Preliminary figures for the month of October, show that 47,200 Classes 5-8 vehicle orders were booked, up 14% from September but down 30% compared to the robust net orders in October 2014.

The times they are a changin' for the players across pharmaceutical supply chains, from API suppliers to CMOs, to manufacturers, packagers, distributors, dispensers/pharmacies ... just about everyone across the chain.

Following the Volkswagen emissions scandal, EU member states have agreed to use tests that more closely mirror real road conditions to measure diesel cars' emissions.

Vessel operating costs are expected to rise in both 2015 and 2016, according to the latest survey by international accountant and shipping consultant Moore Stephens. Crew wages, repairs and maintenance, and drydocking are the cost categories likely to increase most significantly over that period.

LNG shipping freight rates continue to be under pressure from weak Asian demand and a growing fleet. Shipowners are now pinning hopes on a revival in European demand. However, European LNG demand growth will not be sufficient to raise freight rates, according to the newly launched LNG Forecaster report published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.