Category: Editor’s Picks

25th January 2024

Report: Two U.S. flagged Maersk ships Attack by Houthi Missile

As two U.S. flagged Maersk ships, the Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake, barely avoided a Houthi missile attack close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, tension in unreliable Red Sea increased. Although it is fortunate that neither of the ships nor its crews suffered injuries, the incident highlights the growing danger to international shipping in the area and shadows the important trade route.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors piracy and armed robbery in the area, the attack unfolded around 2:00 PM (Sanaa time). Three anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, targeting the Maersk Detroit. While one missile landed harmlessly in the sea, the remaining two were intercepted and destroyed by the accompanying U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gravely.

Both Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake ,vessels is operated by Maersk Line Limited (MLL), a U.S. subsidiary, were carrying cargo for the U.S Department of Defense, Department of State, USAID, and other government agencies. Both ships were enrolled in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), programs that allow them access to U.S. military protection during transits through high-risk zones.

The spokesperson for the Houthi military, Yahya Saree said in a statement that on Wednesday, during a “clash” that lasted over two hours, Houthi forces used ballistic missiles to target several U.S. warships. As a result, one U.S. warship was directly hit, and the two commercial vessels were forced to “to withdraw and return.”

This event comes after a string of Houthi 30th attack in the Red Sea on commercial ships including warship since November 2023, frequently utilizing coastal artillery and explosive drones. The attacks have caused anxiety among crews navigating the vital waterway, disrupted shipping, and increased insurance costs.

Also Read : Shipping Companies Fine $2 Million for Deliberate Oil Dumping and Record Falsification

The potential ramifications for global shipping are stark. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is a critical chokepoint for international trade, with around 25% of all global oil shipments passing through its narrow confines. Disruptions here can have cascading effects, raising energy prices and impacting economies worldwide.

Shipping giants like Maersk are bearing the brunt of this heightened risk. Wednesday’s attack prompted MLL to temporarily suspend all US-flag operations in the Red Sea, highlighting the significant operational and financial challenges posed by the volatile security situation.

The incident’s larger implications persist even though the Maersk vessels are no longer in immediate danger. A coordinated worldwide response is required in light of the growing danger in the Red Sea to prevent additional attacks and guarantee the security of vital maritime traffic. If this isn’t done, the region may experience more unrest and the delicate global supply chain may be compromised.

23 January 2024

Icon of the Seas a climate concern

Royal Caribbean’s “Icon of the Seas,” an engineering marvel that is billed as the largest cruise ship ever built sets out on its first official voyage on January 27. The luxurious amenities and eye-catching entertainment offer vacations that will never be forgotten, but environmentalists cry foul, labeling it a “climate liability.”

Largest Cruise Ship

The Icon, the largest cruise ship in the world, is 360 meters (more than 1,000 feet) long and weighs about 250,000 gross registered tons. 20 distinct decks, 40 eateries, lounges, and bars, seven pools, 6 waterslides, and a 55-foot waterfall are among its many features, concept offer unparalleled leisure experiences. But this opulence comes at a cost, measured in tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Bryan Comer, Director of the Marine Program at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), has done the math. In a 2022 report, he estimates that a typical passenger on the Icon, even on the most efficient cruise line, will generate about 1,100 pounds of CO2 per 1,200-mile cruise. That’s nearly double the footprint of a plane trip and hotel stay for the same distance.

The issue lies not just in the sheer size and energy consumption of the ship, but also in its fuel. While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set regulations for cleaner fuels for new ships, these standards fall short of what’s needed to curb the industry’s rapidly growing emissions. As a result, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, while adopting some cleaner technologies, still rely heavily on heavy fuel oil, a notorious polluter.

The consequences are serious a recent report states that between 2019 and 2023, emissions from international shipping—which includes cruise ships—grew by 2.9%. The international attempts to tackle climate change could be jeopardized by this upward trend. The majority of this impact is felt by ocean ecosystems, which are especially susceptible to warming and acidification brought on by CO2. Coral bleaching is already occurring at an alarming rate, which is detrimental to marine biodiversity.

Also Read: US hits the Houthis and the Indian Navy recovers the crew after an attack

The Icon’s arrival serves as a stark reminder of the cruise industry’s crossroads. While it represents economic prosperity and technological advancement, its disregard for environmental consequences cannot be ignored.

The key is innovation Cruise lines need to advocate for tougher IMO regulations and make investments in greener fuels like hydrogen or renewable biofuels. In addition to choosing more environmentally friendly options, passengers can also contribute by holding the industry accountable. In the end, the “Icon of the Seas” might represent both human creativity and our duty to protect the environment. The decision is to steer toward a future in which technological wonders coexist with the health of our planet.

22 January 2024

Report: Drone Attack at Ust-Luga Russia

A major fire at Ust-Luga, Russia a crucial Russian fuel export terminal has temporarily halted operations, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global energy markets and escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The incident occurred on January 21st, 2024, at the Ust-Luga complex, a massive facility located on the Baltic Sea roughly 170 kilometers west of St. Petersburg.

Novatek NVTK.MM, Russia’s largest liquefied natural gas producer and operator of the Ust-Luga terminal, confirmed the fire and subsequent suspension of some operations. While the company attributed the incident to “external influence,” Ukrainian media outlets and officials claim responsibility for a drone attack, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict.

The Ust-Luga terminal plays a vital role in Russia’s energy exports, processing gas condensate into various petroleum products like naphtha, kerosene, and diesel for shipment to international markets. The facility’s closure, even if temporary, could have significant repercussions for global energy prices and supply chains.

The full extent of the damage and the duration of the disruption remain unclear. Novatek stated that an operational headquarters has been established to address the situation and assess the damage. The regional administration in Leningrad Oblast has placed critical infrastructure facilities in the area on high alert and authorized security forces to destroy any detected drones.

Also Read : EU Naval Forces Thwart Pirate Attack, Capture Suspects in Gulf of Aden

Ukrainian officials view it as a successful operation against a critical Russian asset, potentially impacting fuel supply for the military and causing economic damage. On the other hand, the incident raises concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict, with Russia facing the possibility of deeper strikes within its own territory.

Beyond the immediate impact on energy markets and military logistics, the attack at Ust-Luga carries broader geopolitical implications. It signifies a potential shift in Ukrainian tactics, demonstrating their ability to strike targets deep inside Russia despite facing defensive challenges on the battlefield. This development could further strain relations between Moscow and the West, particularly regarding energy security and potential military responses.

The scenario is being closely observed by the international community, which is advising both parties to use caution and avoid escalation. Although the full effects of the Ust-Luga attack are still being felt, it is clear that it has had an impact on the world’s energy markets, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the larger geopolitical environment.

19th January 2024

Report: US hits the Houthis and Indian Navy recovers the crew

This week saw a new wave of tension emerge in the Red Sea, a crucial route for international trade, as the US launched airstrikes on Houthi missile launchers and the Indian Navy rescued crew members from a US-owned ship that was attacked off the coast of Yemen. The growing conflict poses grave questions regarding both the region’s precarious geopolitical situation and the security of maritime trade.

On Wednesday, US Central Command confirmed drone strikes targeting two Houthi anti-ship missiles aimed at the southern Red Sea. This preemptive action followed days of Houthi attacks on international shipping, including two US-owned vessels, the assault drone caused a small fire on board the Genco Picardy, which is registered by the Marshall Islands Genco Shipping, based in the US the attack did not result in any substantial damage or casualties, but it did inspire the Indian Navy to launch a daring rescue effort. In response to the distress call, the Indian frigate INS Kochi sent helicopters to safely extract the 22-member crew, which included Indian nationals. An additional “direct hit” on the US ship Chem Ranger, tanker registered under the Marshall Islands flag and run by Greek enterprises, classified in Japan, covered by insurance in the UK and Norway.

In a statement, the US military justified the strikes as “self-defense” and “necessary to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels.”

President Biden’s statement later that day acknowledged the ongoing challenges. “These air strikes are not deterring the Houthis,” he admitted, underscoring the complex regional dynamics at play. The Houthis, backed by Iran, are locked in a bloody civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition that includes the US. This proxy conflict spills over into the Red Sea, threatening the lifeline of global trade passing through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Shipping is experiencing the effects of the increase. The cost and duration of international trade have increased due to the surge in insurance premiums for crossing the Red Sea and the rerouting of some shipping companies’ vessels along the Cape of Good Hope, also referred to as the sea route to India or the European-Asian sea route. Global supply networks are seriously threatened by the disruption, which could result in higher costs for necessities.

The Red Sea’s volatile security situation carries wider geopolitical implications. The potential for escalation could draw in regional powers further, exacerbating existing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. An unchecked conflict could destabilize the Horn of Africa, with cascading humanitarian consequences.

Also Read: US and UK forces attack Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for Red Sea attacks

Navigating the complex web of regional grievances and interests while ensuring the safety of maritime trade requires both diplomatic finesse and a determined effort to address the root causes of the conflict in Yemen.

conclusion

Regional conflicts have turned the Red Sea into a hot spot that endangers international trade and undermines geopolitical stability. Although the Indian Navy’s rescue mission and the US military action both show quick reactions, the absence of a more comprehensive diplomatic solution allows for further escalation.

Coordinated international action is needed to address Yemen’s underlying political and humanitarian dilemma in order to protect international maritime lanes and prevent a larger conflict. The Red Sea won’t be able to play the crucial role of a bridge between continents or a theater of proxy conflicts until then.

16th January 2024

Report: Houthis Strike US-Owned dry bulk ship

In a tense escalation, Houthi forces in Yemen launched an attack on the US-owned and operated dry bulk ship Gibraltar Eagle on Monday, striking it with an anti-ship ballistic missile. While no injuries or significant damage were reported, the incident has sent shockwaves through the global shipping industry, raising concerns about the safety of critical maritime arteries and potentially disrupting vital trade flows.

The Gibraltar Eagle, operated by US-based Eagle Bulk Shipping, was sailing approximately 100 miles off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden when it was hit. US Central Command confirmed the attack but refrained from specifying the type of projectile used. Eagle Bulk Shipping acknowledged the incident, initially describing it as an attack by an “unidentified projectile” and reporting limited damage to the cargo hold.

This attack comes just one week after US and British forces conducted a series of airstrikes against Houthi targets in retaliation for previous attacks on commercial vessels in the region. Since the U.S. and British strikes, the Houthis, who control most of Yemen’s west and north as well as the capital city of Sanaa, have vowed to keep up their attacks in the Red Sea. Since November, the Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have launched 29 missile attacks on shipping in an effort to aid the Palestinians in Gaza.

The arrival of the Iranian spy ship M/V Behshad in the Gulf of Aden on January 12 increased the risk of attacks in the region, according to security firm EOS Risk Group, based in the UK.The Houthis on Yemen’s shores are probably receiving targeting information from MV BEHSHAD.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has already thrown a wrench into global shipping patterns. The Houthi control of key ports and the threat of missile attacks have forced commercial vessels to navigate alternative routes, adding time and cost to maritime operations. This latest incident risks further disrupting crucial shipping lanes in the Red Sea, a vital artery for the movement of oil, goods, and people between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Potential Impact on Global Shipping

• Route Diversions: Increased risk of attacks may lead to shipping companies rerouting vessels away from the Yemeni coast, adding days and potentially weeks to voyages, impacting delivery times and increasing logistical costs.
• Insurance Costs: The heightened risk of attacks in the Red Sea will likely lead to higher insurance premiums for ships traversing the region, further adding to the financial burden on shipping companies.
• Disruptions to Trade Flows: The potential slowdown or rerouting of shipping could disrupt the flow of vital goods, including oil, food, and other essential commodities, potentially impacting global supply chains and consumer prices.
• Geopolitical Tensions: The Houthi attack on a US-owned ship raises the specter of a wider regional conflict drawing in major powers. Increased military presence in the Red Sea could further destabilize the region and add to shipping risks.

Also Read : IAPH Joins Forces with Indian Ports at International Ports Conclave

International Response and Measures

The international community has condemned the Houthi attack and called for restraint. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the incident in coming days.

Possible measures to address the situation include:

• Diplomatic efforts: Increased international pressure on the Houthis to cease attacks on commercial vessels and engage in a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
• Enhanced maritime security: Increased naval patrols and surveillance in the Red Sea to deter further attacks and protect shipping lanes.
• Escort services: Providing military escorts for high-value or vulnerable vessels passing through the Yemeni coast.

The assault by the Houthis on the Gibraltar Eagle serves as a clear reminder of how susceptible international shipping is to local conflicts. Even though the Red Sea may be the only area affected right now, the maritime sector and international trade could be significantly impacted in the long run. De-escalating the Yemeni conflict, improved maritime security, and diplomatic efforts are all necessary components of a multipronged strategy to tackle this problem. The future of secure and effective international shipping is in jeopardy, and navigating this tight and dangerous situation will require international cooperation.

12th January 2024

Report: US and UK forces strike on Houthi

President Joe Biden announced late Thursday that the United States and the United Kingdom had “successfully conducted strikes” against Houthi targets in Yemen. In response to a series of attacks that have hampered commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the US and its allies increased a conflict with an Iranian proxy by launching airstrikes on over a dozen Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.

James Heappey, the minister for the British Armed Forces, stated that the strikes were a proportionate response and that the government understood the need to prevent escalation in the area.

These targeted strikes are a clear message that United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks our personal or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in of the world’s most critical commercial area a “statement by President Joe Biden”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSpCQXXARB0

According to US officials commenting regarding operational details who asked not to be identified, American and British forces hit radar installations as well as drone, cruise missile, and ballistic missile storage and launch sites. The USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier was the base of operations for Air Force fighters and jets, and surface ships and submarines launched Tomahawk missiles that carried out the attacks. The strikes targeted key Houthi infrastructure and military installations known to be used for launching attacks on both Yemeni civilians and international shipping.

Also Read : The Biden Administration’s Strategy for Reviewing Gas-Export Permits

Geopolitical tensions have long been high in Yemen, which is situated at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Due to the Houthi rebels’ alleged Iranian support, the region has become unstable, necessitating international intervention to maintain peace and protect important trade routes.

A senior administration official reported that on January 9, the Houthis fired several missiles and about 20 drones straight into American ships in the Red Sea. It was the biggest assault on Red Sea merchant vessels to date. The US and UK naval forces defeated this attack,” the senior administration official declared on Thursday.

Following the strikes in Yemen, the global crude oil benchmark Brent increased by nearly 2% to track the movement in West Texas Intermediate. In order to determine the situation’s long-term impact on crude oil prices, market analysts have emphasized how crucial it is to keep a close eye on it in the days ahead. Oil market volatility has increased as a result of traders and investors closely monitoring events in the Middle East due to concerns about supply disruptions.

In reaction to the military action, the international community has expressed a mixture of support and concern. In a statement, the Arab League backed the United States and the United Kingdom in their attempts to preserve important waterways and maintain regional stability. In the meantime, some countries have demanded that the conflict be resolved diplomatically and urged all sides to hold talks in order to come up with a long-term solution.

11th January 2024

Report: Attack near Strait of Hormuz

In the latest episode of maritime unrest in the Middle East, the St Nikolas tanker also know as Suez Rajan was reportedly boarded near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over the safety of international shipping routes. The incident comes as tensions continue to escalate in the region, prompting the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to issue a report detailing the situation.

This morning the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that several “unauthorized” individuals, wearing black military uniforms and masks, got on a ship in the Gulf of Oman. According to a client update from TankerTrackers.com, this vessel that was seized by the US government last year with its 1 million barrel cargo of Iranian oil, which was then delivered to Houston, Texas.

Incident took place near Strait of Hormuz a crucial waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is a vital passage for global oil shipments.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) met on Wednesday to discuss the escalating circumstances, with a special emphasis on the requirement that the Houthi rebels in Yemen immediately stop their attacks in the Red Sea. The UNSC’s demand is a reflection of growing international concern about how regional conflicts affect maritime security and global shipping.

Also Read: In the midst of the Red Sea shipping crisis, the Houthi rebels unleash an unprecedented attack

Geopolitical tensions and maritime incidents have been commonplace around the Strait of Hormuz. A number of attacks on ships in recent months, including sabotage and hijackings, have sparked concerns about possible disruptions to the global oil supply chain.

The international community must strike a balance between geopolitical concerns and the necessity of safeguarding the safety and security of crucial shipping lanes as maritime tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. The St Nikolas tanker incident, which occurred close to the Strait of Hormuz, serves as an alarming instance of how fragile maritime stability is in the area and how urgently regional conflicts must be resolved diplomatically.

10th January 2024

Houthis Complex Attack

The Houthi rebels have launched their most massive weapons barrage to date, causing alarm about the safety of maritime traffic in the area and a startling escalation of the ongoing Red Sea shipping crisis. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organization received a detailed report on the situation, revealing the gravity of the attack and its potential ramifications.

The attack occurred on the evening of January 9, when Houthi rebels targeted multiple vessels transiting the strategically vital Red Sea. According to the UKMTO, Several missiles and drones were fired, marking a significant increase in the scale and intensity of Houthi hostilities in the region.

With Iranian-designed one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and anti-ship ballistic missile, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched a advanced assault attack on January 9 from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea, towards international shipping lanes where dozens of merchant vessels were transiting.

The UKMTO report specifies that the targets included both commercial and military vessels. Among the affected ships were oil tankers, cargo vessels, and naval assets from various nations navigating the crucial waterway. The attack raises concerns not only for the safety of international shipping but also for the potential environmental impact should any of the targeted vessels be carrying hazardous cargo.

A combination of F/A-18s from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mason (DDG 87), and the United Kingdom’s HMS Diamond (D34) shot down eighteen OWA UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile.

The Red Sea shipping crisis has been a persistent concern for the international community, with Houthi rebels frequently targeting vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait—a narrow chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The strategic importance of this waterway cannot be overstated, as it is a key route for global trade, with millions of barrels of oil passing through daily.

According to an investigation conducted by UK consultancy Maritime Strategies International (MSI), rerouting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope clearly takes longer and uses more fuel per unit of commodity transported than via the Suez Canal, but the costs associated with environmental regulations illustrate the perverse incentives in moves.

The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with various conflicts and geopolitical rivalries adding complexity to an already volatile situation. The international community now faces the urgent task of addressing this latest development in the Red Sea shipping crisis and preventing further escalation that could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and security.

Stakeholders are hoping for a prompt and efficient resolution to the current crisis and are anxiously awaiting updates from the UKMTO and other relevant authorities as the situation develops. Earlier a point of flawless maritime navigation, the Red Sea is currently the center of geopolitical tensions.

5th January 2024

Report: MV Lila Norfolk Hijacking near Arabian Sea

In a dramatic turn of events in the Arabian Sea, the MV Lila Norfolk, a cargo ship enroute to its destination, found itself at the centre of a hijacking incident that on the high sea. The vessel, carrying a valuable cargo, sent out distress signals as armed pirates took control of the ship, posing a serious threat to its crew and cargo.

The incident occurred as ship has been hijacked late last evening near the coast of Somalia and the distress call reached naval authorities within minutes. The Indian Navy, responsible for patrolling and securing the vast maritime borders of the country, swiftly initiated a coordinated response to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of the crew on board the MV Lila Norfolk.

Naval vessels from the Western Naval Command were immediately deployed to the location of the hijacking. The ships, equipped with advanced surveillance and interception capabilities. Meanwhile, naval aircraft were scrambled to provide aerial support, maintaining constant vigilance over the unfolding situation.

As the naval vessels approached the MV Lila Norfolk, the pirates, realizing the formidable force closing in on them, began to display erratic behavior. According to an Indian naval statement, the ship reported on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations portal that five to six unidentified armed persons had boarded on the evening of January 4.

Recognizing the imminent danger and prioritizing the safety of the crew, the Indian Navy made the decision to conduct a swift and decisive operation to rescue the hostages. Special forces personnel, trained in maritime counter-terrorism operations, were deployed via helicopters onto the deck of the MV Lila Norfolk.

Also Read: Fire strikes a nuclear-powered Russian Cargo ship

The successful resolution of the MV Lila Norfolk hijacking highlighted the Indian Navy’s preparedness and effectiveness in dealing with maritime security threats. The incident also underscored the importance of constant vigilance in the strategically vital Arabian Sea, where piracy and maritime crime continue to pose significant challenges.

After receiving the necessary permits from the country’s authorities, Colombia-based physical provider CI Worldwide Fuels is now able to accept payments for bunkers in digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ether. According to Jaime A Ochoa Muoz, President of CI Worldwide Fuels, the move is in response to increased demand for gas funds in the country using bitcoin.

“Our treasury division has spent a great deal of time putting together the necessary requirements for the federal government in order to accept such contributions, and I’m thrilled that this has now been completed,” he said.

“It’s a massive second,” says the narrator. We’re the first company in Colombia to accept cryptocurrency as payment for oil, and we’re also a pioneer in the bunker industry as a whole.

“This new tool will facilitate business exchange and make our company more vibrant,” he added.

Colombia has recently experienced a surge in interest in cryptocurrencies, with Bitso, the leading Latin American cryptocurrency exchange platform, releasing its app in the country last month. Colombia “is a tremendously exciting market in terms of cryptocurrency,” CEO Daniel Vogel told Reuters at the time.

Also Read: MAN Engines introduces the first hydrogen dual fuel engine for workboats

May 11, 2022

Sustainable Marine, a UK-based marine energy firm, has leveraged the Bay of Fundy’s massive tidal currents to supply the first floating in-stream tidal power to Nova Scotia’s grid. This is an important milestone for both Sustainable Marine and Canada’s larger marine energy objectives, according to CEO Jason Hayman.

It shows how the Bay of Fundy’s massive tidal energy resource, which includes more than four times the total flow of all freshwater rivers on the planet, can be properly utilized to provide up to 2500MW of clean, reliable electricity for Canada. “Achieving ‘first electricity’ to the grid from our new Grand Passage platform indicates a major turning moment for our company,” Hayman said. 

It is the culmination of over a decade of meticulous study, development, and testing. According to Hayman, the project has allowed Sustainable Marine to progressively gain the skills and funds needed to deliver turnkey projects, such as the Tidal Pioneer, a multipurpose construction vessel, and a suite of next-generation, remotely operated subsea installation machines that support the company’s novel Swift Anchors technology.

Nova Scotia has set aside around 30MW of capacity for developers to show the effectiveness, affordability, and environmental implications of this new kind of energy generating through demonstration licenses and berths at FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy).

With a legal framework in place to offer up to 300MW of installed capacity, these demonstration projects give developers a roadmap to lower costs on the way to commercial projects. It also accords with the region’s net-zero ambitions to expedite the coal-fired energy phase-out by 2030.

“Sustainable Marine achieved a first in Canadian tidal energy history, sending power from a floating platform in Grand Passage to Nova Scotia’s electrical system,” stated Tim Houston, Nova Scotia’s premier. “This and other projects are establishing Nova Scotia as a global participant in the tidal energy industry, resulting in green innovations, green employment, a better environment, and a reliable, renewable supply of electricity for Nova Scotians.”

Sustainable Marine, based in Edinburgh, is planning to deliver the world’s first floating tidal array at FORCE and is demonstrating its technology and environmental monitoring systems at Grand Passage before beginning deployments in the Minas Passage, dubbed the ‘Everest of tidal energy.’

The business has 15 patented innovations in its portfolio. Apart from tidal energy, the company’s broad offering intends to empower the ‘blue economy’ in general by delivering modular platforms, mooring, and anchoring solutions to overcome fundamental issues in the deployment of marine renewable energy and floating wind.

April 13, 2022

Singapore declares Glencore as original supplier of contaminated HSFO

According to the Maritime and Port Authority, global commodities giant Glencore was the initial supplier of tainted HSFO in Singapore that caused engine difficulties for scores of bunker in recent weeks. The MPA was initially made aware of the situation on March 14, according to an emailed statement sent on Wednesday.

Numerous testing companies have flagged the issue of chlorinated hydrocarbons being discovered in Singapore HSFO samples in recent weeks, with some drawing analogies to the 2018 Houston poisoning situation. “Preliminary MPA inquiries found that the impacted gasoline – a mixed product – was provided by Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd (Glencore)” the organization stated in a statement.

“Glencore notified MPA that, after getting complaints of its gasoline being contaminated, Glencore decided to test the fuels given by its suppliers utilized in its mixed product, and found that one of them, imported from overseas, had around 15000 ppm of chlorinated organic compounds.”

“When the testing began, Glencore had already sold a portion of the impacted fuel to PetroChina International Pte Ltd, which had in turn provided ships in the Port of Singapore.” In Singapore, Glencore and PetroChina delivered gasoline to around 200 ships. According to the MPA, around 80 of these have suffered fuel pump and engine difficulties.

April 14, 2022

Singapore HSFO contamination seen in Houston

The contamination of HSFO in Singapore had the possibility of spreading to Houston. In recent weeks, many testing firms have reported discovering chlorinated compounds in Singapore HSFO samples.

Singapore’s MPA announced on Wednesday that Glencore was the original supplier, with more deliveries than PetroChina, around 200 ships getting the gasoline in total, and approximately 80 reporting difficulties with fuel pumps and engines subsequently. This issue was discovered in Houston as well, according to the maritime news site TradeWinds on Wednesday.

According to the investigation, contaminated bunkers were provided by Glencore in Houston as well, and they were discovered on board at least one vessel. When Ship & Bunker contacted Glencore on Tuesday, a spokesman declined to comment on the story. If the contamination has extended to Houston, the situation is likely to take considerably longer to remediate than in a local emergency.

April 20, 2022

IBIA seeks to track the spread of Contaminated HSFO from Singapore

IBIA, the bunker industry association, has urged its members to assist them in tracking the possible spread of contaminated HSFO delivered in Singapore during the last two months to other marine fuel markets around the world.

Last week, Singapore’s MPA stated that over 200 ships have received HSFO including chlorinated hydrocarbons in recent weeks, with approximately 80 reporting difficulties with gasoline pumps and engines. IBIA is currently attempting to prevent the situation from escalating into a global disaster on the size of the contamination that began in Houston in 2018.

“There are two basic ways in which the chlorinated hydrocarbon issue in the bunker industry might expand; Either from the cargo carrying the contaminated HSFO being moved someplace else and mixed in an attempt to dilute the chloride concentration or from attempts to do the same with debunkered tainted fuel,” IBIA stated in an email to members on Tuesday.

“IBIA consequently requests that relevant stakeholders notify us of any ports where ships have or will debunker HSFO contaminated with chlorides, as well as if you have reason to assume cargoes carrying chloride contaminated HSFO are en route to certain ports.”

April 26, 2022

Singapore bad bunkers

This year’s event in Singapore bears many similarities to the 2018 ‘bad bunker’ disaster near Houston, which damaged over 200 boats. Among the similarities is that many wrongly thought the bad gasoline fulfilled the ISO 8217 standard since it fit the ISO 8217 table criteria.

“However, the purchasers of those contaminated bunkers were allowed to lodge a claim since the fuel did not fulfill the entire text of 8217 – it was unfit for use,” Simms explained. “Today, there are still a few cases concerning the Houston 2018 situation. There will now be suits coming out of the Singapore situation. One of the questions will be about the source of the COCs,” he added.

More testing required

With the industry having had two significant contamination incidents in recent memory, the question of whether testing to 8217 criteria is sufficient inevitably arises. Many people believe it is not, and they are now asking for a more advanced study of their fuels, especially using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) testing.

GCMS provides a significantly more complete understanding of any possible difficulties with marine fuel, and a recent survey by brokerage NSI revealed substantial industry support for making such testing compulsory.

The disadvantage is that GCMS testing takes longer and costs more than standard 8217 testings. To combat this, worldwide testing company VPS launched a chemical screening service that employs GCMS-Head Space as a detection tool.

“This strategy is quite similar to what health organizations throughout the world used when they launched quick antigen testing for COVID,” said Steve Bee, global commercial and business development director at VPS.

“This protection primarily consists of a mechanism for screening maritime fuel in a very short period of time.” If pollutants are found, further complicated testing is performed. “The pre-burn stage of testing may detect more than 70% of all chemical pollutants that may be present in the fuel.” This contains styrene, DCPD, indene, and other chemicals, as well as the chlorinated hydrocarbons recently discovered in Singapore fuels.” 

Apart from big occurrences like the one that occurred recently in Singapore, bunker purchasers should be increasingly concerned about the quality of their fuel as the price of oil rises.

Oil prices jumped on February 24th, with Brent surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time in eight years, as Russia initiated an attack on Ukraine, raising worries that a European conflict may disrupt energy supplies.

Brent crude oil price surged 5.4% in a day. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price jumped 5.9% to $97.58 a barrel, the highest level since August 2014.

Following months of tensions and weeks of reports that Russia was planning an assault on Ukraine, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin launched a military strike on numerous Ukrainian cities on February 24th. In a tweet, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said that Putin had launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 24, 2022

He also called for immediate action from foreign governments, including putting “devastating sanctions” on Russia, the provision of weapons for Ukraine, and financial and humanitarian assistance.

The world must act immediately. Future of Europe & the world is at stake. To do list:

1. Devastating sanctions on Russia NOW, including SWIFT 2. Fully isolate Russia by all means, in all formats 3. Weapons, equipment for Ukraine 4. Financial assistance 5. Humanitarian assistance — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 24, 2022

The market became concerned as the situation worsened. As a consequence, Brent oil soared to as high as $103.78 per barrel, the highest since August 14, 2014, according to Reuters, and was at $103.18 per barrel at 0830 GMT, up $6.34, or 6.5 percent. Furthermore, WTI oil futures in the United States rose $5.48, or 6%, to $97.58 per barrel after reaching a high of $98.46 on August 11, 2014.

Inflationary Surge

Crude’s return to triple digits caps a remarkable turnaround that was unthinkable a year ago, as the market shifts from surplus to shortage. It depicts a global economy returning to normalcy after Covid-19 quicker than it can secure supply of all types of raw resources.

“As demand returns to pre-Covid levels, supply is really struggling,” Giovanni Serio, global head of market analysis at Vitol Group, the world’s largest independent oil trader, said. Aside from oil and gas, Russia is a significant producer of aluminum and wheat, both of which Ukraine grows.

Multiple commodity price increases are leading to a jump in inflation to the greatest level in decades, triggering a cost-of-living catastrophe for millions and prompting central banks to consider a period of monetary tightening that might stifle the recovery.

“Oil prices continue to rise and are now approaching levels that are unsettling for consumers all around the world,” Toril Bosoni, head of the International Energy Agency’s markets and industry section, said in a Bloomberg Television interview. “The oil market is quite tight.”

While it is an urgent worry for all consuming nations, the surge has been especially troublesome for US President Joe Biden, whose attempts to control increasing gasoline costs ahead of this year’s midterm elections by deploying emergency reserves have been mostly ineffective.

Concern for India

The spike in oil prices is a big source of concern for India, which relies on imports to cover 85% of its oil consumption and 55% of its natural gas requirements. India spent $62.71 billion on crude oil imports in FY21, $101.4 billion in FY20, and $111.9 billion in FY19.

Shrikant Chouhan, head of equities research (Retail), Kotak Securities Ltd, stated that rising crude oil prices will raise the cost of oil imports, resulting in a surge in inflation in the future. In a recent analysis, ratings firm ICRA also stated that the Russia-Ukraine war may have a moderate impact on India, with the disturbance resulting in a short-term increase in commodity prices, especially oil and gas.

The Mint announced on February 26 that the government is examining the growing geopolitical scenario and would consider lowering gasoline excise charge if the current increase in oil prices lasts longer than can be absorbed by state-run fuel merchants.

The government has stated that it is keeping a close eye on the situation in the aftermath of the geopolitical unrest. Given the unpredictability of global oil prices, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas stated that it is committed to “supporting proposals for Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases.”

As per the consumption pattern of 2019-20, the total capacity in the established Strategic Petroleum Reserves facilities of 5.33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) is estimated to provide for about 9.5 days of crude oil requirement. Analysts, on the other hand, believe that with the probability of an Iran nuclear deal, the spike in oil prices will be limited, if not reversed, in the coming days.

Iran is the world’s ninth-largest oil producer, but economic sanctions have resulted in decreased output relative to potential.

A cyber attack has reportedly targeted a state-run container terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India’s main container port. JNPT officials said that “operations were normal and there was no impact on trade.”

However, sources confirmed that the cyber attack was so severe that all automated operations are down at the moment, and everything is back to the paper-and-pen scenario. The security breaking of the management information system has prompted JNPT to reroute one ship to other terminals.

Among India’s main ports, Jawaharlal Nehru Port handles over half of the entire containerized freight volume. In addition to JNPCT, the port contains four privately-run terminals, two of which are operated by DP World and the other two by APM Terminals (Gateway Terminals India) and PSA International, respectively.

“The initial impact on Indian organizations is not known yet as very few organizations in India have reported the attack to officials. It is important for companies to report such incidents to CERT-in, the emergency response team of the government,” an industry executive said.

This is the second such attack in the last few weeks after the Wannacry ransomware rattled scores of countries. The attackers released data that they had encrypted only on paying a ransom in the form of bitcoins.

Avin International, a Greek shipowner, has taken delivery of Kriti Future, the world’s first ammonia-fuel equipped vessel. The 274-meter-long tanker’s delivery ceremony was conducted on January 10, 2022, at New Times Shipbuilding.

This Suezmax tanker has been classed by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and will operate under the Greek Flag. China-based New Times Shipbuilding (NTS) was responsible for the construction of the 274m long ship.

The vessel is now conventionally fuelled, although it meets the ABS Ammonia Ready Level 1 standards, suggesting that it is meant to be converted to run on ammonia in the future. In addition, the vessel satisfies the ABS LNG Fuel Ready Level 1 criteria.

“This vessel marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the maritime sector and a step forward in the readiness to use alternative marine fuels,” said Filippos Nikolatsopoulos, ABS Manager, Greece Business Development. According to ABS, Ammonia Fuel Ready Level 1 means the vessel meets the standards established in the ABS Guide for Gas and Other Low-Flashpoint Fuel Ready Vessels.

ABS’ alternative fuel ready package of advice and qualification programs is designed to provide owners with the flexibility they require while also preparing them for a future in which alternative fuels, such as ammonia, play a larger role.

ABS, SDTR Marine, and the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) collaborated in January 2022 to create a methanol-fueled bulk carrier design.