A shortage of modern MPP ships and an unexpected comeback for oil and gas means Hamburg-based United Heavy Lift is busy, Partner Andreas Rolner tells ShippingWatch. ”A year ago, we thought oil and gas was dead.”

Container carriers are facing a couple of difficult years, but otherwise the shipping industry looks set to do well despite dark clouds over the world economy, according to shipping analyst. ”Right now, most companies are making a lot of money.”

Demand for container freight continues to decline in Europe, which could lead to significant overcapacity once current bottleneck issues are resolved, writes Sea-Intelligence.

Almost 2,000 dock workers at Britain’s biggest container ship port plan to strike for eight days this month after failing to reach a pay deal, threatening to sever one of the UK’s most important trade routes.

Australia’s labor minister criticizes Maersk-owned Svitzer in relation to a labor agreement strife. The conflict resulted in work stoppage on Friday in a number of Australian ports.