In its July 2019 Short-Term Energy Outlook, the US Energy Information Administration expects Henry Hub natural gas spot prices for June, July, and August this year to average $2.37 per million British thermal units. If this happens, this price would be the lowest summer average Henry Hub natural gas price since 1998.
The World Economic Forum collaborated with the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation for the launch of ‘Blockchain Value Framework’ which is a part of the white paper, Building Value with Blockchain Technology: How to Evaluate Blockchain’s Benefits.
USCG’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance published its updated ‘Towing Vessel COI Inspections under TSMS Option.’ According to the coast guard, the updates are not limited to adding annual and renewal Certificate of Inspection guidance for Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option vessels inspected under 46 CFR Subchapter M.
UNCTAD published its liner shipping connectivity index for 2019, showing countries that have improved or worsened their positions in maritime transport networks. Namely, China has retained its lead as the country best connected to others by sea, with its LSCI increasing by 51% since 2006.
The Russian Register of Shipping published the new edition of the Rules for the Classification and Construction of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (2019). As compared to the previous edition of 2016, the Rules contain some amendments taking into account the new international requirements.
A total of 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships (comprising 25 actual incidents and three attempted incidents) were reported in Asia during January-June 2019 compared to 41 incidents during January-June 2018, which accounts for a 32% decrease, according to ReCAAP ISC’s half yearly report for 2019.
UK MAIB issued its annual report, recording a total of 1,227 accidents to UK vessels or in UK coastal waters in 2018. This is just a few less than the previous year. These accidents involved 1,339 vessels, including casualties and incidents. The report also contains a timeline of accident occurrences through 2018.
The decarbonisation of global energy supplies to mitigate climate change will have significant implications for the global shipping industry. If the Paris Agreement goals are met, the fossil fuel cargo base that shipping serves would experience an aggressive and prolonged transformation, according to a report from Maritime Strategies International.
Ursula von der Leyen has been elected as European Commission President after winning MEPs’ votes with a bold vision for a greener Europe. Ms. Von der Leyen won the support of parliamentarians with a strong call for climate and environmental action that could transform Europe over the next five years.
Deep sea mining seems to be in the spotlight; Yet, there is no detailed information on its potential impacts. Thus, companies and their investors are supported by governors and programs that are in favour of developing a ‘responsible’ sea bed mining regulations. The report ‘Why the Rush’ supports that deep sea mining will be another weight on the already polluted oceans.
