New York: Nasdaq- listed StealthGas Inc. released its fourth earnings today, announcing profits of $7.8m for the three-month period and $29m for the year.The quarter's earnings are a 77.3% increase on Q4 2011's $3.4m, and the full year profit is...

Oslo: Oslo listed bulk carrier owner Golden Ocean has cancelled three more bulker orders at Jinhai Heavy Industry Co. (Jinhai) and is discussing expansion through the acquisition of secondhand tonnage and distressed assets.

Piraeus: V.Ships has signed a crewing contract with UAE seismic vessel operator Polarcus.

Port Said: Maersk Line's largest container ship, Emma Maersk, is on her way to Europe after water ingress to her engine room left her at berth in Port Said for two weeks.

Oslo: IM Skaugen have hit out at the Indonesian authorities over the continued detention of its vessel the Norgas Cathinka involved in a fatal collision with a ferry last September, likening it to a “hostage situation”.

Brussels: Exmar and Teekay LNG Partners have successfully closed their 50/50 LPG joint venture and announced and order of up to eight midsize gas carriers with Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation (HHIC).

Oslo: A slight seasonal uptick in Q4 charter rates was not enough to reverse the fortunes of Odfjell as their net losses for 2012 hit $111m.

Copenhagen: The global economy continues to expand in 2013 which is good news for dry bulk shipping as newbuild deliveries fall significantly from 2012 levels, Bimco announced in its market overview today.

Hamburg: ClassNK has received authorisation to carry out surveys on behalf of the German flag administration.  

Shanghai: China Classification Society (CCS) and Wärtsilä Services (Shanghai) Co signed a framework agreement for technical cooperation in Shanghai.