Chinese shipyard JES International has secured one shipbuilding contract plus options worth up to $120m from a European customer.

Norden has reported a full year loss for 2013 of $48m, down from $279m in 2012.

Ship Finance International Limited (SFL) has agreed to buy two 5,800 teu post-panamax boxships in combination with long-term charters and has announced the settlement of a two year old chartering dispute.

NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers has sealed a 15-year contract with Baja Bulk Carriers on the charter of a newly-built bulk carrier for the transportation of salt.

Sinotrans Shipping while still turning a profit, could not be left unaffected by the poor market conditions last year, turning in a 79% lower profit of $4.32m.

Knightsbridge Tankers has announced it will buy five capesize newbuilds from Frontline 2012 and a further 2013-built capesize from Karpasia.

Dryad Maritime has warned of the biggest surge in West African pirate attacks “since Dryad’s records began”, following eight attacks in three months.

Chinese shipbuilder JES International has added options to its orderbook for the construction of four newcastlemax bulk carriers worth approximately $212m.

The UK has dropped its light dues rate by one penny, to GBP0.40 ($0.67) per net registered tonne.

Dry bulk shipowner Thoresen Shipping Singapore has opened an office in South Africa in a move to expand its network and meet growing customer demand.