This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
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.

BP  

Keel-laying ceremony of an LNG carrier and bunker vessel hull no. S-1123. Avenir lays keel for new LNG carrier and bunkering vessel  

Marine fuel supplier has commenced construction of Hull No. S-1123 as part of its newbuild programme.

Hydrogen production unit. Aurora Hydrogen secures $3m from Oldendorff Overseas Investments for hydrogen production  

Investment advances microwave-driven methane pyrolysis technology that produces hydrogen from natural gas.

Electric ferry charging infrastructure. Corvus Energy and Beyonder sign MoU to develop maritime battery systems  

Norwegian companies to explore next-generation energy storage solutions for shipping sector decarbonisation.

Avenir Ascension vessel. Anew Climate and Avenir complete first joint bio-LNG bunkering in Europe  

Partnership delivers waste-based bio-LNG from Lithuania to Swedish ferry operator via Klaipėda terminal.

Flex Commodities logo. Flex Commodities changes legal suffix from DMCC to FZCO under Dubai naming framework  

Administrative change aligns marine fuel trader with new UAE free zone company naming conventions.

Capu Rossu vessel. Stena RoRo takes delivery of 13th E-Flexer vessel from Chinese shipyard  

Capu Rossu handed over to Corsica Linea for Marseille-Corsica route starting mid-June.

Caspar Gooren, Titan. Titan Clean Fuels signs e-methane supply deal with TURN2X for 2028 delivery  

Bunker supplier to receive e-methane from Spanish production plant for distribution across European ports.

Hydrogen-fuelled engine 6UEC35LSGH. Japan consortium achieves hydrogen co-firing in main engine for large commercial vessel  

Engine reaches over 95% hydrogen co-firing ratio, with installation planned for 2027.

BTB bunker truck. Belgian Trading & Bunkering expands DMA 0.89 truck deliveries in ARA region  

BTB extends marine fuel offerings with truck-based deliveries to meet maritime market demand.

Fuel pathway roundtable meeting participants. ABS convenes roundtable on offshore power barge for Great Lakes emissions reduction  

Meeting brought together ports, academia and industry to advance shore power solution under EPA programme.


↑  Back to Top


 Recommended