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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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