Global round up

Finnlines adds ro-ro vessels to fleet

Ro-ro operator Finnlines, part of the Grimaldi Group, has introduced two new ro-ro vessels to its fleet this month, the third and fourth of six new ships coming into operation this year. The MS Finnsky and MS Finnsun each offer space for 200 trailers, 398 TEU containers and 600 vehicles on two hoistable car decks.

Last Friday the first of the two, the MS Finnsky, had its naming ceremony at the Antwerp Euroterminal, in which Grimaldi has a majority stake. The ceremony was attended by Emanuele Grimaldi, chairman of Finnlines, Uwe Bakosch, CEO of Finnlines, Marc Van Peel, chairman of the Antwerp Port Authority, Eddy Bruyninckx, CEO of the Antwerp Port Authority, as well as members of Finnlines' board of directors and a selection of the shipowner's most important customers.

According to Finnlines the vessels are suitable for shipping a large variety of containers, ro-ro and breakbulk cargoes. They are fully-owned by Finnlines and will replace expensive chartered tonnage providing the company with improved quality of vessel while also saving money.

The ships are designed specifically for fuel efficiency and operational flexibility, added Finnlines in a statement, and operate with lower CO2 emissions, something crucial as operators in the Baltic and North Seas face new emissions legislation.

Hyundai to export Eon from India

Hyundai Motor's India division, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), has said it will begin exports of the entry-level (A2 segment) Eon model next month to South Asia and Africa. HMIL is the country's largest exporter and it's second-largest car manufacturer, with an assembly plant located near Chennai.

HMIL currently exports cars to more than 115 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The latest export announcement is reported to be part of a strategy to balance declining sales in Europe, one of Hyundai's biggest markets.

The carmaker has also announced that it will be boosting the supply of its popular diesel i20 and Verna models to the domestic market starting this month. The supply of both the diesel cars taken together will go up almost 50% from the existing 7,000 units per month to 10,500 units.

The company has been able to enhance supply by ramping up diesel engine imports from South Korea.

Union Pacific records 26% rise in auto revenue

North American rail provider Union Pacific Rail has reported its Q1 results which show a record increase across the board with net come of $863m compared to $639m in the first quarter of 2011. Freight revenues in the automotive segment were up 26% the biggest increase in the company's six business segments.

"Each of Union Pacific's six business groups reported freight revenue growth in the first quarter, driven by core pricing gains and improved fuel surcharge recovery," said the company in a statement. "Volume growth in four of our six business groups also contributed to revenue growth."

Quarterly operating revenue increased 14% in the first quarter to $5.1 billion versus $4.5 billion in the first quarter 2011.

Ford supply problem hits Melbourne plant

Ford may have to suspend production at its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants near Melbourne, Australia this week because of financial problems at supplier CMI Industrial, which manufactures seat belt, airbag, suspension and brake components, as well as inlet and exhaust manifolds.

According to local media reports, workers at the CMI facility were locked out of the facility last week allegedly because of unpaid rent on the property.

The Broadmeadows assembly plant, north of Melbourne, makes the FG Falcon, FG Falcon Ute, SY Territory MkII range and Ford performance vehicles. It's Geelong stamping plant, south of Melbourne, makes body stampings for Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory models.

Ceva opens office in Romania

Ceva has opened new premises in Bucharest, Romania, to strengthen its Freight Management platform in Eastern Europe.

Strategically located close to the biggest Romanian airport and seaports, the new office has been set up to provide customers with a range of services including international air and ocean freight management services, cargo planning, global door to door deliveries and customs clearance.

"Over the past two years, we have developed a team of freight management experts who are intimately familiar with our local market as well as our global network. Our in-house specialists will offer cargo planning consultancy and shipment advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Cristian Ofiteru, Ceva's country manager in Romania.