Fri 22 Dec 2017, 08:07 GMT

Uptrend continues as Brent reaches two-year high


By A/S Global Risk Management.



News of the major Forties pipeline in the North Sea remaining shut for repairs until early January likely supported prices.

Allegedly, OPEC is working on a contingency or exit strategy for the current oil production cut agreement between OPEC and a row of non-OPEC oil producers. The agreement was extended last month and the aim is to reduce the global oil inventories to 5-year average. According to Al-Falih, energy minister for Saudi Arabia, the global surplus is around 150 mio. barrels of crude. OPEC will meet again in June next year.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia in a budget statement forecast a 12% increase in revenue from oil sales next year. Budget data from Iraq, Qatar and Iran suggested similar expectations.

Turning to the financial markets, U.S. passed a business tax bill earlier this week – reducing business tax from 35% to 19% in an attempt to spur growth in country – potentially leading to increased oil demand.


Closing ceremony of vessel with builder’s hull no. 0315874. LNG dual-fuel crude tanker handed over to Capital  

Jiangsu New Times Shipbuilding delivers the 155,500-DWT LNG dual-fuel crude oil vessel Amor.

Lowina Lundstrom, Gasum. Gasum names Lowina Lundström as vice president, biogas  

Former EIT InnoEnergy executive joins Gasum's management team to lead biogas business development from 1 December.

PIL and Huanghai Shipbuilding contract signing. PIL orders seven methanol-ready feeder vessels from Huanghai Shipbuilding  

Singapore carrier's 1,400-TEU newbuilds will boost intra-Asia capacity and support its 2050 net zero target.

MPA and Qingdao Port work plan signing ceremony. Singapore and Qingdao sign work plan to advance green and digital shipping corridors  

MPA and Shandong Port Group’s Qingdao Port have agreed to pursue methanol bunkering pilots and data-sharing initiatives between the two ports.

Delfin Midstream FLNG unit render. Wärtsilä to supply dual-fuel engines and thrusters for Delfin Midstream's FLNG vessel  

Finnish technology group lands propulsion order for first floating LNG vessel built for US Gulf export project.

Uni-Fuels Logo. Uni-Fuels advertises for senior bunker trader in Dubai  

Nasdaq-listed firm recruiting for its trading team as it aims to drive growth.

Mineral Europa vessel. Green ammonia bunkered to ammonia-powered bulk carrier in Australian first  

Pilbara Ports, Fortescue and CMB.Tech complete a ship-to-ship ammonia transfer at Port Hedland, supporting plans for a clean fuel bunkering hub in the region.

Sea Change II vessel render. US Coast Guard agrees design framework for hydrogen-fuelled New York ferry  

Switch Maritime and Incat Crowther reach regulatory agreement for a 150-passenger hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast ferry intended for New York's waterways.

Auto Advance vessel. UECC fits WE Tech hybrid power systems on newbuild ro-ro vessels  

Norwegian short-sea operator says battery and shaft generator technology from WE Tech Solutions has cut fuel use and auxiliary engine reliance on three newbuilds.

Terra Clove vessel. Envision's green ammonia used to bunker world's first VLAC  

Chinese energy group supplies vessel owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping as it links production and marine fuel supply chains.