Tag: coal

According to IEA global coal demand is expected to increase for the second year in a row in 2018, and remain stable over the next five years as declines in Europe and North America are offset by strong increase in India and Southeast Asia.

The Chinese government’s aim of suppressing coal and lignite imports in November and December 2018 is adversely affecting demand for Panamaxes and as a result, rates. Yet, according to Drewry, imports will be supported by winter and high-energy demand in the first quarter of 2019.

The Swedish Club informs that by 1 January 2019 there will be a supplementary IMSCB for coal. Namely, coal will not only be categorized as a chemical hazard cargo (Group B) but will also fall into Group A (liquefaction). If the particles are large enough to prevent liquefaction, then they will not be a Group A cargo.

The amendments to the IMBC Code regard the criteria under which coal cargoes are considered Group A, namely liable to liquefy, in addition to Group B chemical hazards which apply to all coal cargoes. Thus, coal cargoes may need the same TML and moisture certification.

The Murmansk Sea Trade Port managed to reduce its emissions four times. This achievement came after the Port invested 1.8 billion rubles ($27.4 mln) on the environmental safety of coal transshipment over the last two years. Investments are made in several areas: monitoring, purchasing cleaning equipment, water cannons and other sprinkler systems, creating dust shields and others.

The London P&I Club and Paul Willis Senior Associate at Hawkins, have launched a loss prevention guide regarding the risks of carrying coal cargoes. The report gives a special consideration on gas monitoring and ventilation. The management of coal cargoes and the proper use of gas detection equipment are vital to prevent coal fire claims.

The City of Oakland has cancelled a lease agreement for a coal terminal which had raised controversy. The city said the it cancelled the project because of a lack of progress on the ground. The terminal was in courts from 2016, when Oakland voted to ban ship coal using city land.

IEA published the World Energy Outlook 2018, which includes global energy trends and their possible impacts on supply and demand, carbon emissions, air pollution, and energy access. With today's policies, WEO's New Policies Scenario says that energy demand will rise by more than 25% to 2040.

Murmansk Shipping Company signed an important contract concerning a five-year transportation of coal along the Northern Sea Route. The contract, about the transit of coal, was signed between Murmansk Shipping Company and Sibanthracite Overseas, a subsidiary of Russian coal company VostokCoal. 

After several years of free-fall, the coal market experienced a mini-revival last year, with both global consumption and production increasing. Consumption rose by 1%, with India recording the fastest growth. Production increased more strongly, driven by notable increases in Chinese and US output.