Topic
lng
Logistics Iran Blacklist Threatens Hormuz Shuttle Tanker Lifeline for Gulf Crude
Iran's blacklisting of 12 VLCCs at the core of the Hormuz shuttle trade threatens a workaround moving roughly one-third of Middle East Gulf crude exports. Three Indian refiners and a global energy major plan to stop using the vessels, and Braemar warns remaining Hormuz tonnage will command higher premiums.
Logistics ADNOC L&S Exercises Options for Two LNG Carriers, Lifting Newbuild Programme to 20 Ships
ADNOC Logistics & Services has exercised options for two 175,000 cu m LNG carriers at Jiangnan Shipyard, adding $444m to its newbuild bill and lifting its LNG newbuild programme to 20 ships. The company has committed around $2.7bn to vessel acquisitions and newbuildings in 2026, including a $1.3bn deal for six VLCCs and five VLGCs.
Logistics SK Gas Pays Record $5.3m to Jump Panama Canal Queue Amid Drought
SK Gas smashed the Panama Canal auction record with a $5.3m bid to move an LPG carrier northbound on September 1, according to Splash247. The previous record of $4.6m was set only earlier this month. Congestion is worsening as the canal cuts daily booking capacity from 34 to 32 ships in mid-September.
Commodities Hanwha establishes Hanwha Horizon USA to build US LNG trading and logistics arm
Hanwha Aerospace has created Hanwha Horizon USA, a new US company that will serve as the control tower for the conglomerate's global LNG operations, combining procurement, trading and logistics. The venture will initially supply Hanwha Energy's Yeosu power plant in South Korea before expanding LNG sales to utilities across Asia, according to Splash247.
Logistics Sinokor's $6bn Tanker Bet Pays Off as Hormuz Crisis Fuels VLCC Buying Spree
Sinokor Maritime has acquired 73 secondhand tankers for $5.925bn in 2026, matching the combined spend of the next eight largest buyers. With MSC taking 50% joint control and Hormuz disruptions pushing VLCC earnings toward $510,000 a day, the buying spree has lifted asset prices to 2008 levels.
Commodities ExxonMobil awards $1.1bn in Mozambique LNG project deals ahead of FID
ExxonMobil has awarded approximately $1.1bn in pre-investment contracts for the Rovuma LNG Phase 1 development in Mozambique, covering subsea production systems, valves, and line pipe. The awards, reported by Splash247, enable suppliers to begin fabrication ahead of a final investment decision and support the 18.6 mtonnes-per-year onshore LNG facility.
Logistics Golar LNG orders fourth FLNG unit at CIMC Raffles as it exits LNG carrier shipping
Golar LNG has ordered a fourth MKII FLNG from CIMC Raffles for about $2.45bn, lifting its controlled liquefaction capacity 41% to more than 12 mtpa. The unit is due by end-2029, following a first MKII unit that starts a 20-year charter with Southern Energy off Argentina in 2028. Golar also sold its last LNG carrier in early 2025, exiting LNG shipping after 50 years.
Logistics SK Shipping takes aim at Asia LNG top spot in H-Line tanker swap
SK Shipping will double its LNG carrier fleet to 32 ships through a 28-vessel swap with sister company H-Line, according to Splash247. The deal makes it Asia's largest LNG carrier operator and third largest globally, with charters to Vitol, ExxonMobil, Petronas and QatarEnergy. SK Shipping also exits tankers via asset transfers including a prior VLCC sale to Pan Ocean.
Logistics Technip Energies wins FEED contract for Malaysian offshore LNG terminal project
Technip Energies has been awarded a FEED contract for the Yan offshore regasification terminal project in Kedah, Malaysia. Jointly developed by Gas Malaysia, Tokyo Gas Asia, and VTTI, the 6 million-tonne-per-annum terminal will include an offshore FSRU, marine infrastructure, a subsea gas pipeline, and an onshore receiving facility, creating a new LNG entry point in northern Peninsular Malaysia per Splash247.
Commodities ONGC and Shell Energy India sign MoU for deepwater blocks and LNG sourcing
Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Shell Energy India Private Ltd have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to jointly assess deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore blocks under India's Open Acreage Licensing Policy, including OALP Rounds X and XI, and to explore LNG sourcing opportunities. The agreement, signed August 10, sets a framework for cooperation without committing either company to any specific investment or project.
Commodities India diversifies energy sourcing amid geopolitical risks; taps 15 countries for LNG, 41 for crude
India has expanded LNG imports to 15 supplier countries and crude oil to 41, up from six and 27 respectively, per a Rajya Sabha reply reported by Business Today. The diversification aims to cut dependence on any single country, region, or transit route amid geopolitical and maritime risks. India is also building additional strategic crude storage, including new reserves at Chandikhol and Padur plus an ONGC project in Karnataka.
Commodities India's gas demand returns to pre-disruption levels, but global LNG competition rises: Equirus
India's natural gas consumption recovered to 197 mmscmd in June 2026, up 7% month-on-month and 2% year-on-year, according to Equirus. The recovery was driven entirely by LNG, which rose 13% month-on-month, lifting import dependence to 56%. Rising Asian spot prices, stronger Chinese buying and disrupted Qatar supply cloud the outlook.
Logistics Excelerate picks up LNG carrier for first FSRU conversion, fleet charters expand
US-listed Excelerate Energy has acquired the 2010-built LNG carrier Methane Patricia Camila for $79m, earmarking the vessel for its first FSRU conversion, according to Splash247. The company also fixed the FSRU Express on a seven-year charter for a new Colombian LNG terminal and started the Excelerate Acadia on a nine-month charter at Jordan's Aqaba LNG terminal. Commercial deployment of the converted unit is expected in early 2028.
Commodities India approves Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme for compressed bio-gas to cut LNG import reliance
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme to expand compressed bio-gas production as a domestic alternative to LNG imports. India imports around 50% of its natural gas consumption, and the Strait of Hormuz disruption impacted 55–60% of LNG imports. The scheme includes capex support, credit guarantees and an administered CBG price.
Logistics Shipping Corp of India Opens Bidding for Six LNG-Ready 8,000 TEU Boxships
Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has launched a global tender for up to six 8,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel-ready containerships in a programme valued at an estimated $720m, according to Splash247. Bids are due by August 31, with the opening scheduled for September 1. The vessels are earmarked for the planned Bharat Container Shipping Line, bringing together SCI and several Indian state-owned port and logistics entities.
Logistics Navigator Gas secures $121.8m financing for two ammonia-fuelled carrier newbuilds
Navigator Gas has secured $121.8m in financing for two ammonia-fuelled gas carrier newbuilds developed with Amon Maritime, covering about 70% of the combined $168m price. The 51,530 cu m ships are under construction in China for 2028 delivery, with Yara Clean Ammonia taking five-year charters.
Logistics Tanker Asset Values Stay Red Hot as Sale and Purchase Activity Accelerates
Tanker asset values remain red hot heading into August, with sale and purchase (S&P) activity accelerating across chemical, VLCC and LR2 segments, according to Splash247. Reported deals include Nisshin Shipping's $30m chemical tanker sale, CMB.TECH's ninth VLCC sale at about $122.8m, and Velos Tankers' LR2 sale at $50m. The transactions underline sharply rising asset values and robust demand for both modern and vintage tonnage.
Logistics MISC orders small-scale LNG carrier for Japan trade
MISC has ordered an 18,700 cu m LNG carrier from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding under a 10-year charter with Malaysia LNG. The vessel will serve the Bintulu-to-Sendai trade starting in 2028, supporting a nearly three-decade supply relationship with Petronas. The newbuild is China's first small-scale LNG carrier with a membrane containment system.
Commodities Adani Total Gas hikes CNG prices by ₹4 per kg as LNG costs surge
Adani Total Gas Ltd has raised CNG prices by ₹4 per kg from August 1, 2026, citing reduced domestic gas availability and elevated global LNG prices. In Ahmedabad, CNG now retails at ₹94.02 per kg. The hike, the fifth since April 2026, follows LNG spot prices climbing to $19–22 per MMBTU in July.
Logistics NYK invests in MidOcean Energy to expand LNG footprint via Mitsubishi joint venture
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) will invest in UK-based LNG company MidOcean Energy through Mitsubishi-created Diamond Gas MidOcean Limited, expected to become a jointly owned company. The deal includes a strategic partnership in LNG marine transportation, completing between August and September 2026.
Logistics Vafias-backed Stealth Maritime Orders Two More MR Tankers from HD Hyundai, Extending $1.3bn South Korea Newbuilding Drive
Harry Vafias-backed Stealth Maritime has ordered two additional 50,000 dwt MR product tankers at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for $53m each, extending a South Korean newbuilding drive valued at around $1.3bn. The company now has at least 15 tankers under construction at South Korean yards across MR, LR2, suezmax and VLCC segments, with deliveries stretching through 2030.
Commodities China pulls ahead of Europe in green shipping fuels with faster project execution
China has three operational green shipping fuel plants producing 10 times the combined output of six European sites, according to Transport & Environment. Europe has 69 projects but 80% have not reached final investment decisions. Chinese shipowners are already securing large supply deals with Chinese producers like Goldwind and China Energy Engineering Corporation.
Logistics GTT Projects 550 New LNG Carriers Needed by 2035, Signaling Fleet Expansion
GTT expects around 550 LNG carriers to be ordered between 2026 and 2035, adding to the current record orderbook of 338 ships. The forecast is driven by 37m tonnes per annum of new liquefaction capacity reaching FID this year and a projected 5% annual LNG demand growth, primarily from Asia. Shipyard capacity is expanding to meet demand, with Korean and Chinese yards expected to exceed 100 annual slots by 2028.
Commodities Allseas Wins Canadian LNG Pipeline Installation Deal for Ksi Lisims Project
Swiss marine contractor Allseas has been awarded a contract by Western LNG to install the subsea section of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline in British Columbia. The ~50 km pipeline will connect Canadian natural gas to the planned Ksi Lisims LNG export facility on Pearse Island, with offshore installation set for 2029 using vessels Solitaire and Sandpiper.
Logistics UK Trade Body Urges Government to Approve Rosebank and Jackdaw Energy Projects
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has urged the UK government to approve the Rosebank and Jackdaw offshore energy projects, arguing delays threaten domestic supply and investor confidence. The combined £10.8bn projects could deliver 10% of UK gas and oil output, supporting thousands of jobs. OEUK warns that reliance on imports increases carbon footprint by up to four times.
Logistics Asyad Brings Omani Investors Into LNG Carrier Pair, Retains Majority Control
Asyad Shipping has sold 20% stakes in the companies owning two new LNG carriers – Muscat LNG and Musandam LNG – to Omani investors. Oman LNG Development Foundation Investment Fund and Mars Development and Investment each acquired 10%, while Asyad retains 80% and operational control. The 174,000 cbm vessels were built by HD Hyundai Samho and are on long-term charter to Oman LNG.
Commodities India's Strategic Reserves Strategy: Crude Oil, LPG, and LNG for Energy Security
India is strengthening its energy security with strategic reserves for crude oil, LPG, and LNG. Current SPR capacity is 5.33 MMT (9.5 days of consumption), with plans to expand to 11.88 MMT. Experts advocate a three-tier policy: large physical crude reserves, distributed LPG reserves, and virtual LNG reserves to cover 90 days of consumption.
Trade EU Grants Dynagas 12-Month Reprieve in Latest Russia Sanctions Package
The European Union has added 41 vessels to its shadow fleet blacklist while granting Greek shipowner Dynagas a temporary 12-month reprieve from restrictions on carrying Russian LNG to non-EU countries. The exemption limits volumes to 2025 levels and is part of the EU's 21st sanctions package.
Commodities Government says household PNG prices remain stable despite higher LNG prices and West Asia crisis
The Indian government has stated that household piped natural gas (PNG) prices have been kept stable and affordable despite higher global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices triggered by the West Asia crisis. The measures include a capped domestic gas price of USD 7 per MMBtu and allocation of 105% of previous quarter's consumption. The PNG network continues to expand, with over 1.70 crore connections as of May 31, 2026, though a target of 1.2 crore new households by March 2027 was not explicitly confirmed.
Logistics ABL Wins Papua New Guinea FSO Support Contract for Santos Subsidiary
ABL, a marine and energy consultancy, has won a contract from Santos subsidiary Oil Search Limited to provide marine warranty survey services for a new FSO facility in Papua New Guinea. The FSO, the country's first offshore floating facility, will be deployed at the Kumul Marine Terminal as part of the Kutubu Pipeline System. ABL's scope covers equipment supply and installation across India, Indonesia, the UK, and Papua New Guinea, with work expected to run through 2028.
Logistics Titan Wind Energy enters tanker building with order for two crude oil tankers
Titan Wind Energy, a Chinese renewable energy equipment manufacturer, has entered the tanker building sector with an order for two firm 113,800 dwt crude oil tankers, with options for two more. The deal is valued at CNY1.874 billion ($257.8 million) if all options are exercised, with deliveries scheduled for 2028-2029. The order marks the company's first move into mainstream tanker construction, adding to China's growing shipbuilding capacity.
Commodities India Signed 8.4 mtpa of Long-Term LNG Contracts in 2025, Leading Global Buyer: GIIGNL
India was the most active buyer of long-term LNG contracts in 2025, signing 8.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) across six entities, according to the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL). The global LNG contracting market saw 83 long-term sale purchase agreements (SPAs) totaling 71.6 mtpa, nearly double the 47 SPAs in 2024. The report also highlighted risks from the West Asia conflict, including an attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal and reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodities India overtakes Spain to become world's fourth-largest LNG regasification market with 52.5 mtpa capacity
India's LNG regasification capacity reached 52.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2025, making it the fourth-largest market globally after Japan, China, and South Korea, according to the International Gas Union (IGU) World LNG 2026 report. Utilisation declined to 47% due to weaker summer imports and new capacity additions. The report also highlights the resilience of the global LNG market amid Middle East conflict and strong long-term demand drivers.
Logistics Exmar Sells Five LPG Carriers in $35M Profit Deal, Reduces Tonnage Amid Newbuilding Program
Belgian gas shipowner Exmar has agreed to sell five LPG carriers, including three midsize and two fully pressurised vessels, in a deal expected to generate a $35 million profit. The sale reduces Exmar's active capacity as the company takes delivery of new ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, impacting global LPG shipping supply.
Logistics Wärtsilä signs five-year lifecycle contract for Turquoise P FSRU in Turkey
Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a five-year lifecycle agreement with Ireland-based Pardus Energy to support the Turquoise P FSRU at the ETKI LNG terminal in Turkey. The contract includes dedicated management, maintenance planning, and spare parts to improve operational readiness and prepare for major overhauls.
Logistics Splash Singapore: Christoph Toepfer Warns of Recurring Hormuz Disruption for Tanker Industry
Christoph Toepfer, CEO of Borealis Maritime, warns the tanker industry to prepare for recurring Strait of Hormuz disruption rather than one-off events. Speaking at the upcoming Splash Singapore conference, he highlights impacts on charter rates, insurance premiums, and rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, urging investment in supply chain resilience and AI-driven logistics tools.
Logistics Suriname FPSO GranMorgu to Test First-of-Its-Kind Kite-Assisted Towing Across Pacific
A joint venture of SBM Offshore, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies has agreed with Beyond the Sea to trial a kite-assisted towing system on the GranMorgu FPSO for Suriname. The technology, used for the first time on an FPSO, aims to reduce fuel consumption and towing duration during the vessel's voyage from China to Suriname. If successful, it could open a new decarbonization pathway for large-scale maritime towing.
Trade Oil, LNG, Fertilisers and Diamonds at Risk from Iran's Wider Blockade Threat Beyond Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned it could expand efforts to disrupt regional trade beyond the Strait of Hormuz, threatening oil, LNG, fertilisers and diamond supply chains. The Strait carries nearly 20 million barrels per day of crude and petroleum products, and over 90% of Qatar and UAE's LNG exports. Diamonds routed through India and UAE for cutting and polishing face disruption, along with petrochemicals and food shipments.
Logistics Hormuz crisis reaches final form: double tolls, dual routes, and paralysis for shipping
The Strait of Hormuz has become the world's first double-tolled chokepoint after the US announced a 20% levy on all cargo transiting the strait, while Iran continues collecting fees from 'friendly' vessels. The dual pricing, along with two rival traffic routes and two irreconcilable geopolitical worldviews, is creating paralysis across ocean freight, especially for oil and LNG tankers. P&I clubs, charterers and traders have no precedent to price the risk.
Logistics Ciner Group's VLAC Investment Surpasses $1 Billion with Three New Orders at HD Hyundai
Turkish industrial conglomerate Ciner Group has ordered three additional very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) from HD Hyundai, bringing its total investment in the segment past $1 billion. The $363 million contract for 90,000 cbm LPG dual-fuel ships follows a $717 million order for six VLACs in May 2026. Ciner now has nine ammonia carriers on order at HD Hyundai Samho, with deliveries extending into 2030, amid a sharp rebound in large gas carrier contracting.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Ship Traffic Plunges After US-Iran Strikes on Tankers
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell steeply to 23 ships on Wednesday 8 July, down from 47 a week earlier, after attacks on three tankers and renewed US-Iran strikes. The drop follows a fragile peace deal signed 17 June that had temporarily boosted crossings to 72 ships. Iran insists only its approved northern route is safe, while the US recommends a southern Omani corridor. Logistics operators face heightened risk, potential delays, and rerouting decisions.
Logistics ADNOC L&S orders four LNG carriers worth $900m from Jiangnan Shipyard in fleet expansion
ADNOC Logistics & Services has ordered four 175,000 cubic meter LNG carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard in a deal worth approximately $900 million. The vessels, delivered in 2029, expand ADNOC L&S’s LNG newbuilding programme to 18 ships, reinforcing its role in long-term LNG supply chains.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Near Standstill, Ukraine Strikes, Evergreen Raided, ZIM Sale Faces Hurdles
The Strait of Hormuz saw a near standstill after US strikes on Iran, with three vessels attacked. Ukraine escalated attacks on Russian shipping. Evergreen Marine was raided in Taiwan. The ZIM sale to Hapag-Lloyd faces political opposition. The Panama Canal will reduce neopanamax draught limits.
Logistics CONCOR and GAIL Sign 15-Year Deal for LNG Dispensing Station at Ahmedabad ICD
CONCOR and GAIL have signed a 15-year agreement to establish an LNG dispensing station at CONCOR's Inland Container Depot in Khodiyar, Ahmedabad. GAIL will operate the station while CONCOR provides land and utility connectivity, and commits to deploying 15 LNG-powered commercial vehicles in the first year. The round-the-clock facility will serve CONCOR's fleet and other commercial vehicles.
Commodities India Lifts Emergency Natural Gas Curbs After Strait of Hormuz LNG Shipments Resume
The Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has withdrawn emergency provisions under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, which had allowed prioritised allocation of domestic gas and imported LNG. The curbs were imposed in March 2026 following disruptions to LNG shipments via the Strait of Hormuz. Their removal follows a ceasefire in the West Asia conflict that has restored LNG flows through the strategic waterway.
Commodities India's strategic gas storage: LNG buffer mandate for terminals in the works - what it means
India is planning to require LNG terminal operators to create additional storage capacity as a strategic gas reserve, allowing cost recovery through higher regasification charges. The move follows supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict. Separately, India is diversifying LPG imports, with the US emerging as the largest supplier, and oil marketing companies are asked to prepare a roadmap for a 30-day strategic LPG reserve.
Logistics Projectile strike near Strait of Hormuz tests fragile recovery of commercial shipping
A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, testing the fragile recovery of commercial shipping following last month's US-Iran ceasefire. The incident occurred near the US-coordinated southern transit corridor off Oman, and authorities continue to warn of a 'substantial' maritime security threat. Meanwhile, bulk carriers carrying sulphur face severe corrosion risks from prolonged delays.
Commodities Global LNG trade hit record in 2025, but Middle East conflict clouds outlook, IGU says
Global LNG trade hit a record 436.98 million metric tons in 2025, up 6.3% year-on-year, driven by US exports and European imports, according to the International Gas Union. However, the IGU warned that conflict in the Middle East could lead to a contraction in 2026 due to damaged infrastructure and uncertainty for Asian buyers.
Commodities Centre Approves ₹3,400 Crore Expansion of IndianOil's Ennore LNG Terminal to 10 MTPA
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted environmental clearance for the ₹3,400-crore expansion of IndianOil LNG Pvt Ltd's Ennore LNG terminal in North Chennai, doubling regasification capacity from 5 MTPA to 10 MTPA. The expansion, driven by rising natural gas demand in the region, will increase regasification capacity from 20 MMSCMD to 40 MMSCMD, supplying RLNG to industries across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Completion is expected in 54 months and supports India's goal of raising natural gas's share in the energy mix to 15% by 2030.
Logistics BW LNG orders 174,000 cbm FSRU newbuild at HD Hyundai for Indonesia project
BW LNG has been identified as the contractor for a new 174,000 cbm floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, costing roughly $320m for delivery in Q2 2029. The vessel will support a joint venture with PT AKR Corporindo to develop an LNG FSRU project for the JIIPE Gresik Special Economic Zone in East Java, Indonesia, with commercial operations targeted for Q3 2029.
Logistics Indonesian Owners Give Older LNG Carriers a Second Life Amid Sliding Values
Indonesian owners have bought six large LNG carriers in 2026, half of which were laid up, as vessel values continue a four-year decline. Sillo Maritime Perdana and Soechi Lines each purchased a 158,000 cu m MISC vessel for about $65m, while Buana Lautan Line bought a 138,000 cu m steam turbine carrier for $14.9m. The reactivation of idle tonnage affects LNG shipping supply, while one older vessel is being scrapped.
Commodities India lifts gas supply restrictions as LNG flow through Strait of Hormuz resumes
The Indian government has withdrawn its March 2026 order regulating natural gas supply, allowing normal LNG imports to resume as Strait of Hormuz reopens after a ceasefire. The emergency measures had prioritised supply for domestic PNG and CNG while reducing fertiliser sector allocations. India, the fourth-largest LNG importer, sources 41.4% of its LNG from Qatar.
Logistics Tsakos Energy Navigation Orders Second LNG Carrier from HD Hyundai, Expanding Newbuilding Program to 20 Vessels
Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) has ordered a second LNG carrier from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2029. The order expands TEN's newbuilding program to 20 vessels, including LNG carriers, tankers, and shuttle tankers. The company's pro forma fleet now stands at 83 vessels with over 11 million dwt capacity.
Commodities India and Japan to Sign LNG Security Pact Amid Global Supply Disruptions
India and Japan are set to sign an agreement to strengthen LNG supply security during the annual summit between PM Modi and PM Takaichi. The pact includes a joint task force for stockpiling and information-sharing, amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
Commodities Pakistan Backtracks on Energy Gamble, Buys Emergency LNG as Qatar Exports Stay in Limbo
Pakistan has reversed its strategy of staying out of the spot LNG market, issuing an urgent tender for a cargo from BP Plc at $16.74/MMBtu — above Asia spot levels — as Qatar's LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz effectively halt following attacks on vessels. The purchase follows a previously cancelled Qatari shipment that forced Pakistan to pay $19.13/MMBtu, the highest since 2022. The energy crunch is feeding into broader economic pressure, with CPI rising 11.7% in May.
Logistics Machine Guns on Russian LNG Carrier in the Baltic Raise Security Alarms for Shipping
The Russian LNG carrier Marshal Vasilevskiy was photographed in May with two 12.7 mm Kord heavy machine guns mounted on its bridge as it transited the Baltic Sea, according to an OCCRP investigation. At least 22 individuals with military or security service backgrounds were identified aboard, raising concerns about the militarisation of commercial shipping and its implications for maritime security and sanctions enforcement.
Logistics HMM Secures Bareboat Charter for Two Gas Carrier Newbuilds with Swiss Commodity Trader Mercuria
South Korean shipping major HMM has secured bareboat charter contracts with a shipping unit of Swiss commodities trader Mercuria for two 90,000 cu m gas carriers. The seven-year charters, worth KRW311.8bn ($202m), are scheduled to start in July 2029 with options to extend. The vessels are part of HMM's recently disclosed 10-ship newbuilding programme aimed at expanding beyond container shipping.
Commodities West Asia oil and LNG loadings continue despite Strait of Hormuz attacks and renewed strikes
West Asian oil and LNG producers continue loading cargoes despite renewed ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran. Brent crude fell 10.6% last week but rose Monday after weekend hostilities. Iran accelerated loadings after a US sanctions waiver, while Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar maintained exports.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz traffic surges then halts after attack, evacuation paused
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz surged to a three-month high on Wednesday after the US lifted sanctions on Iranian oil, but dropped sharply on Friday following an attack in the Gulf of Oman that halted an IMO evacuation operation for 11,000 stranded seafarers. The surge saw 73 vessels transit on Wednesday, but traffic fell by half after Iran warned ships to avoid the Omani coast. Major global carriers have not returned, and the IMO plans to reconfirm safety guarantees before resuming evacuations.
Logistics Modec to Supply Turret Mooring System for Mozambique’s Coral Norte FLNG Project
Modec has secured a contract to provide a SOFEC internal turret mooring system for the Coral Norte FLNG project offshore Mozambique. Developed by Eni and its partners, the project achieved FID in October 2025 and hull launch in January 2026, with first LNG expected in 2028. The system is critical for safe operations in the Rovuma Basin.