InterManager Daily News 09.11.2023.

1. First ever Lloyd’s Register Foundation-funded fellows join the World Maritime University Mithilesh Kumar (India) and Faith Maraga (Kenya) have been provided with a life-changing Lloyd’s Register Foundation-fellowship to complete an MSc in Maritime Affairs. Knowledge gained from the course will be used to improve maritime safety in their home countries.https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/11/06/first-ever-lloyds-register-foundation-funded-fellows-join-the-world-maritime-university/
2. MABUX Bunker Weekly Outlook Week 44, 2023 During Week 44, the MABUX global bunker indices exhibited erratic fluctuations with no clear sustained trends. The 380 HSFO index declined by $27.94, dropping from $562.50 USD/MT the previous week to $534.56 USD/MT. Conversely, the VLSFO index increased by $1.06, reaching $672.58 USD/MT compared to $671.52 USD/MT the previous week. The MGO index saw a significant decrease of $29.73, going from $986.93 USD/MT last week to $957.20 USD/MT. At the time of writing, market trends remain uncertain. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/11/06/mabux-bunker-weekly-outlook-week-44-2023/
3. Africa Finance Corporation exits stake in Ghana’s Takoradi Port to Yilport Holding Africa Finance Corporation the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has exited its 35% equity investment in Atlantic Terminal Services Limited , the concessionaire for the expansion of Ghana’s Takoradi Port, to the global ports and container terminals operator Yilport Holding. This is testament to the Corporation’s ability to attract international 3rd party capital and exit strategic infrastructure assets built by derisking through AFC’s unique project development and construction offering. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/11/06/africa-finance-corporation-exits-stake-in-ghanas-takoradi-port-to-yilport-holding/
4. Majority of vessels on order in South Korea are being fitted with dual fuel engines To mark the start of the KOBC and Marine Money conferences in South Korea, we take a look at the South Korean orderbook, using VesselsValue data. The infographic analyses the breakdown of vessels on order in South Korea, the top ordering nations, the key companies investing in South Korean newbuildings, the most valuable vessels on order and the share of dual fuel vessels being built. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/11/06/majority-of-vessels-on-order-in-south-korea-are-being-fitted-with-dual-fuel-engines/
5. Danish family-owned United Shipping and Trading Company launches five year strategy focus on growth New five-year strategy is set to guide the Danish, family-owned conglomerate United Shipping and Trading Company on growth trajectory. The cornerstones of the company’s new strategy comprise of expanding the group’s back-office functions and competencies, strong synergies, increased autonomy, and mutual responsibilities. USTC is one of Denmark’s leading companies with subsidiaries in, among other things, shipping, energy, and logistics. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/11/06/ustc-launches-five-year-strategy-focus-on-growth/
6. Prospect of no large tankers and gas carriers transiting the Panama Canal from next year There’s a real prospect no large tankers could be transiting the Panama Canal from the start of next year, with VLGCs also likely to be pushed out from the interoceanic waterway, bringing dramatic changes to world seaborne gas and oil trading patterns, stretching the tonne/mile picture in the process. https://splash247.com/prospect-of-no-large-tankers-and-gas-carriers-transiting-the-panama-canal-from-next-year/
7. Newbuild prices approach 2008 record levels Clarksons Research’s Newbuild Price Index, which tracks a basket of prices across the main vessel types, reached 176 points at the end of October, up 36% since end-2020, up 9% versus the start of 2023 and the highest level since December 2008. As an inflation-adjusted index using today’s dollar value, the price index now is the highest since 2012, some 30% below 2008 peak price levels (see chart below). https://splash247.com/newbuild-prices-approach-2008-record-levels/
8. Britain To Legislate For Annual North Sea Oil And Gas Licence Rounds The British government plans to legislate to mandate annual North Sea oil and gas licensing rounds, in a move Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says would create certainty for the industry during a transition to greener energy. In July the government said more than 100 new oil and gas licences in the North Sea would be granted, and the new legislation on future rounds will be set out on Tuesday when King Charles outlines the government’s legislative agenda at the start of a new parliamentary session. https://gcaptain.com/britain-to-legislate-for-annual-north-sea-oil-and-gas-licence-rounds/
9. Putin’s Move To Secure Libya Bases Is New Regional Worry For US Russia is moving to expand its military presence in eastern Libya, a plan that could lead to a naval base, giving it a significant foothold on Europe’s southern doorstep. A defense accord is being hammered out between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Libya’s eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar following their meeting in Moscow in late September, according to people briefed on the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive issues. https://gcaptain.com/putins-move-to-secure-libya-bases-is-new-regional-worry-for-us/
10. Shipping & Marine sector witness 44% jump in hiring in 2023: Foundit report The Shipping/Marine and the Travel and Tourism industries marked impressive resilience with year-on-year (YoY) growth of 44 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The upcoming festive season has spurred increased enthusiasm for travel, with Indians eager to explore domestic and international destinations, according to a report by talent platform Foundit. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Shipping+%26+Marine+sector+witness+44%25+jump+in+hiring+in+2023%3A+Foundit+report