Author: Дмитрий

GMS Gains U.S. Government Clearance for Sanctioned Tanker RecyclingDubai-based ship recycling leader GMS has received authorization from the U.S. government to dismantle two oil tankers previously subject to sanctions. This development follows the company’s earlier agreements to recycle four sanctioned container vessels, as confirmed by GMS to industry sources.Expansion of Shadow Fleet Recycling OperationsThe move underscores the growing role of ship recyclers in managing the so-called shadow fleet—a segment of aging vessels, often operating outside conventional regulatory frameworks, that has expanded significantly in recent years. These tankers, typically older and repurposed for sanctioned trade, present unique challenges in compliance and environmental safety during decommissioning.GMS...

Supply and Demand Projections Revised DownwardThe International Energy Agency (IEA) has recalibrated its global oil supply and demand projections following escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for maritime crude oil transit.Recent hostilities in the region have disrupted Gulf export operations, accelerating inventory drawdowns and exerting upward pressure on oil prices. The IEA’s latest assessment reflects reduced supply availability and moderated demand growth, signaling heightened market volatility.Operational Risks for SeafarersVessel operators navigating the Strait of Hormuz face elevated risks, including:Increased threat of piracy or armed interferenceHeightened naval activity and potential route restrictionsUnpredictable delays in transit schedulingInsur...

Petrovietnam Gas Seeks Additional LNG SuppliersPetrovietnam Gas, the state-controlled energy enterprise, is actively engaging potential suppliers for a new five-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) procurement contract, as indicated in an internal document obtained by industry sources.This initiative follows Vietnam’s first long-term LNG supply agreement, finalised earlier this year with Shell. The move signals the country’s strategic push to secure stable energy imports amid rising domestic demand and evolving maritime fuel regulations.Market Implications for Seafarers and OperatorsFor maritime professionals, this development underscores Vietnam’s growing role in the global LNG supply chain. The expansion of term contracts may:Enhance regional LNG bunkering infrastructure, offering more refue...

Wind-Assisted Propulsion System Installed on HANSA DREJOE Hamburg-based shipowner Leonhardt & Blumberg has integrated Econowind VentoFoils on the general cargo vessel HANSA DREJOE, marking the first installation of wind-assisted propulsion technology across its four-vessel newbuild series. Installation Details The retrofit was completed in early August at Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard, positioning the vessel as a benchmark for fuel-efficient operations in the general cargo segment. The VentoFoils—suction-based wing sails—are designed to reduce engine load and optimize fuel consumption by harnessing wind energy during voyages. Operational Implications Fuel Efficiency: The system is projected to deliver measurable fuel savings, aligning with the industry’s decarbonization targets. ...

Overview of China's Iron Ore and Steel Production TrendsDuring the first half of 2026, China's domestic iron ore mining output contracted by 7% year-on-year (y/y), reflecting a strategic pivot in the nation's raw material sourcing strategy.Key Drivers Behind Reduced Domestic Mining ActivityThe decline in local iron ore extraction aligns with a 6% y/y rise in net iron ore imports, as Chinese steel producers increasingly favor higher-grade foreign ores. This shift is driven by two primary factors:Quality and Cost Efficiency: Imported iron ore typically offers superior iron content and more competitive pricing compared to domestically mined alternatives.Steel Production Softening: Weaker demand for steel—particularly in construction and manufacturing—has further reduced reliance on domestic o...

Revised Forecast Reflects Strengthening Market for Surface Combatants and Advanced SystemsThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has updated its financial outlook for 2026, marking the second upward revision in the past six months. The German shipbuilder anticipates increased demand for surface combatants, including frigates, alongside growing interest in its sensor suites and mine countermeasure technologies.The adjustment underscores TKMS’s position as a key supplier in the global naval defense sector, responding to evolving maritime security requirements. Industry analysts attribute the shift to heightened geopolitical tensions and modernisation programmes across multiple navies.Surface Vessels: Expanded orders for multi-role frigates and corvettes, driven by fleet renewal initiatives.Senso...

Development Approval for Who Dat East FieldKaroon Energy has granted final investment approval for the Who Dat East field development, a strategic project in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The field, operated by LLOG Exploration under the Who Dat East Joint Venture, is positioned in lease block MC 509-1 at a water depth of approximately 1,300 metres.Project Scope and ExecutionThe Who Dat East development will be executed as a single-well subsea tieback, designed to optimise production efficiency while minimising operational complexity. The project leverages existing infrastructure to reduce capital expenditure and accelerate first oil.Karoon Energy holds a 60% participating interest in the joint venture, with LLOG retaining operatorship and a 40% stake. The development aligns with the company’s ...

Taiwan Raises Concerns Over PLA Navy Drills with Indonesian VesselThe Taiwanese government has formally protested a scheduled joint naval exercise between the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and an Indonesian warship near the island’s eastern coastline, labeling the maneuver as "provocative and hazardous."In an official statement, Taipei accused Beijing of attempting to project an inaccurate narrative to the global maritime community, suggesting sovereign control over the contested waters. The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the drill undermines regional stability and disregards established norms of international maritime law.Key Points:Exercise location: Proximity to Taiwan’s eastern territorial waters, a strategically sensitive zone.Taiwan’s stance: Rejects any unilater...

Critical Air Quality Findings Prompt Action in IlulissatRecent air quality assessments at Ilulissat Port, Greenland, have revealed alarming pollution levels, with particulate concentrations averaging 60–70 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety threshold of 1,000 particles per cubic centimeter. These findings underscore the immediate need for mitigation measures to protect both port workers and local communities.Shore Power as a Viable SolutionIndustry experts are advocating for the implementation of shore power infrastructure to curb emissions from vessels at berth. By enabling ships to connect to the local electrical grid, shore power eliminates the need for auxiliary engines to run while docked, significantly reducing harmful exhaust emissions.This transition aligns wi...