The Hyundai-Vinashin Shipyard Company in the central province of Khanh Hoa on June 15 handed over a 56,000 DWT cargo vessel named the E.R. Barcelona to Germanys company E.R.Shiffahrt.

The UK-based Rolls-Royce Group has clinched two deals worth undisclosed sums to install Syncrolift shiplift and transfer systems in Vietnam, including one that will be the largest in Southeast Asia.

CMA CGM has announced the launch of the new CIMEX 2 service linking the Asian region in partnership with Maersk Line.

Exporters are calling for negotiations with shipping firms over skyrocketing time charter rates that are the primary cause of significant increases in the cost of outward bound international shipments, according to Paiboon Ponsuwanna, chairman of the Thai National Shippers' Council, the Bangkok Post reported.

On June 8, Saigontourist Travel Service Company welcomed the five-star cruiser liner SuperStar Virgo with 3,188 passengers and crew on board, mostly from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

Damen-designed Multi Purpose Vessel, particularly suited for oil spill response, will soon enter service in Vietnam after undergoing successful sea trials. It is fitted with two large sweeping arms and will be the first oil spill response vessel of this type to be operated in Asia.

American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier expanded its U.S. East and Gulf coasts/Middle East service with the addition of its U.S.-flag ro/ro vessel Endurance.

UPS has formed a joint venture in Vietnam with P&T Express, which will offer express pickup and delivery service to 63 provinces, the Associated Press reported.

The US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy set off its San Diego naval base on May 1 for a trip of humanitarian assistance in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam.

The ships H.T.M.S Taksin and H.T.M.S Chaophraya ships, belonging to the Royal Thai Naval Academy, docked at Da Nang City’s Tien Sa port on April 27.