Tue 12 Dec 2017, 10:16 GMT

Brent around two-year-high as critical pipeline closes


By A/S Global Risk Management.



The so-called Forties Pipeline was closed yesterday due to damage on the pipeline. The pipeline transports about 500 kbpd from the North Sea to UK. But it is not just any barrel of crude oil the pipeline transports. The crude this pipe transports accounts for a large part of the basket which is used to price the world's benchmark, Brent. The total closure of this pipe has sent Brent prices above the $65 level, which is a level not seen since 2015.

The supply disruptions started on December 7 as the capacity of the pipe decreased by 150 kbpd. Initially, this drove the price up from the $61-62 level to close about 63 on Friday. Yesterday, it was announced that the pipe suffered from a fissure and therefore it was closed. The closure drove the price to close about $65.

Tonight's crude oil inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) will be followed closely - consensus is a draw in crude oil of around 2.89 mbbl.

The U.S.benchmark crude oil is called WTI (West Texas Intermediate), whereas the crude oil produced in the North Sea area is called Brent. Most oil is priced using Brent crude as the benchmark.

Turning to economic data, this morning saw improved UK inflation data compared to last month; later today the ECB President Draghi will speak ahead of tomorrow's closely followed U.S. central bank statement and Trump's speech.


Renewable ammonia project pipeline by region chart. Clean ammonia project pipeline shrinks as offtake agreements remain scarce  

Renewable ammonia pipeline falls 0.9 Mt while only 3% of projects secure binding supply deals.

Global Ethanol Association (GEA) logo. Thoen Bio Energy joins Global Ethanol Association  

Shipping group with Brazilian ethanol ties becomes member as association plans export-focused project group.

Geiranger Fjord, Norway. Norway enforces zero-emission rules for cruise ships in World Heritage fjords  

Passenger vessels under 10,000 GT must use zero-emission fuels in Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord from January 2026.

D-Flex PSV design render. Longitude unveils compact PSV design targeting cost efficiency  

Design consultancy launches D-Flex vessel as a cost-efficient alternative to larger platform supply vessels.

IBIA hiring graphic IBIA seeks advisor for technical, regulatory and training role  

Remote position will support the association’s IMO and EU engagement and member training activities.

Truck-to-ship LNG bunkering in Hammerfest. Barents NaturGass begins LNG bunkering operations for Havila Kystruten in Hammerfest  

Norwegian supplier completes first truck-to-ship operation using newly approved two-truck simultaneous bunkering design.

Everllence L70ME-GI engine. Everllence receives 2,000th dual-fuel engine order from Cosco  

Chinese shipping line orders 12 methane-fuelled engines for new 18,000-teu container vessels.

Sakura Leader vessel. NYK signs long-term charter deals with Cheniere for new LNG carriers  

Japanese shipping company partners with Ocean Yield for vessels to be delivered from 2028.

Ocean Legacy vessel. Sallaum Lines takes delivery of LNG-powered container vessel MV Ocean Legacy  

Shipping company receives new dual-fuel vessel from Chinese shipyard as part of fleet modernisation programme.

Gas Utopia vessel alongside Oceanic Moon vessel. Rotterdam bio-LNG bunkering surges sixfold as alternative marine fuels gain traction  

Port handled 17,644 cbm of bio-LNG in 2025, while biomethanol volumes tripled year-on-year.