toll takes major step in US logistics market

Toll Group's plan to boost its global forwarding effort with an entry into the US market has taken a significant step forward with the $80m acquisition of US firm Summit Logistics International.

Blackwater coal line cut as PN train derails

It could take until the weekend to re-open a section of track in Queensland's Blackwater coal chain south-west of Rockhampton following a derailment in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

2010 looking good for coal industry

The coal industry is preparing for continued improvement in market conditions this year amid expectations that power consumption and steel output will drive up demand.

Industrial peace looms in energy support sector

The drawn-out industrial strife in the offshore energy support sector appears to be nearing an end with all parties agreeing that progress is being made.

Sea Cargo Logistics fraudster jailed

The man whose embezzlement caused the liquidation of Sea Cargo Logistics has been jailed for 13 years over a variety of fraud offences as well as a charge of dangerous driving causing death.

Mell Singapore makes maiden voyage to Darwin

A replacement vessel commissioned for the Mariana Express service between Darwin and the Asia Pacific region made its maiden voyage to the Northern Territory port on Friday.

UGL wins $126m QR Coal rolling stock deal

Queensland Rail has awarded $126m in train contracts to engineering firm UGL.

BHP commits to $2.2bn Pilbara expansion

BHP Billiton has approved a $2.2bn expansion of its Pilbara iron ore operations, which will see annual production capacity lift to 240m tonnes from 2013.

NSW to focus on maritime and cruise development

New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally says the state government’s move to create a maritime capability hub will not dilute its commitment to Sydney’s cruise industry.

Asia-Pacific pulls global airfreight out of nosedive

The Asia-Pacific region was the major shining light in an otherwise dark 2009 for airfreight, International Air Transport Association figures show.

Paul Little recognised in Australia Day honours

Several prominent members of the Australian transport industry have gained national recognition in the 2010 Australia Day Honours list.

Demand for heavy machinery continues slide

A decline in demand for screeners and graders in December has seen heavy machinery imports fall for a second consecutive month.

Haiti charity dinners to be held on Friday

Details have been confirmed for two charity dinners in Sydney and Melbourne to help raise funds for the people of earthquake-devastated Haiti.

Esperance workers cancel strike after wage win

Workers at the port of Esperance cancelled a two-day strike after they reached a last minute interim pay deal with the port authority.

Austal-built vessel to help Haiti aid effort

An Austal catamaran originally intended for a now bankrupt client in Hawaii will be used by the US Maritime Administration for relief efforts in Haiti.

Fortescue shipments jump in December quarter

The volume of iron ore shipped by Fortescue Metals in the December quarter rose by almost 45% from the previous corresponding period as the total ore mined over the same period also increased.