#Ports&Shipping –The latest IMDO Weekly Market Review includes the following stories as detailed below.

Irish Shipping: Interest in live Shipping Grows - As reported in the Irish Independent interest in live-shipping is growing as a number of operators look to capitalise on rising demand in North Africa. Along with Cork-based livestock exporters, Curzon, the Louth group are hoping to avail of a 1,500hd, walk-on-walk-off ship that is currently in the final stages of the Department of Agriculture's licencing process.

International Shipping Regulation: International Maritime Organization (IMO) to approve measures to reduce red tape - The council of the IMO is likely to approve measures to reduce red tape when it meets next week, paving the way for wider acceptance of electronic reporting systems.

LPG Newbuild Guidelines: Creation of new Guidelines for Building and Operating gas-powered ships created-Key agreements in creating international rules on building and operating gas-powered ships have been made by regulators. As reported in Lloyds List the IMO has been working on taking guidelines on building and operating gas-powered ships and creating binding regulations that will not only be applicable to LNG-fuelled ships, but any other vessel using a fuel that has a low flashpoint such as methane.

Emissions Control: Update -The European Commission is considering legal action against Belgium, Spain, Cyprus and Hungary if they do not begin moves to translate EU rules on sulphur emissions from ships into domestic law within two months. The EU directive on the sulphur content of marine fuels should have been enacted into national law by 18 June 2014.

International Shipping: CMA CGM linked to acquisition rumours - Speculation surfaced last week linking the French line with German shortsea operator Oldenburg-Portugiesische Dampfschiffs-Rhederei. Details of an acquisition are thought to be imminent, with an announcement possibly early this week.

For more on each of the above and other stories click the IMDO Weekly Markets Review (Week 48). In addition to dedicated coverage on Afloat.ie's Ports & Shipping News section.