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The Asian Shipowners’ Forum which met recently in Busan, Korea recently said
Asian shipowners have been major players in every aspects of world shipping,
should speak out on worldwide shipping agenda.
In statement issued after the 16th ASF meeting that was held 28-20 May 2007,
the Forum should express a consensual Asian shipowners’ view to the
international community in order to enhance and strengthen the ASF’s stature
in the shipping industry.
As part of its desire to assume a higher profile in global shipping the
Forum agreed to the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Singapore
and appoint the first ASF Secretary General for the new office.
Chairman of MASA, Ir Nordin Mat Yusoff led the delegation of Malaysian
shipowners to the meeting which was attended by 119 delegates from the
shipowner associations of Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong,
Japan, Korea and the Federation of Asean Shipowners’ Associations.
The meeting reviewed and discussed several industry issues.
Dry Bulk and Tanker Shipping:
The Forum felt the market in 2007 would continue to expand. On the
tanker sector, it was noted that the future tanker market would be
influenced by the phase out of single hull tanker by 2010 and how much new
tonnage would enter the market following the phase out.
Liner Shipping:
The Forum said the US Tran-Pacific trade is expected to accelerate
and an overall tighter demand/supply situation is expected in 2007. In the
Intra-Asian trade, the expansion of Chinese economy is expected to drive the
demand as well as surge in demand fostered by expansion of Vietnamese
economy.
Panama Canal:
ASF voiced its concern on the increase in Panama Canal Dues and felt
the quantum of increase was unacceptable, especially for container ships and
tankers. ASF wanted the increase to be spread over a longer period than the
3 years proposed by the Panama Canal Authority.
STCW Review:
Noting that IMO is reviewing the STCW in order whether the
convention code should be revised, ASF urged member associations from the
region, which accounts as the world’s major supplier of seafarers, to
contribute to the review by sharing their experiences in implementing the
STCW Convention.
The next 17th ASF meeting will be held in China.
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