This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Wed 18 Apr 2018, 09:10 GMT

Brent holds steady above $71


By A/S Global Risk Management.


Michael Poulson, Global Risk Management.
Image credit: Global Risk Management
Yesterday, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that U.S. crude oil inventories fell 1.05 mbbl, gasoline inventories fell 2.47 mbbl and distillates fell 0.85 mbbl. The crude inventories in Cushing, Oklahoma, which is an oil hub in an area with very high production, were reported to have fallen as well by about 1 mbbl. It would be the first draw since early March, and If the Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirms these draws later today, demand last week has been fairly strong concluding that oil fundamentals likely explained part of last week's price rally.

On Friday, the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), which is an entity designed along with the OPEC+ production cut agreement to monitor the compliance rates to the agreement, will meet in Jeddah. The official OPEC meeting is in June in Vienna, but already the agenda of that meeting has started to leak; Kuwait oil minister said that an extension of the deal into 2019 was to be discussed.

As further information about the agenda on the official OPEC meeting in June could be leaked around the JMMC meeting on Friday, additional volatility is expected during the week.

For now the next event to look out for is the EIA inventory stats later today.


Bermuda Container Line (BCL) logo. Bermuda Container Line imposes emergency bunker surcharge citing Iran War fuel price spike  

Shipping operator to add $150 per TEU charge from 1 May amid geopolitical fuel cost pressures.

China flag. Zhejiang’s first methanol-powered container ship launches in Jiaxing  

Vessel uses methanol propulsion technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90%.

TES flag with a model vessel in the background. TES joins SEA-LNG coalition to advance e-methane as marine fuel  

Green energy company targets 1m tonnes annual e-methane production by 2030 for shipping decarbonisation.

Ethanol and methanol workshop graphic. IBIA to host workshop on ethanol and methanol marine fuels during Singapore Maritime Week  

Half-day event will examine alcohol-based fuel pathways and integration into shipping’s multi-fuel landscape.

Steel-cutting ceremony for 13,000-dwt vessel. ROC begins construction of second chemical tanker for Essberger  

Chinese shipbuilder holds steel-cutting ceremony for 13,000-dwt methanol-ready vessel with ice class capability.

Norsepower and CHIC sign agreement. Norsepower and Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Equipment sign wind propulsion cooperation agreement  

Wind propulsion technology provider partners with Chinese shipyard to scale rotor sail production.

Wärtsilä logo. Shipping firms struggle to prioritise decarbonisation investments amid regulatory uncertainty, Wärtsilä survey finds  

Survey of 225 maritime executives reveals 70% say uncertainty hinders investment decisions despite regulatory pressure.

IMT Isca G-Flex vessel render. Longitude Engineering unveils IMT Isca G-Flex PSV design with alternative fuel capability  

Naval architecture firm launches adaptable platform support vessel design based on the IMT-984 G-Class hull.

Philippos Ioulianou, EmissionLink. Shore power infrastructure is key to cutting ferry emissions in European cities, says EmissionLink  

Port electrification is needed to enable vessels to switch off engines at berth, reducing urban pollution.

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore logo. Singapore prioritises maritime resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty, eyes digitalisation and green fuels  

MPA chief outlines the sector’s adaptation to supply chain disruptions while advancing automation and alternative fuels.


↑  Back to Top


 Recommended