Topic: Cargo and Freight Shipping

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Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 06/07
2011 Michael L. Printz awards: here are the winners

The Michael L. Printz Award is given for excellence in literature written for young adults. Dark, challenging, compelling – these are books that pack a punch even as they keep young readers turning the pages.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 10/06
In Pictures: Disaster averted at the Great Barrier Reef

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Europe launches airstrikes on Somalia to uproot pirate base

This is the first time the European-led naval expedition, Operation Atalanta, has attacked a pirate base on Somali territory.
Massive, rocket-powered, robotic craft begins delivery mission to space station

The 13-ton cargo freighter is loaded with about 7.2 tons of supplies, including food, water, clothing, experiments and fuel for the space station, according to NASA.
Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.
Lieberman and Collins: Shipping industry must choose between Iran and the US

Iran thwarts economic sanctions through loopholes in international shipping regulations. 'Classification societies' give certifications (access to ports and international trade) to both Iranian and US vessels. These groups must end their conflicting role, which supports Iranian commerce.
US, British forces rescue Italian ship from Somali pirates

The Italian crew steered the hijacked ship toward awaiting NATO forces in the Indian Ocean. Eleven Somali pirates were captured.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 06/07
Shipping companies: Europe investigates price fixing

Shipping companies were visited Monday by European Commission officials looking for evidence of price fixing. US exporters, importers with similar complaints against the shipping companies are watching closely.
Astronauts observe Japan's tsunami aftermath from space

High-resolution photos taken from the International Space Station show some of the areas hit the hardest by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the northeastern coast of Japan.
Terrorism & Security
Pirates seize oil tankers, putting oil supply routes at risk

Pirates' seizure of two oil tankers in the past two days threatens oil supply to the West and ramps up pressure on navies to take more aggressive action.
Somali pirates capture oil tanker bound for US: Higher oil prices ahead?

Somali pirates took control of an oil tanker from Kuwait carrying $200 million worth of crude. It's the second oil-tanker hijacking by Somali pirates in two days.
2011 Michael L. Printz awards: here are the winners

The Michael L. Printz Award is given for excellence in literature written for young adults. Dark, challenging, compelling – these are books that pack a punch even as they keep young readers turning the pages.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 10/06
Asian carp: multiple efforts afoot to find a Great Lakes solution

Five Great Lakes states are suing Illinois to force it to close two shipping locks. But US officials are pursuing other ways to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, and even the Chicago mayor has a proposal.
Large aid flotilla to test Israeli blockade of Gaza

Eight ships are sailing toward Gaza with 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid to challenge Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory. In a legal challenge, an Israeli group wonders why chocolate and other foods bound for Gaza are a security risk.
Eleven alleged Somali pirates indicted in US federal court

The alleged Somali pirates face charges of piracy and plunder, charges not typically heard – at least since the 18th century. What they thought were commercial vessels were actually US Navy warships. That was a big mistake.
Navy looks for ways other than armed patrols to fight Somali pirates

A top admiral says US Navy armed patrols can't chase Somali pirates indefinitely. Other ways must be found to get to the source of piracy off the coast of Somalia.
In Pictures: Disaster averted at the Great Barrier Reef
Suspected Somali pirates more active, but US Navy fighting back

End of monsoon season is bringing more aggressive activity by suspected Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. But the US and other navies are hitting back, capturing pirates and sinking their boats.
Somali pirates release tanker after receiving $3.5 million ransom

After four month ordeal, a North Korean tanker was released from the hands of Somali pirates on Tuesday reportedly after receiving a $3.5 million ransom.
Terrorism & Security
Singapore raises terror alert on Malacca Strait, one of the world's most important oil shipping lanes

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore raised terror alert levels after a tip-off that terrorists are planning to attack vessels in the Malacca Strait. The threat hasn't prevented millions of barrels of oil from being shipped through the strait daily.
Gallery: Top Twitter moments
Somali pirates fight over record ransom

Owners of a Greek-flagged oil tanker dropped a record ransom payment of $5.5 million to $7 million on the deck of the ship today, prompting Somali pirates to release the Maran Centaurus.
Minnesota, Ohio join lawsuit against Illinois over Asian carp

Minnesota and Ohio joined Michigan in its lawsuit to close an Illinois canal connecting a tributary of the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. The states say the invasion of Asian carp through the canal could destroy the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Terrorism & Security
Accused Somali arrives in US to face piracy charges

Musi's case is thought to be the first of its kind in the US in more than a century.
Who will stop the pirates?

American merchant sailors showed their mettle in retaking a hijacked ship, but piracy off Somalia continues to vex the international community.