This week's round up of news from the world of heavy lift and project forwarding.
The week started with some surprising news of Danish shipping company Copenship's financial distress and many will be wondering if this is the start of things to come for the shipping sector.
The reality is that it's tough out there and many parts of the world economy remain in a parlous state. The slowdown continues in China, sanctions are having a major impact on Russia, and no one knows what effect the situation in Greece might have on the rest of the EU.
It's going to be an interesting year ahead for everyone, and on that sombre note, have a great weekend.
In business
Allseas about turn on Pieter Schelte name
Following widespread negative reactions to the naming of Allseas' vessel after a Nazi war criminal, the company has announced that it will be changing the name of Pieter Schelte.
NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Corporation subsidiary NC Energy Services is set to acquire Casper, Wyoming-based Energy Transportation.
PD Ports has signed a new seven-year deal with SSI UK for the handling of steel slab through Teesport in Middlesbrough, UK.
US ports will suffer under new budget, warns AAPA
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has expressed disappointment over President Barack Obama's 2016 fiscal budget, and warns of the potential ramifications these measures will have on US federal ports.
Obama's budget to benefit Manatee
Port Manatee looks to benefit from full federal funding of a feasibility study related to the deepening of its channel and harbour area in Obama's fiscal 2016 budget.
Reports in the international media suggest that 200-year-old plans to build a canal through Thailand are gaining traction again.
Capacity developments
Slingmax redesigns test machine
Slingmax Rigging Solutions has redesigned its Hydraulic Pad Eye Tester, a device that is designed to increase jobsite safety and create a more streamlined lifting experience.
Nooteboom offers 'optimal transport solution'
Netherlands-based construction company KWS Infra has put its first four-axle Nooteboom MCOS-58-04 (EB) hydraulically steered semi low-loader into operation.
Kalmar has introduced a heavy fork lift truck, the Kalmar DCG180-330, in the 18-33 tonne capacity sector, designed especially for heavy cargo handling in industrial applications.
Seacurus adds South East Asian petro-piracy cover
Seacurus has developed a petro-piracy endorsement which can be added to existing Kidnap & Ransom (KR) insurance cover in response to evolving threats.
AB2000 strengthens heavy haulage fleet
Glasgow headquartered AB2000 has added two Volvo FH16-750 flagship tractor units to its fleet of vehicles.
Jade Software is to supply its Master Terminal port management software to seven terminals within the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC).
Shipment of the week
Following the decommissioning of a nuclear pilot reactor in Jülich, Germany, Mammoet was contracted to design and execute the removal of the most critical part - the 2,000-tonne reactor vessel - from the plant.
On the move
Wilhelmsen Ships Service is now operational in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
London-based shipbroking company, Trireme Maritime, has opened an office in Sao Paolo.
Terry O'Regan has been appointed legal director of the specialist shipping, logistics and international services team at UK-based law firm Birketts.
Network and association developments
The Project Partners network welcomed new member United Logistics Services (ULS) in Colombia.
Sonora joined the Project Cargo Network (PCN) as a new representative in Latvia.
The Global Project Logistics Network (GPLN) added a new member in Hong Kong: Pioneer Sea & Air.
The Pacific Power Logistics (PPL) network gained new member Moroccan Cargo Partner, as well as Yam International Shipping and Logistics representing Pakistan.
The CLC Projects network welcomed Blu Logistics Colombia, Gemadept Corporation in Vietnam, Indonesia's PT. Global Trans Nusa, and A.R.T Business Group in Belarus to its roster.
All about Evie
Heartened by the generosity of the Crane Institute of America, Evie was pleased to hear that the organisation had sold its 1963 Corvette at Mecum Auctions in Florida for a massive USD45k, which will be distributed to four chosen charities.
Evie is looking forward to attending the Southern Heavy International Transport Society's first gathering of 2015, which is taking place at the downstairs bar of The Tokenhouse in Moorgate, London on February 27 from 6pm onwards.
