Norway's SinOceanic Shipping ASA facilitates newbuilding orders for 10 x 8,800 TEU containerships at Jinhai Heavy Industries, said in the company's press release. On behalf of foreign interests, SinOceanic Shipping ASA says it has entered into a contract with Jinhai Heavy Industries, China, to build 10 x 8800 TEU state-of-the art super eco containerships for delivery from mid 2015. Upon delivery, all vessels will enter into long term, fixed charter parties. The vessels will be built to meet the latest IMO CSS Code for container vessels, where keels are laid on or after 1 January 2015. The total transaction, consisting of the combined value of the vessels and the charter parties, has a total gross value of approximately USD 2.4 billion.

Karl J. Pojer has been appointed the new ceo of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the German luxury and expedition cruise operator and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TUI AG. With immediate effect, 58-year old Pojer is taking charge of the cruise line's business development, operations, marketing, sales and distribution, product management, tourism as well as corporate communications.

Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has signed a classification agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction of five 18,400 teu containerships ordered by China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL).