port-and-ship
Apr 01, 2025
marine insight
The owner of the cargo ship that collided with a US military contracted tanker in the North Sea has filed legal documents in London to establish a fund for potential lawsuits after the collision.
MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft MBH & Co KG, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ and owned of the Portuguese-flagged Solong, has taken steps to limit its liability by setting up a “limitation fund” in the UK Admiralty Court.
The company said this is a standard procedure for large maritime accidents to provide security for claimants while managing financial exposure.
Court filings show that the Solong’s owners are facing legal action from Stena Bulk Marine Services USA LLC and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions LLC, the operators of the Stena Immaculate, which was anchored when Solong crashed into it on March 10.
The Ernst Russ subsidiary has initiated a separate legal claim against Dutch logistics firm Samskip MCL BV, whose containers were aboard the Solong, as well as “all other persons claiming or entitled to claim loss or damage” due to the collision.
A representative from Ernst Russ explained that the incident happened in UK waters, and several potential claimants, including public authorities, reside in the UK, making London the appropriate jurisdiction for the limitation fund.
Video Credits: Calanquee/YouTube
The fund aims to compensate verified claims while ensuring a structured legal process.
The collision, which took place around 9:47 am on March 10, occurred approximately 10.2 nautical miles from the nearest land point off the East Yorkshire coast.
The Stena Immaculate had been anchored at the location since 6:50 pm the previous evening. The Solong, traveling at about 15 knots, struck the port side of the Stena Immaculate, leading to a massive fire.
Rescue teams managed to save 36 crew members from both vessels, but one sailor from the Solong, identified as Mark Angelo Pernia, aged 38, from the Philippines, remains missing and is presumed dead.
The Solong’s captain, 59 year old Russian national Vladimir Motin, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter. He appeared at the Old Bailey on March 21 and is scheduled to stand trial in January next year.
After the collision, the Solong remained burning for a week before being towed to the Port of Aberdeen. Ernst Russ confirmed that the vessel suffered extensive damage and is likely a total loss.
The company acknowledged the tragic loss of a crew member and expressed gratitude to the Port of Aberdeen for accommodating the damaged vessel.
Ernst Russ also stated that efforts were underway to assess the full extent of the ship’s damage, remove affected cargo, and manage the environmental and financial repercussions of the accident.
Legal proceedings are now underway in London, where the limitation fund will be used to address verified claims against the Solong’s owner.
The UK Admiralty Court will now oversee multiple lawsuits, while investigators continue examining the causes of the accident and assessing accountability for the damages.
References: Reuters
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Splash 247
Totalenergies Terminates Shelf Drilling Jackup DealUnited Arab Emirates-based jackup rig pure-play Shelf Drilling has received a contract termination from French giant TotalEnergies.
The company said it received a contract termination notice for the 2014-built Shelf Drilling Winner. The jackup was contracted to the Danish arm of the French major.
Under the notice and in accordance with the contract, the termination shall be effective in August 2025.
The driller stated that the rig had “consistently delivered outstanding operational and safety performance while under contract with TotalEnergies”.
The rig’s contract was initially scheduled to conclude in August 2026, subject to two additional options to extend it further into late 2027.
However, following a thorough evaluation of the original schedule, TotalEnergies informed Shelf Drilling that the rig would be released in the summer of 2025 after the completion of the final scheduled well activities due to changes in the 2025 work program. Shelf Drilling will actively market the rig for future opportunities.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
Splash 247
Apm Terminals Acquires The Panama Canal Railway CompanyAt a time when Panamanian transport infrastructure is making regular headlines, Maersk’s ports arm APM Terminals has acquired the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) from Canadian Pacific Kansas City and the Lanco Group/Mi‑Jack for an unspecified sum.
PCRC operates a 76 km single-line railway adjacent to the Panama Canal that mainly facilitates cargo movement between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 2024, the PCRC generated revenue of $77m and $36m in EBITDA with much business coming from Maersk who used the rail link during last year’s drought in Panama that stifled traffic along the country’s canal.
“The Panama Canal Railway Company represents an attractive infrastructure investment in the region aligned to our core services of intermodal container movement,” said Keith Svendsen, CEO, APM Terminals. “The company is highly regarded for its operational excellence and will provide a significant opportunity for us to offer a broader range of services to the global shipping customers we serve.”
Panama has been constantly in the news following Donald Trump’s return to power in the US, with the American president vowing to wrest back control of the Central American nation’s canal, while Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison has included two Panamanian ports in its planned $22.8bn sale of its non-Chinese ports to BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), a transaction China is keen to prevent.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
container news
Sea-Intelligence Reports Major East-West Capacity GrowthContainer freight rates have a strong seasonal tendency to weaken in the period following the Chinese New Year (CNY), according to Sea-Intelligence’s analysis.
In 2025, however, the decline in spot rates is significantly more negative, than what can be explained by just seasonality.
“This could be the result of an aggressive commercial price war between shipping lines, potentially due to the switch-over to the new alliances, a weakening of the supply/demand balance, or a combination of both,” explains Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence.
“While container demand data for February is not yet available, we do have supply-side data from our Trade Capacity Outlook database. We looked at the Y/Y capacity growth for the eight weeks on either side of ‘Week 0’, which we have defined as the week during the CNY period, in which the lowest total nominal capacity departed Asia,” said Murphy.
Source: Sea-Intelligence.com, Sunday Spotlight, issue 708
Looking at the eight weeks prior to week 0, Asia to North America West Coast (NAWC) capacity increased 7% Y/Y, while it increased 14% Y/Y in the eight weeks after CNY. On Asia to North America East Coast (NAEC), there is a smaller supply contraction of 3% Y/Y before CNY and 4% Y/Y after CNY. On Asia-Europe, the Y/Y capacity growth in the eight weeks prior to CNY was 9%, while in the eight weeks following CNY, Y/Y capacity growth is a substantial 27%.
“Especially for Asia-Europe, it is clear that a highly significant capacity growth is a key parameter in explaining the current spot rate weakness,” noted Murphy. “Spot rates to NAWC, however, started to drop later than to Europe, which makes sense, given that the high level of capacity injection also started later into NAWC than it did into Europe.”
If the shipping lines are to be successful with the General Rate Increases (GRIs) they have already announced for April, they will have to blank more scheduled sailings, according to Sea-Intelligence’s boss. “MSC has now announced blank sailings on some services on the Transpacific, but this is not (yet) being done by the other shipping lines,” added Murphy.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
maritime gateway
Alang Beached 113 Ships For Recycling In Fy25Alang-Sosiya in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district–home to the world’s largest stretch of ship-breaking facilities–beached 113 ships for recycling in FY25, the lowest in a decade. The 113 ships sold by fleet owners for recycling translated into a Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT) of 10.06199 lakhs, a Gujarat government official said. Light Displacement Tonnage refers to the weight of a ship’s hull, machinery, equipment and spares and form the basis on which ships are usually sold for scrap. In FY24, Alang beached 125 ships for recycling with a LDT of 9.44069 lakhs whereas in FY23, ship recycling units beached 131 ships, translating into a LDT of 11.47480 lakhs.At its peak some 15 years ago, Alang beached about 400 ships a year for recycling. Ship recyclers say that booming freight rates forced fleet owners to continue running their old ships, resulting in a smaller number of ships traded for dismantling.
According to Clarkson Research Services, recycling activity is expected to remain soft in the near term, volumes may pick up in coming years, amid the potential for softer shipping markets in some sectors, with strong market conditions having been a factor in holding back the supply of tonnage to the recycling market in recent years.
Alang ship recyclers are banking on the proposed ship recycling credit note scheme announced in the Union Budget and the International Maritime Organisation’s Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) that will enter into force on 26 June this year, to improve their prospects. Under the proposed ship recycling credit note scheme, a credit notes equivalent to 40 per cent of the scrap value of a ship being dismantled in an Indian ship breaking yard would be given to a fleet owner–both Indian and global–with the credit note being reimbursable against cost of construction of new vessel at an Indian yard. With this credit note, the fleet owner can go to an Indian shipbuilder for ordering a new ship and get a rebate in the shipbuilding cost to the extent of the credit note value. To cater to green recycling, some 115 ship recycling yards in Alang have upgraded their facilities for compliance with IMO’s HKC.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
maritime gateway
Mundra Port Handled 200 Mn Mt Of Cargo Volume In 2024-25Mundra Port, the flagship shipyard of Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Ports, has become the first India dockyard to handle over 200 million metric tonnes of cargo volume in 2024-25. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), in a statement, said during March 2025, it handled its highest-ever cargo volume at 41.5 MMT (+9 per cent year-on-year), led by containers (+19 per cent) and liquids and gas (+5 per cent).
Mundra becomes the first Indian port ever to cross 200 MMT annual cargo volume, the company said. The company said its Vizhinjam port crossed the 1,00,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) milestone during the month.
During FY25, APSEZ handled 450.2 MMT cargo volume (+7 per cent), led by containers (+20 per cent) and liquids and gas (+9 per cent). In FY25, logistics rail volume stood at 0.64 Mn TEUs (+8 per cent), and GPWIS volume was at 21.97 MMT (+9 per cent).port-and-ship
03 April 2025
maritime gateway
Coastal Shipping Bill Will Unlock India’S Maritime Potential: SonowalUnion Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal moved the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 and stated that the legislation will unlock India’s maritime potential and provide a sustainable alternative to road and rail transport. Moving the bill for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha, Sonowal, who holds the ports, shipping and waterways portfolio, said with the logistics sector seeking low-cost, reliable and sustainable alternatives, the legislation will provide a much-needed push to the maritime industry through a dedicated legal framework for coastal shipping.
Sonowal also noted that the bill aligns with the National Logistics Policy and promotes coastal shipping as a cost-effective mode of transport that could significantly lower the overall logistics costs. Sonowal also pointed out that the current regulations and licensing do not provide a forward-looking framework in line with the global best practices.
Opposition MPs, however, raised concerns about the bill’s impact on fishermen and the role of states in coastal shipping governance. Congress MP Manickam Tagore accused the government of overlooking the struggles of fishermen, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
He demanded the inclusion of weather alerts, life vests for every fisherman, and certification for their boats under the proposed law, while also calling for the removal of the 30 per cent tax on coastal shipping.
BJP MP Arun Govil backed the bill, stating that it would reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance the global standing of the Indian shipping companies.
Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Chandra Uttam Patel expressed concerns over the “concentration of power” in the hands of the Central government.
Emphasising the need to balance regulations with investment, Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy said, “We must not allow regulations to hamper investment. This bill introduces uniformity and transparency. However, we should mandate that at least 50 per cent of domestic cargo be transported by Indian vessels and create an independent body to oversee shipping matters.” Roy also called for a minimum employment quota for Indian seafarers in Indian shipping companies.
DMK MP D M Kathir Anand strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it undermined state autonomy.
He also warned that increased shipping activity could lead to oil spills and environmental degradation, affecting the livelihoods of fishermen.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu stressed the importance of protecting Indian shipping interests. Highlighting that nearly 49 per cent of India’s coastal fleet is over 20 years old, the TDP MP called for provisions to provide low-cost capital and long-term financing to modernise the shipping sector.
The Coastal Shipping Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 2, 2024, seeks to regulate vessels engaged in trade within the Indian coastal waters.
Under the bill, coastal waters mean territorial waters of India, along with adjoining maritime zones. Territorial water extends up to 12 nautical miles from the coast (about 22 km). The adjoining maritime zones extend up to 200 nautical miles (about 370 km), according to PRS, a think-tank.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
maritime gateway
Indian Navy, Kirloskar Sign Deal For 6Mw Marine Diesel EngineThe Indian Navy has inked a project sanction order with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited hunder Make-I category for the design and development of 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine.
The signing took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan at South Block, New Delhi on April 02, 2025.
The prototype diesel engine with indigenous content of over 50 per cent will be developed at a cost of Rs 270 crore with 70 per cent funding from the Government of India. The order also includes development of detailed design for 3-10MW diesel engine. The developed engines will be used for Main Propulsion and Power Generation on ships of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
Most of the diesel engines of higher capacity were being imported from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) till date. This project will start the process in achieving self-reliance in marine engine development in the country.
The Defence Ministry said it is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to indigenise critical technologies and achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence. It will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange and reduce dependency on foreign OEMs. It will act as a catalyst for the development of defence industrial ecosystem in the country.
Earlier in March, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a Rs 7,000 crore deal for the acquisition of 307 advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) for the Indian Army.
The ATAGS is an advanced towed artillery gun system featuring a long 52-calibre barrel, allowing for extended firing ranges of up to 40 km. With its larger calibre, the system ensures higher lethality, delivering increased explosive payloads while enabling automated deployment, target engagement, and reduced crew fatigue.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
maritime gateway
Jnpa Handles Record 7.3 Million Teus Cargo In Fy 2024-25Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)scaled new heights in FY 2024-25, achieving a record-breaking 7.3 million TEUs in container throughput, reflecting a year of exceptional progress with a growth of 13.55% compared to the previous Financial Year. Emphasising JNPA’s forward-thinking strategies during the stakeholders’ meeting which was followed by celebration, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA, and CMD, VPPL stated, “JNPA’s record handling of 7.3 million TEUs in FY 2024-25 reflects its evolution as a model port, setting benchmarks in efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness. The numbers reflect more than just volume; they speak of the hard work put in across terminals, the trust of our trade partners, and the seamless coordination that keeps India’s gateway port running. As a frontrunner in port-led development, JNPA’s terminal operators continue to integrate cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, ensuring seamless trade facilitation.”
Highlights of FY 2024-2025:
Centralized Parking Plaza (CPP) achieved the highest ever handling of 1,05,850 TEUs in March 2025, surpassing the previous handling of 98,249 TEUs in March 2023. The stakeholders’ meeting at JNPA brought together key players from the port and logistics ecosystem to celebrate this achievement. Attendees included JN Port’s terminal operators—BMCT, DP World, APMT, BPCL, NSFT, NSDT, and JJLTPL—along with representatives from trade bodies such as CSLA, MANSA, CFSAI, and BCBA. Beyond the celebration, the meeting provided a platform for exchanging insights, discussing innovative approaches, and outlining future strategies to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable growth.
Discussions during the stakeholders’ meeting were about planning future strategies —how JNPA can build on this momentum and address the evolving needs of the sector.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
maritime gateway
Vizhinjam Port Crosses 1 Lakh Teus In MarchVizhinjam International Seaport has achieved a significant milestone by handling over 1 lakh containers in a single month, just four months after launching commercial operations. In March 2025, the port efficiently processed 1.08 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) from 51 vessels, demonstrating its growing role in India’s maritime sector. The rapid success of Adani Vizhinjam Port is attributed to its strategic use of advanced technology and meticulous planning, which have enabled high operational efficiency and scalability. The port’s ability to handle such a large volume of containers within a short period highlights its potential to become a major transshipment hub in the region. Trial operations at Vizhinjam began in July 2024, followed by the official launch of commercial services in December 2024. Since then, the port has seen a steady rise in container traffic, reinforcing its position as a crucial gateway for global trade. The latest achievement of surpassing 1 lakh TEUs in a month underlines its operational excellence and growing importance in India’s logistics landscape.
Vizhinjam’s strategic location along international shipping routes enhances its appeal to global carriers. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, deep draft, and proximity to major maritime trade lanes, the port is well-positioned to compete with leading transshipment hubs in the region. Industry experts believe its continued expansion will significantly boost India’s logistics capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign ports for transshipment. The successful handling of such high volumes within months of commencing operations reflects the efficiency and readiness of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), which is spearheading the development of the facility. Looking ahead, further investments in automation, connectivity, and hinterland integration are expected to solidify Vizhinjam’s status as a key player in global trade. With its rapid growth trajectory, Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s maritime sector while enhancing Kerala’s position as a logistics hub.port-and-ship
03 April 2025
Hellenic shipping news
Trump'S Reciprocal Tariff Plan Amplifies Risk Of Ocean Shipping Chaos, Executives Sayin International Shipping News
03/04/2025
U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff plan has the ocean shipping industry on edge as he stokes a trade war destined to stanch transport demand and send companies scrambling to manage the fallout.
The Trump administration on Wednesday is set to announce “reciprocal tariffs” targeting nations that have duties on U.S. goods. That move would come after it slapped new import levies on products from Mexico, China and Canada – the top U.S. trading partners – as well as on goods including steel and autos.
Major global container shipping firms like MSC, Maersk, CMA and Hapag-Lloyd transport towering piles of colorful boxes stuffed with goods for U.S. customers like Walmart WMT, Target TGT and Home Depot HD.
They are giants in the roughly $14 trillion a year ocean shipping industry that handles about 80% of global trade. They are also reliant on companies that are getting whipsawed by Trump’s escalating, on-and-off tariffs.
“The implementation of stacked tariffs has led to mounting confusion,” said Blake Harden, the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s vice president of international trade. “Companies have not had adequate time, certainty, and guidance they need to incorporate these changes and comply.”
Trump has invoked emergency powers to swiftly add, and occasionally retract and reinstate, tariffs during his second term in office.
“Importers don’t know from one week to the next what their duty cost is going to be,” said Kit Johnson, director of import compliance at John S. James Co., a U.S. customs broker and freight forwarder whose customers include automakers and producers of chemicals, machinery, medical devices and textiles.
Johnson has seen an uptick in customers opting for high-cost air shipping for autos and other goods that normally would travel by sea, in a bid to front-run new tariffs.
U.S. container imports have also surged to record levels in recent months as companies rushed in toys, furniture, bedding, machinery and parts from China, the world’s No. 1 exporter, to avoid Trump’s tariffs.
As that threat expanded, other vessel types and airplanes have been called to help U.S. firms stockpile cars from Europe and the Far East, cheese and wine from Italy, and prescription drugs from Ireland.
The average on-demand spot rate to ship a 40-foot container on the key Far East to U.S. West Coast route was $2,844 on Tuesday, a one-day gain of almost 16%, according to data from freight pricing platform Xeneta. That rate is still lower than a year ago, when the risk of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes was a new phenomenon and trading was not distorted by importers seeking to avoid tariffs.
TARIFFS TAKE A BITE
But companies’ knee-jerk, front-loading strategy is just a temporary fix – especially as retaliatory tariffs stoke trade wars that could suffocate demand.
The tariff tiffs come as ocean shipping faces greater potential peril from a separate Trump plan to impose hefty U.S. port call fees on ships with links to China.
Foes of that proposal say it could decimate domestic agriculture and energy exporters that Trump promised to support. They also warn it could reignite pandemic-level chaos at ports by prompting vessel operators to avoid fees by swamping some ports with cargo while starving others.
Layering that on top of tariffs has paralyzed decision-making around how to source, sell and move goods.
“You cannot make important decisions on your supply chain when the rules of the game keep changing,” said Peter Sand, Xeneta’s chief analyst.
One Greek container shipping executive, who requested anonymity due to fear that public comments could negatively affect business, said customers were not loading cargo for fear that a large levy might be imposed at the end of a lengthy ocean voyage.
“We are in a wait-and-see mode.”
Experts have begun counting the harm from Trump’s tariffs.
Anxiety over the levies already has helped derail a turnaround in the U.S. manufacturing sector that relies on imports and exports and drives significant demand for transportation, according to responses to the Institute for Supply Management survey.
S&P Global Market Intelligence expects the volume of U.S. ocean container freight imports to drop 0.7% in 2025.
“While there is still strong growth in the first quarter, this is expected to reverse in the second quarter of 2025 as tariffs bite,” S&P said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is scrambling to reprogram and test systems needed to calculate and collect new tariffs. The Trump administration in February delayed a plan to begin collecting duties on direct sales of low-value goods from retailers like Temu PDD and Shein after packages piled up at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“The more of these tariffs we have, the harder it’s going to be for everyone to keep up,” customs broker Johnson said.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
03 April 2025Hellenic shipping news
Asia Distillates: Upbeat Window Activity; Physical Deal Emerges After A Weekin General Energy News
03/04/2025
Asia’s middle distillates markets saw more upbeat physical and paper market activity on Wednesday, with a deal emerging at the window for the first time in a week, though May refiner spot discussions remained illiquid.
Some worries on the macroeconomic front, given the announcement of U.S. tariffs later in the evening, remained prevalent.
April paper markets were also heavily discussed, with buyers aplenty.
At the market’s close, refining margins dipped by almost $1 to around $13.40 a barrel.
On the spot trading window, deals were done at slightly lower premiums from a day earlier against a backdrop of softer timespreads between April and May cargoes.
The 10ppm sulphur gasoil cash differentials slipped to 17 cents per barrel.
Regrade spread was little changed at discounts of around $1 a barrel.
SINGAPORE CASH DEALS
– One gasoil deal, no jet fuel deal
INVENTORIES
– U.S. crude oil inventories rose while fuel inventories fell last week, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday.
– Middle distillates stocks held at Fujairah Oil Industry Zone gained to 3.053 million barrels, the highest since early September, in the week ended March 31, according to industry information service S&P Global Commodity Insights.
NEWS
– Venezuela’s exports of crude oil and fuel fell 11.5% in March month-on-month as Washington’s imposition of secondary tariffs and the cancellation of key licenses to operate in the U.S.-sanctioned energy sector led to delays and cargo suspensions, according to ship tracking data and documents.
– Oil prices steadied in thin trading on Wednesday after falling in the previous session on concerns that new U.S. tariffs, set to be unveiled at 2000 GMT, may deepen a global trade war that could limit crude demand.
– Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter, on Wednesday imposed restrictions on another major oil export route, suspending a mooring at the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk only a day after restricting loadings from a key Caspian pipeline.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
03 April 2025Hellenic shipping news
Venezuela'S Oil Exports Fall 11.5% Over Us Tariffs And Sanctions, Shipping Data Showin Freight News
03/04/2025
Venezuela’s exports of crude oil and fuel fell 11.5% in March month-on-month as Washington’s imposition of secondary tariffs and the cancellation of key licenses to operate in the U.S.-sanctioned energy sector led to delays and cargo suspensions, according to ship tracking data and documents.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced last week a 25% tariff on nations buying Venezuelan crude and gas, which will begin this week, and notified foreign partners of state-run oil company PDVSA it would revoke the authorizations it had granted to them to operate and export from the OPEC country.
The measures followed the suspension of a key license for U.S. Chevron CVX to produce oil in Venezuela and export it to the United States, which last year was the second largest market for Venezuela’s crude. The Treasury Department set May 27 as the deadline for the companies to wind down operations and exports.
Regular buyers of Venezuelan crude in China and India have suspended some cargoes for late March and April loading following the announcements.
In total, 42 vessels departed Venezuelan waters in March carrying 804,677 barrels per day of crude and fuel, and 341,000 metric tons of oil byproducts and petrochemicals, according to the data and internal PDVSA documents.
The March average was 7.8% below exports in the same month of 2024 and the lowest since December.
China was again the largest receiver of Venezuelan crude in March with 483,700 bpd, followed by the U.S. with 210,700 bpd, India with 60,160 bpd and Cuba with 50,130 bpd.
There were no crude exports to Europe last month. However, some European partners of PDVSA are scheduling and loading what could be their last cargoes before the end of the wind-down period, the documents showed.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said late on Tuesday in a post on Telegram that the figures published by Reuters were wrong and that oil exports had risen 8.78% in March. She provided no evidence for the figure nor any details.
The government of President Nicolas Maduro has always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela.
Crude and fuel exports from Venezuela fell to their lowest since December as customers braced for US secondary tariffs and the cancellation of key authorizations for foreign firms to operate in the country.
Two vessels have left Venezuelan waters without loading since February as Trump’s pressure over the South American country has increased and Washington accused Maduro’s administration of not doing enough to curb illegal migration to the U.S.
Other tankers spent weeks near Venezuelan ports even after receiving PDVSA’s authorization to load, as many customers and ship owners wait to see how Trump’s administration will apply the secondary tariffs.
More than 80 vessels were in or near Venezuelan waters this week, of which 35 were laden but have not left, according to satellite images analyzed by monitoring service Tankertrackers.com.
If sustained, the U.S. measures are expected to hit Venezuela’s main source of revenue in the coming months as happened in 2020 when the U.S. imposed secondary energy sanctions on the country, experts have said.
But the nation could also find new ways to allocate its crude in Asia through third countries and trans-shipments at sea, a work-around solution other sanctioned oil producers and Venezuela have resorted to in recent years.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
03 April 2025Hellenic shipping news
Russian Crude Exports Hit Four-Month High, But Buyers Under Us Scrutinyin Freight News
03/04/2025
Seaborne Russian crude exports reached a four-month high in March, according to ship-tracking data, but when those barrels will reach end-buyers remains to be seen amid US threats.
Preliminary figures from S&P Global Commodities at Sea(opens in a new tab) show Russian crude liftings amounted to roughly 3.51 million b/d in March, up from 3.16 million b/d in February and the highest since November 2024.
The robust exports came as March’s average price for Russia’s flagship export grade, Urals, was assessed by Platts down 4.7% month over month at $57.421/b on a free-on-board Primorsk basis, the lowest since June 2023.
G7 countries and their allies set the price cap for Russian crude at $60/b, so the Urals weakness suggested tanker operators could generally trade in Russia without worries over Western sanctions.
The OPEC+ producer exported 1.58 million b/d to India, the top buyer of Russian oil, in March, slightly down from 1.69 million b/d in February, while exports to China dropped to 933,000 b/d from 1.06 million b/d.
But the figures could be revised upwards later as the destinations of 373,000 b/d of Russian exports last month are unknown as of April 1, according to CAS.
While tanker operators usually would provide more indication on where their ships are sailing to later in the month, Russia has strong incentives to disguise its cargo flows as its buyers could draw the ire of Washington.
On March 30, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose within a month a 25%-50% secondary tariff on countries that import Russian oil if President Vladimir Putin blocks a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault … I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump told NBC news.
Syrian demand
Moreover, CAS data shows 225,000 b/d of Russian exports last month have been destined for Egypt, a top transshipment center where ship-to-ship transfers often take place.
The amount of Russian crude reloaded via STS reached 143,400 b/d in February, with a further 147,800 b/d in offshore transfers during March 1-27, according to CAS, and these STS transfers were predominantly carried out in Egyptian waters.
Separately, Russia also in March exported 110,000 b/d of Novy Port grade to Syria in March, the first shipments to the war-torn country since the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham deposed President Bashar Assad in December 2024.
Despite being one of Assad’s key patrons, Russia could use oil as a likely bargaining chip with HTS to retain its naval base in Tartus, according to analysts.
New crude supply from Russia flows could offer a lifeline for Syria’s crude-starved refineries, Banias and Homs, which have been crippled by the loss of Iranian oil.
Product flows
Meanwhile, Russia’s seaborne exports of clean petroleum products marginally fell to 1.57 million b/d in March from 1.64 million b/d in February, while residues and fuel export exports rose to 636,000 b/d from 608,000 b/d.
The frequency of reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries reduced in March, as the two sides agreed to the US that they would halt attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days.
But the Kyiv Independent, citing presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn, reported that Ukraine confirmed eight hits against its energy facilities by Russian forces since March 18, when the Kremlin claimed to have ordered a pause on such attacks.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry said a Ukrainian drone attack on March 18-19 damaged an oil facility in the south of Russia, which supported the transshipment of crude from railway cars to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
However, CPC distanced itself from such a claim, with a spokesperson saying the targeted facility was not part of the pipeline system.
Source: Plattsport-and-ship
03 April 2025Hellenic shipping news
Alfa Laval Expands Its Portfolio With Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling Technology By Acquiring Nrg Marinein International Shipping News
03/04/2025
Alfa Laval has completed the acquisition of UK-based NRG Marine, a leading provider of ultrasonic anti-fouling technology for marine, oil-and-gas and industrial applications. This strategic move strengthens Alfa Laval’s capabilities toward enhancing energy efficiency and operational performance while reducing costs and extending asset lifespan.
Expanding footprint to address market needs
Rising energy costs, CII improvement and evolving regulations are accelerating the shift toward future-proof, eco-friendly innovations that optimize operations, support decarbonization and reduce environmental impact. Ultrasonic anti-fouling technology is one such immediate opportunity for industries to improve their operations sustainably.
This move strengthens Alfa Laval’s position as a provider of next-generation solutions for multiple sectors. With the addition of ultrasonic anti-fouling technology, Alfa Laval will enable its customers to benefit from solutions that prevent organic matter buildup on the surface of critical assets in a sustainable way, thereby increasing equipment efficiency.
“This acquisition is a strategic step towards offering solutions that enhance operational efficiency and minimize environmental footprint, supporting industry’s net-zero objectives,” says Sameer Kalra, President, Marine Division, Alfa Laval. “By integrating ultrasonic anti-fouling technology into our portfolio, we aim to expand its reach and impact, empowering customers across marine, oil and gas, and industrial sectors with greater energy optimization and performance improvements.”
Enhancing efficiency with innovative technology
NRG Marine, recognized for its Sonihull and Agitate brands, prevents organic deposit buildup by using imploding microscopic bubbles to create surface agitation, passively cleaning surfaces and preventing biofouling of critical components.
Installing the system improves the equipment’s performance and lifespan, reduces system downtime, and lowers maintenance and cleaning costs. The system’s low cost compared to the value gained from reduced fouling and improved maintenance cycles offers attractive returns on investment for all sectors.
In addition to the operational benefits, anti-fouling systems play an important role in reducing fuel consumption and improving vessel CII in the maritime industry. They also mitigate the risk of spreading invasive species, further supporting sustainability efforts and other environmental metrics.
The system provides reliable, low-maintenance biofouling prevention, critical for enhancing uptime and minimizing operational risks in industrial operations. It ensures the uninterrupted cleanliness of internal pipes and valves, keeping operations running smoothly without downtime.
In the oil and gas sector, this system prevents biofouling on stationary surfaces. Being ATEX-approved, it complies with required safety standards, ensuring reliability and safety.
The ultrasonic anti-fouling technology offers a chemical-free, energy-efficient alternative to traditional anti-fouling approaches, making it a sustainable choice for businesses looking to protect the environment with green technology.
Other key acquisitions driving efficiency
In recent years, Alfa Laval has strategically expanded its portfolio through key acquisitions to meet market demands for energy efficiency and decarbonization with high-impact solutions. The recent acquisitions include StormGeo, a leader in weather intelligence and advanced data science solutions; Scanjet, an expert in tank management solutions; and Marine Performance Systems, a company specializing in fluidic air lubrication systems, now selling Alfa Laval systems under the name OceanGlide.
Additionally, Alfa Laval has strengthened its market position through collaborations such as Oceanbird, a joint partnership between Alfa Laval and Wallenius, to advance wind-assisted propulsion technology for a more sustainable future.
Source: Alfa Lavalport-and-ship
03 April 2025Hellenic shipping news
Russia Imposes Further Restrictions On Black Sea Oil Export Portsin Port News
03/04/2025
Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter, on Wednesday imposed restrictions on another major oil export route, suspending a mooring at the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk only a day after restricting loadings from a key Caspian pipeline.
Russia produces about 9 million barrels of oil a day, or just under a 10th of global production. Its ports also ship oil from neighbouring Kazakhstan.
The restrictions were imposed as U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is unhappy with Russia and the rate of progress in peace talks with Ukraine, and threatened to impose secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil.
Russia’s oil pipeline monopoly Transneft TRNFP said it had suspended a mooring at Novorossiisk for 90 days after a snap inspection by a transport watchdog.
The Novorossiisk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP) is one of Russia’s largest export outlets and the closure of one mooring is unlikely to affect its operations significantly.
“A temporary ban on operations has been imposed on oil loading berth 8. NCSP has been ordered to eliminate all identified violations by June 30, 2025,” Transneft said.
Industry sources said that Berth 8 at the Sheskharis terminal handles low-sulphur diesel tankers with a deadweight of around 7,000 metric tons, mainly carrying exports to Turkey and Georgia.
An industry source also said that the berth is used to deal with small-scale vessels of up to 10,000 tons of oil products.
LSEG and industry sources’ data showed that the berth handled around 100,000 tons of diesel in January-March.
Two of three moorings at a nearby terminal of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, in which U.S. oil majors Chevron CVX and Exxon Mobil XOM hold stakes, were closed on Monday following the regulator’s checks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the restrictions on CPC are related to Ukrainian drone attacks on the infrastructure.
Ukraine accused Russia of launching new attacks against its energy facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said a Russian drone hit an energy substation in Sumy region and artillery fire damaged a power line in Dnipropetrovsk, cutting off electricity to nearly 4,000 consumers.
Oil exports via the CPC pipeline have been set at 1.7 million barrels per day, or around 6.5 million metric tons, for April.
CPC buyers have said they are waiting for the revised loading programme. Both Kazakhstan and Chevron said on Tuesday that the flows via the pipeline were not interrupted.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
03 April 2025Port Calls
Portcalls April 2, 2025Our latest stories (April 2, 2025). Stories include:port-and-ship
02 April 2025port technology international
Port Houston Adds Hybrid Rtgs Cranes At Bayport TerminalThese RTGs will be Port Houston’s first “one-over-six” stacking units, raising the standard and expanding the hybrid fleet to 46.
This purchase, Port Houston’s second-largest crane acquisition, will help optimise terminal space.
The port announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is set to begin construction of the Beltway 8 Dredged Material Placement Area for Project 11 in May.
Port Houston recently submitted a letter of intent (LOI) to USACE for a feasibility study on Project 12, the next deepening project for the Houston Ship Channel, authorised by WRDA 2024.
In January, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that the Port of Houston Authority received almost $25 million in grant funds.
One month later, Port Houston’s container volumes were down 5 per cent year-to-date (YTD), but general cargo is up 9 per cent, fueled by strong lumber and plywood volumes.port-and-ship
02 April 2025maritime gateway
Government Approves Export Of Key Commodities To Maldives For 2025-26India notified exports of specified quantities of commodities like eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, and dal for the Maldives in the current fiscal year. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification said these exports have been permitted to the Maldives under the bilateral trade agreement between the countries in 2025-26.
“Export of eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregate and river sand to Maldives has been permitted under the bilateral trade agreement between India and Maldives for 2025-26,” the DGFT said in a notification.
The export of these items to the Maldives will be exempted from any existing or future restriction/prohibition during this period. Items which are restricted or prohibited will be allowed only through the six designated customs ports including Mundra, Tuticorin, and Kandla.
The specified quantity allowed includes potatoes (22,589 tonnes), onions (37,537 tonnes), rice (1,30,429 tonnes), wheat flour (1114621 tonnes), sugar (67719 tonnes), dal (350 tonnes), stone aggregate (13 lakh tonnes) and river sand (13 lakh tonnes). It said that for the exports of river sand and stone aggregate, CAPEXIL (a body to promote the export of chemical and allied products) will ensure that the suppliers/extractors have obtained appropriate environmental clearances and that mining of the sand is not undertaken in the coastal regulation zone area, which is prohibited under the coastal regulation zone notification.
Exporters have to obtain necessary environmental clearances from the designated nodal authority of respective state governments from where sand is obtained. The 1981 India and Maldives trade agreement provides for the export of essential commodities. There has been an increase in the quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour and dal (pulses).
Surrounded by the ocean, the islands in the Maldives and the many atolls don’t have enough river sand to support their construction industry, hence the need for importing sand and stone aggregates to the country. The bilateral trade between the two countries has increased to $978.53 million in 2023-24 from about $973.37 million in 2022-23.port-and-ship
02 April 2025port technology international
Yang Ming Acquires Three Japanese Methanol Dual-Fuel ShipsThese vessels, currently under construction by Japanese Imabari Shipbuilding, are set for delivery between 2028 and 2029.
This strategic move is part of Yang Ming’s fleet optimisation plan, which aims to enhance its global service network and commitment to sustainable transportation.
This acquisition marks the first phase of Yang Ming’s plan to acquire 13 containerships, including six 8,000 TEU-class dual-fuel-ready vessels and up to seven 15,000 TEU-class LNG dual-fuel-fitted vessels.
READ: Yang Ming nears $7 billion revenue in 2024
“The new vessels will be equipped with energy-efficient main engines, ensuring immediate energy savings while maintaining flexibility for the future adoption of alternative fuels,” stated a Yang Ming representative.
In December 2024, Yang Ming unveiled its 2025 Trans-Atlantic services.port-and-ship
02 April 2025Hellenic shipping news
Owner Of Cargo Ship Which Hit Us Tanker Sets Up Uk Fund For Lawsuitsin International Shipping News
02/04/2025
The owner of a cargo ship that struck a U.S. military-contracted tanker off England’s northeast coast last month said on Monday it is setting up a fund for potential lawsuits over the collision.
MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft M & Co KG, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ HXCK which owns the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong, was sued at London’s High Court on Monday by the operators of the Stena Immaculate, which the Solong hit on March 10, according to court records.
The Ernst Russ subsidiary brought a separate case at the specialist Admiralty Court last week, seeking a “limitation of liability”.
That case is being brought against Dutch logistics firm Samskip, which previously said the Solong was carrying Samskip containers, and “all other persons claiming or being entitled to claim loss or damage” over the collision.
A spokesperson for Ernst Russ said in a statement that it was setting up a “limitation fund” which will be available for “parties who have verified claims against Solong’s owner”.
“The incident occurred in territorial waters of the UK and there are interested parties and potential claimants residing in the UK, such as public authorities, hence the setting up of a fund in the UK is the most appropriate way forward,” they added.
“Owners of the Solong are seeking to face claims and ensure a fund is available for any proven claims. This is usual process for large maritime casualties and the fund provides necessary security for potential claimants’ claims.”
The Solong crashed at close to full speed into the Stena Immaculate, an anchored tanker operated by Crowley that was carrying jet fuel. Crowley declined to comment.
A member of the Solong’s crew is still missing and presumed dead. Vladimir Motin, the Solong’s captain, has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
02 April 2025