PORT TRADE: Scrap metal shipments increase

Several UK ports have seen a marked increase in scrap metal shipments as demand has increased around the world. A recent visitor to Hull to move scrap was the Marshall Islands-flagged Federal Polaris, built in Japan in 1985. Originally owned by Hoyo Kaiun KK in Japan, she is now operated by FedNav International of Montreal for Viken Lakers, also of Montreal, Canada. At 29,536dwt she is ideal for bulk cargoes such as scrap metal. Usually older vessels are used for scrap shipments due to the nature of heavy scrap, and Federal Pollaris is 27 years of age.