InterManager Daily News 18.10.2023.

1. Exmar takes the lead with ammonia-powered gas carriers set to deliver in 2026 Belgian owner Exmar will become the first shipowner in the world to take delivery of ammonia powered ships in the first half of 2026. Exmar has two 46,000 cu m LPG carriers contracted earlier this year with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, with these ships set to be able to operate on ammonia or LPG. The engines will be delivered by WINGD and the fuel supply system by Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. https://splash247.com/exmar-takes-the-lead-with-ammonia-powered-gas-carriers-set-to-deliver-in-2026/
2. “Maritime Cyprus 2023” Conference concludes with global impact and success The international Conference “Maritime Cyprus 2023” was concluded with great participation and success once again. The conference took place between 9-11 October 2023, in Limassol, by the Shipping Deputy Ministry in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners. The conference was held for three days and was hosted at the Parklane Resort & Spa. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/10/16/maritime-cyprus-2023-conference-concludes-with-global-impact-and-success/
3. Special shipping containers provide some hope for container manufacturers After the surge in output of 2021, the past 18 months have proved particularly challenging for Chinese box builders with the production of dry freight standard containers, especially 40ft high-cubes, falling sharply. Globally, high levels of inflation and economic uncertainty have dampened trading prospects and hence the demand for new containers. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/10/16/special-shipping-containers-provide-some-hope-for-container-manufacturers/
4. Israel-Gaza conflict: Impact on shipping The situation in Israel remains volatile and we recommend assessing all port calls in the country on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate measures should be incorporated into ship contingency plans. Following Hamas’ large scale military offensive against Israel on the morning of 7 October 2023, the longstanding Israel-Gaza conflict has escalated considerably. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/10/16/israel-gaza-conflict-impact-on-shipping/
5. US sanctions two tanker owners for carrying Russian oil above price cap. The United States imposed sanctions on two owners of tankers that carried Russian oil above the G7 price cap of $60 a barrel, one based in Turkey and one based in the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. Treasury Department said on Thursday. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/10/16/us-sanctions-two-tanker-owners-for-carrying-russian-oil-above-price-cap/
6. IEA cuts forecast for growth in oil demand in 2024 A sharp escalation in geopolitical risk in the Middle East, a region accounting for more than one-third of the world’s seaborne oil trade, has markets on edge. The surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October spurred traders to price in a $3-4/bbl risk premium when markets opened. Prices have since stabilised, with benchmark Brent futures trading at around $87/bbl at the time of writing. While there has been no direct impact on physical supply, markets will remain on tenterhooks as the crisis unfolds. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/10/16/iea-cuts-forecast-for-growth-in-oil-demand-in-2024/
7. Tanker hits mine in Black Sea A Liberian-flagged products tanker struck a mine on Sunday in the Black Sea near the Bystroe Canal between Romania and Ukraine. The 6,620 dwt Ali Najafov, owned, according to shipping databases, by Turkey’s Palmali, reportedly sustained damage to the starboard side and ballast tanks with no injuries to the crew. https://splash247.com/tanker-hits-mine-in-black-sea/
8. Montreal Port Authority gets $110m for new container terminal Transport Canada has awarded CAD 150m ($110m) for the construction of a new container terminal for the Montreal Port Authority in Contrecoeur, Quebec. The previous design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) procurement process from November 2021 to handle both the terminal’s construction and operation did not provide any bidders since circumstances like interest rates and inflation changed since that time. https://splash247.com/montreal-port-authority-gets-110m-for-new-container-terminal/
9. US, Venezuela to Announce Oil Sanctions Deal The Biden administration and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government are expected to announce a deal on Tuesday that would ease U.S. sanctions on Caracas’ oil industry while opening up Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, the Washington Post reported on Monday. https://gcaptain.com/us-venezuela-to-announce-oil-sanctions-deal/
10. Iran oil minister says oil expected to reach $100 per barrel due to Mideast situation -SHANA Oil prices are expected to reach $100 per barrel due to the current situation in the Middle East, Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji was quoted as saying on Friday by the ministry’s news agency SHANA. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Iran+oil+minister+says+oil+expected+to+reach+%24100+per+barrel+due+to+Mideast+situation+-SHANA