ShippingWatch learned this week that the European Commission has asked for a series of changes to the Danish proposal for state subsidies for carriers and maritime companies, based on recommendations from September 2012 by the first growth team appointed by the Danish government.

As such, Denmark and several other countries are currently having their state subsidies to carriers and maritime businesses scrutinized.

EU preparing restrictions on maritime subsidies 

Fredriksen continues his efforts to take over DHT Holdings

John Fredriksen and Frontline would become the by-far biggest player in the VLCC market if the carrier is able to take over DHT Holdings, though the latter has repeatedly rejected the takeover attempts.

Fredriksen continues his crusade to become top supertanker player 

Fredriksen makes new attempt to buy DHT 

Major shipping conference in Singapore

The Singapore Maritime Week shipping conference, held every other year, took place this week, and one of the event's focus points concerned attracting more investors to the key maritime hub as well as the effects of the US shale boom which is currently putting pressure on the sector. And industry players such as Hafnia Tankers and Teekay Corporation debated against family-owned carriers.

"The era of privately owned carriers is coming to an end" 

US shale boom puts pressure on the entire industry 

Top analyst shoots down container carrier optimism 

Kuehne+Nagel CEO: Container industry has a problem 

Singapore wants more investors to enter the field 

Maersk Line in strong in strong start to 2017...

2017 is off to a good start so far, Maersk Line's Head of Asia and the Pacific, Robbert van Trooijen, tells ShippingWatch.

Maersk Line: 2017 off to a good start 

Maersk in large digitalization venture with Microsoft 

and the carrier will pay EUR 3.7 billion for Hamburg Süd

The boards of directors at Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd have now approved the transaction, which is expected to be completed in late 2017.

Maersk Line to pay EUR 3.7 bln for Hamburg Süd 

Don't forget to read up on equity fund Altor, Norwegian billion dollar potential, maritime capitals, first quarter interim reports, and more:

Danish tax authority: OW Bunker abused tax legislation 

Norway eyes giant oil discovery in the Barents Sea 

Singapore cements its position as leading maritime hub 

Semco Maritime delivers new large deficit

Subsea 7 eyes improved supply in offshore market 

Belgium's Exmar calls off purchase of Dutch gas fleet 

English Edit: Daniel Logan Berg-Munch