InterManager Daily News 17.04.2024.

1. Meriaura cites geopolitics in choosing Dutch yard for next newbuilds Finland’s Meriaura has signed a contract for two general cargo ships with the Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes for delivery in January and December 2026.The 105 m long, 1A ice classed 6,750 dwt vessels can use biofuel made from recycled raw material produced by Meriaura’s subsidiary VG-Ecofuel. Meriaura cites geopolitics in choosing Dutch yard for next newbuilds – Splash247
2. FBI opens Baltimore bridge case The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a criminal inquiry into the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.According to reports, citing two US officials familiar with the matter, the probe will look into the circumstances leading up to the collapse and if all federal regulations were followed. FBI opens Baltimore bridge case – Splash247
3. Plans revealed for America’s first Jones Act-compliant cable layer US offshore wind contracting newcomer Kalypso is pressing ahead with plans to build America’s first Jones Act-compliant cable laying vessel.The New York-based outfit, led by DEME’s former project manager Colin Smith, has signed a letter of intent with Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC for a 5,000-ton CLV that would be built in the US and brought to market in 2028. Plans revealed for America’s first Jones Act-compliant cable layer – Splash247
4. First US-Built Offshore Wind Turbine Installation Vessel Launched in Texas Virginia-based energy company Dominion Energy has announced the launch of the first U.S.-built and Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel, the Charybdis.A 472-foot vessel is being built at the Seatrium AmFELS (former Keppel AmFELS) shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, using domestically-sourced steel. First US-Built Offshore Wind Turbine Installation Vessel Launched in Texas
5. Iranian Seizure of Israeli-Linked Ship Stirs Regional Concerns Maritime security firm Ambrey has warned Israeli-linked shipping remains at risk in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea following Saturday’s seizure of the MSC Aries by Iran. Iranian Seizure of Israeli-Linked Ship Stirs Regional Concerns
6. Coal keeps powering India as booming economy crushes green hopes Built along a stretch of salt flats in southern India, the Tuticorin power plant epitomizes a quagmire for the world’s fastest-growing major economy: how to provide reliable energy to 1.4 billion people. Shipping Tribune
7. Odfjell introduces an innovative transition finance framework Odfjell has passed another significant milestone on its transition journey with the introduction of a ‘Transition Finance Framework’. The initiative is a first in the Nordic region and solidifies the shipping company’s position at the forefront of sustainable finance practices. Odfjell introduces an innovative transition finance framework – Cyprus Shipping News
8. WAF Suezmax market surges amid support from USG, tighter tonnage list The West African Suezmax market saw a drastic increase in freight rates and activity levels on the day April 10, with shipbroker sources pointing to a firming US Gulf-UK/Continent route, a rush to fix cargoes for late-April laycans and a shorter supply of vessels in position to meet these dates. WAF Suezmax market surges amid support from USG, tighter tonnage list – Cyprus Shipping News
9. Trade growth likely to pick up in 2024 in spite of challenging environment The latest edition of the WTO’s “Global Trade Outlook and Statistics” foresees a gradual recovery in world merchandise trade volume in 2024 and 2025. This follows a contraction in 2023 driven by the lingering effects of high energy prices and inflation in advanced economies, particularly Europe. So, what does our forecast indicate? Trade growth likely to pick up in 2024 in spite of challenging environment – Cyprus Shipping News
10. Russian oil and products trapped on tankers hit by new Iran-related sanctions Russian oil and products have become trapped at sea on four tankers after the United States hit the vessels with fresh Iran-related sanctions, LSEG data showed on Friday.The development shows how Moscow and Tehran have boosted cooperation in the face of rising Western sanctions and how the West is trying to untangle a complex web of firms to reduce the loopholes and revenue to both countries. Russian oil and products trapped on tankers hit by new Iran-related sanctions – Cyprus Shipping News