Marine fuel sales in Singapore saw a decline in February, dropping to 4.67 million metric tons, a 10.6% decrease from January. Despite this, year-on-year figures show a 12.8% increase. Low-sulphur fuel oil sales fell by 9.8%, while alternative fuels like marine biofuel surged by 54%. Demand is rebounding in March.
The Goa Maritime Officers Association has urged the government to establish a Mercantile Marine Department office in Vasco, highlighting the need for local certification services. Currently, seafarers must travel outside Goa for these facilities. The association also proposed a Goa Maritime Bhavan and Convention Centre to centralize maritime activities.
Greek Seafarers’ unions are set to strike for 24 hours on March 5, demanding the safe return of mariners trapped in the Persian Gulf. They condemn shipowners for prioritizing profit over safety, exposing seafarers to perilous conditions amid escalating military tensions. The unions call for urgent action to protect lives and rights.
West African crude traders are facing significant challenges, as soaring freight costs and widening price spreads dampen Asian buyer interest. With shipping rates hitting a five-year high, Nigerian crude differentials are dropping, prompting traders to offer deeper discounts. Analysts warn that unless the Brent-Dubai EFS improves, adjustments are inevitable.
The Equal Justice Equal Pay Foundation is advocating for equal wages for Filipino and Indonesian seafarers, challenging the significant pay disparities with their Dutch counterparts. They argue that nationality should not influence compensation, and are threatening legal action against shipping companies that perpetuate these inequities, labeling current practices as outdated and unjust.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revised its global oil and gas demand outlook, projecting growth until 2050 despite earlier expectations for a transition to cleaner fuels. The report warns that current policies may lead to oil demand reaching 113 million barrels per day, undermining climate goals to limit temperature rise.
Negotiations are ongoing between a local representative for a Chinese fishing vessel and tribal elders representing pirates who seized the boat off the coast of Somalia. The demand for the release of the crew members is now set at $10 million, with reports suggesting possible inside involvement in the incident. EU forces are investigating the situation.
