#ShippingReview - Jehan Ashmore reviews the shipping scene over the last fortnight.

Global transportation and shipping industry leaders met in London to sign the ‘Buckingham Palace Declaration’ to fight criminal wildlife trafficking. The declaration was hailed by the Duke of Cambridge as 'a game changer in the race against extinction.'

CLdN Ro-Ro SA which operate Dublin-Zeebrugge/Dublin-Rotterdam and a network of northern Europe services, has confirmed orders for a pair of newbuilds. There are options for a further four, through Croatian shipbuilder Uljanik.

A Belize flagged cargoship Burhou I was detained in Wicklow by Port State Control due to a deficiency that kept the vessel in port for a week including St. Patrick's Day. The coaster with a port of registry of Belize City was eventually given clearence to depart and head for Belfast.

Cronus Logistics have taken over the only Ireland-Wales container service previously run by Cardiff Container Lines. The Warrenpoint-Dublin-Cardiff 'feeder' service now includes calls to Bristol.

It was all new for Arklow Shipping as the third Eco-Trader 5,100dwat cargoship, Arklow Valiant featuring a different designed was launched yesterday. The newbuild follows sisters ‘Vale’ and ‘View’ and she became the first vessel in the company’s 50th year to bear that ‘Valiant’ name.