This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Mon 11 Dec 2017, 07:58 GMT

Oil starts off the week where it ended... around $63


By A/S Global Risk Management.



After hovering close to $60-61 for a couple of days last week, Brent oil price ended the week a couple of dollars higher on Chinese imports, geopolitical tensions.At time of writing, Brent is around $63.3.

Adding to the bullish sentiment was news of high Chinese crude oil imports in November; including import from the U.S. where exports to China was record-breaking. 289,000 barrels per day was exported to the huge oil consuming country. Though still a small volume compared to the 9.01 mio. barrels which China imported in November. Imports to the huge country is up around 12% compared to a year ago.

Friday, the weekly oil rig count from Baker Hughes showed an increase in the number of active oil rigs of 2 last week to currently 751, the third increase in a row.

Geopolitical risk premium remains elevated after last week's decision by the U.S. to move its embassy in Israel – a row of countries disagree with the decision and some unrest was seen over the weekend in the area. Fears are that the unrest will spread and potentially cause supply disruptions in the oil-rich region.

Turning to economic data front, the main potential market mover will likely be the U.S. central bank meeting minutes and interest rate hike (?) on Wednesday, same procedure by Bank of England on Thursday.


Aerial view of Bahía Beatriz vessel. Schottel supplies propulsion for Mureloil’s hybrid chemical tanker  

Bahía Beatriz joins sister ship to double Spanish operator’s biofuel and methanol transport capacity.

Smart Chimbusco exhibition display. Chimbusco launches six digital bunker products, including AI model and green fuel tools  

Cosco subsidiary unveils customer platform, AI system and methanol calculators for marine fuel sector.

Grande Tokyo vessel. Grimaldi takes delivery of 10th ammonia-ready car carrier Grande Tokyo  

The 9,200-ceu vessel completes a seven-ship series built at Chinese yards for vehicle logistics.

Rolls-Royce mtu engine test bench. Rolls-Royce Power Systems switches German engine test facilities to HVO fuel  

Company saved 3,200 tonnes of CO2 by end of 2025 after switching to renewable diesel.

MSC Migsan delivery ceremony. Changhong International delivers final LNG dual-fuel container ship 205 days early  

Chinese shipbuilder completes 10-vessel series for MSC with delivery of 11,500-teu MSC Migsan.

Seoul city skyline. Oilmar seeks senior and mid-level bunker traders in Seoul  

Marine fuel firm aims to recruit experienced traders for South Korean operations.

Morten Thomas Jacobsen, GEA. Global Ethanol Association to present on ethanol marine fuel at London shipping expo  

Morten Thomas Jacobsen will discuss ethanol fuel trials and maritime decarbonisation challenges in June.

Adrian Tolson, IBIA. IBIA warns of structural shift in marine fuel market following Middle East tensions  

Association chair says geopolitical disruptions signal lasting changes to bunker supply dynamics and pricing.

HMM Hamburg vessel. Rotterdam bunker volumes plunge 25% in first quarter amid regulatory shifts  

Fossil fuel sales decline sharply while alternative fuels show modest growth in Dutch port.

Camellia Dream vessel. Norsepower completes factory tests for 18 rotor sails bound for Airbus fleet  

Wind propulsion units cleared for installation on LD Armateurs vessels targeting 50% emissions reduction.


↑  Back to Top


 Recommended