This week's top stories on ShippingWatch
When the sulphur regulations come into force
Carriers are preparing for the impending sulphur regulations that are set to come into force on January 1st 2015. This week Oldendorff and Hapag-Lloyd talked about their preparations, while manufacturer Alfa Laval is experiencing a rise in orders:
Oldendorff opts for gas oil ahead of 2015
Sulphur regulations cost Hapag-Lloyd up to USD 270 million
Alfa Laval believes in eco market in spite of slow IMO process
G6 vs P3
Learn the differences between the two major alliances, insofar as P3 is realized:
New G6 alliance agreement will only apply till 2016
P3 starts out with 130 ships, compared to G6's 180
New major container player approaching
Hapag-Lloyd and CSAV signed a memorandum of understanding this week concerning the merger of the two carriers, a move that could result in a challenge to Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd, particularly their reefer business in South America:
Hapag-Lloyd and CSAV agree on merger
Maersk and Hamburg Süd challenged in South America
CSAV share plummets following Hapag-Lloyd deal

Torm talking to new potential owners
A change in Torm's ownership structure - announced by the carrier in 2013 - has become more concrete:
Torm negotiating with new owner
Torm Chairman: Sale process still in very early stage
Lloyd's Register and the cultural change
The cultural change at centuries old Lloyd's Register still has some way to go, Chairman Thomas Thune Andersen told ShippingWatch:
”Lloyd’s Register still has some way to go”
Lloyd’s Register doubles up on newbuildings
Further reading:
Monjasa preparing large growth in Asia