#Ports&ShippingReview: Over the last fortnight, Jehan Ashmore has reported on the shipping scene, where the European Commission has approved the P3 Alliance Network involving three major container shipping operators.

At cabinet level, Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar has secured approval of a new Harbours (Amendment) Bill with important implications for Ireland's vital port sector, where five ports designated as Ports of Regional Significance be transferred to local authorities.

The draft legislation builds upon Minister Varadkar's ongoing reform of the State commercial ports sector announced in last year's launch of the National Ports Policy.

Details of the bill and associated consultation submissions from the ports and representing the maritime sector bodies are also available from the DTTAS website.

www.followthefleet.ie has launched a subsciber survey for its educational website resource designed to bring the world of maritime adventure into the classroom and gain an understanding of the marine industry.

Ardmore Shipping acquires a pair of second-hand 47,500dwt MR product tankers for $23 each from the Japanese yard of Onomichi Dockyard which launched the sisters in 2008.