Author: Дмитрий

Collaboration on Third FLNG Conversion Project AnnouncedSeatrium Limited has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Golar LNG Limited to progress discussions on a third Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) conversion project. The initiative will see Seatrium undertake the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of the FLNG unit for Golar.Key Details of the AgreementThe LOI establishes a framework for both parties to finalize terms and conditions for the conversion, which builds on their prior successful collaborations. Seatrium’s expertise in offshore and marine conversions, combined with Golar’s operational experience in FLNG, aims to deliver a cost-effective and efficient solution for liquefaction and gas monetization.Strategic Implications for the IndustryMarket ...

Salvage Operation Underway for VLCC Caroline BezengiUK-based maritime security and risk management firm Ambrey has been contracted to lead the salvage of the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Caroline Bezengi, currently disabled off the coast of Oman.The vessel, laden with approximately 800,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, experienced an undisclosed technical failure, prompting immediate salvage response. Ambrey confirmed that dedicated salvage assets are en route to the incident location to support recovery efforts.Operational Response and Risk MitigationGiven the vessel’s cargo volume and potential environmental risks, the operation demands precise coordination among salvage teams, local maritime authorities, and pollution response units. Ambrey’s specialists are assessing structural inte...

Shifting Focus in Maritime AutonomyThe maritime industry often envisions fully autonomous cargo vessels navigating the open ocean without a crew. While this scenario presents significant regulatory and technical hurdles, its realisation remains a long-term objective. The current commercial momentum, however, is concentrated on a different segment: smaller, specialised uncrewed systems designed for offshore operations.Immediate Applications in Offshore SectorsUncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are increasingly deployed in critical offshore roles. These systems are proving their value in sectors such as:Hydrographic surveying: High-precision seabed mapping for offshore energy, subsea infrastructure, and navigational safety.Inspection and maintenance: Re...

Disparity in Reported Crude Oil Flows Through Critical ChokepointRecent statements from U.S. officials regarding crude oil exports transiting the Strait of Hormuz have sparked debate among maritime and energy sector professionals. The accuracy of these figures carries significant implications for global oil markets and maritime logistics.Conflicting Data on Daily Export VolumesU.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has publicly cited export volumes nearing nine million barrels per day through this strategic waterway. However, independent vessel tracking firms present a markedly different assessment, estimating actual flows at approximately half this volume.Why the Strait of Hormuz MattersThe Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth ...

First LNG Bunkering Operation Completed for Cruise Vessel in ItalyThe Port of Civitavecchia has marked a significant advancement in maritime fuel operations with the successful completion of its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering procedure for a cruise ship. The operation was executed through a collaboration between Axpo and Vitol, two leading energy sector players.The refueling was carried out on the flagship vessel of a major international cruise operator, utilizing Green Pearl, a 7,500-cubic-meter Italian-flagged bunkering vessel managed by Axpo. This milestone underscores the growing adoption of LNG as a cleaner marine fuel alternative, aligning with the industry’s push toward reduced emissions and compliance with stringent environmental regulations.Key Operational DetailsBunk...

IRS Issues Updated Tax Guidance for Foreign-Flagged VesselsThe U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new regulatory guidance addressing the tax status of foreign-flagged vessels operating under Jones Act waivers in domestic trade.Key Tax Exemption No Longer ApplicableThe IRS has formally ruled that foreign shipping companies utilizing Jones Act waivers to transport cargo between U.S. ports are ineligible for a previously available tax exemption. This decision resolves longstanding ambiguity regarding the tax treatment of such operations.Implications for Maritime OperatorsThe clarification affects foreign vessel operators who have relied on temporary Jones Act waivers, particularly during periods of domestic capacity constraints. The IRS guidance specifies that:Foreign-flagged ve...

SAAM Strengthens Environmental Commitment with New Biodiversity StrategyMaritime logistics and towage leader SAAM has formally launched its updated Biodiversity Plan, marking a significant evolution in the company’s Environmental Policy. The initiative embeds ecosystem conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources directly into SAAM’s operational framework.The plan establishes a structured approach to managing critical marine habitats, ensuring compliance with international environmental standards while aligning with the company’s long-term sustainability objectives. Key focus areas include the protection of coastal and open-ocean ecosystems, the reduction of operational impacts on marine biodiversity, and the promotion of science-based conservation practices.SAAM’s updated poli...

Black Sea Crude Tanker Freight Rates Reach Unprecedented LevelsFreight rates for Aframax tankers transporting crude oil from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean have surged to an all-time high, industry sources report. The spike follows a sustained campaign of drone attacks targeting commercial shipping in the region, disrupting key maritime trade routes.Security Concerns Drive Market VolatilityThe escalation in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes has heightened security risks for vessels operating in the Black Sea, prompting charterers to reassess voyage economics. Industry analysts indicate that the increased threat level has led to a sharp reduction in available tonnage, as shipowners demand higher premiums for exposure to high-risk areas.Market participants note that the surge in frei...

Partnership Aims to Enhance Operational Efficiency in Inland Marine TransportOpenTug has entered into a strategic collaboration with Blessey Marine Services, Inc., a leading provider of inland marine transportation solutions, to deploy the BargeOS Invoice Intelligence platform across its operations.The integration of BargeOS is set to modernize Blessey’s invoicing processes, replacing legacy systems with a data-driven, automated solution. The platform is designed to reduce manual intervention, minimize billing discrepancies, and accelerate payment cycles for barge voyages.Key Benefits of the ImplementationAutomated Data Capture: Real-time tracking of voyage metrics, including fuel consumption, transit times, and cargo details, directly integrated into invoicing workflows.Error Reduction: A...