This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Tue 12 Dec 2017 10:16

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.


European Union member state flags. Danish Shipping calls for EU to invest ETS revenues in green marine fuel production  

Industry body welcomes Commission's sustainable transport plan but urges concrete action on funding.

Illustration of green fuel production for ships and aircraft. Transport & Environment welcomes STIP but warns action needed by 2026 to secure e-fuels leadership  

EU transport plan takes steps to boost green fuel production for ships and planes.

Graphic announcing release of DNV Maritime Nuclear Propulsion White Paper. DNV claims nuclear propulsion could offer viable route to maritime decarbonisation  

Classification society publishes white paper examining technological, regulatory, and commercial challenges facing nuclear-powered merchant vessels.

Signatories of European Nuclear Maritime Cooperation Declaration. European nuclear declaration signed for maritime decarbonisation  

Over 30 companies sign cooperation agreement to advance small modular reactor technologies for shipping.

Victrol Omega vessel. Peninsula operates Omega barge for fuel supply in Belgian North Sea  

Victrol vessel said to be the only estuary barge of its size serving Belgian North Sea ports.

Sonan Energy Panama logo with white background. Sonan Energy Panama unveils new logo as part of sustainable energy transition  

Bunker firm introduces redesigned brand identity reflecting shift towards cleaner energy solutions.

Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line. Stena Line to acquire Wasaline ferry operations in Baltic Sea expansion  

Swedish ferry operator signs deal to take over Umeå–Vaasa route with bio-LNG-powered vessel.

Arriva Shipping vessel Norbris. Berg Propulsion secures second Arriva retrofit after 10% fuel savings confirmed  

Norwegian shipowner orders second propulsion upgrade following verified efficiency gains on general cargo vessel Norjarl.

Dorthe Bendtsen and Anders Grønborg. Bunker Holding to absorb Baseblue into KPI OceanConnect by April 2026  

Integration follows earlier Hong Kong merger and aims to streamline operations and strengthen regional teams.

Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) new logo. CPN unveils new brand identity after 34 years in marine fuel supply  

Hong Kong bunker supplier launches rebrand centered on 'continuous evolution' and sustainable fuel solutions.


↑  Back to Top