-The very strong first quarter of 2017 was followed by an equally strong second quarter. The January–June 2017 result for the period improved by approximately 16 per cent, and was EUR 35.4 (30.5) million, representing the best first half year result in Finnlines’ history. The second quarter result amounted to EUR 24.2 (22.2) million, which is the best second quarter ever. Finland’s export and import volumes are growing steadily month after month which is a welcomed sign of a long-expected economic recovery, president and CEO Emanuele Grimaldi says.

The subsidiaries of AS Tallink Grupp, Baltic SF VII Ltd and Baltic SF VIII Ltd have concluded the sale agreements with Stena Ropax Limited for M/S Stena Superfast VII (ex name Superfast VII) and M/S Stena Superfast VIII (ex name Superfast VIII).

Chinese shipping giant Cosco is set to buy its Hong Kong rival OOIL for $6.3bn. The deal would make Cosco the world’s third biggest shipping company, with more than 400 vessels. OOIL’s majority owner has accepted the bid, though the sale will still need regulatory approval. It would be the latest in a wave of mergers, which has left the top six shipping lines controlling almost two thirds of the market.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCC), a renowned global leader in the cruise segment, has signed a deal with NAVTOR to install the innovative NavBox solution across its entire corporate fleet of 49 vessels. The deal, which spans the six different operating companies within RCC, will greatly simplify and enhance on-board navigational procedures, optimising efficiency, safety and compliance.