Black Sea Grain Deal Could Hinge on Ammonia Pipeline
A possible extension next month of a deal allowing the safe wartime export of grains and fertilizers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports could hinge on the reopening of a pipeline that delivers Russian ammonia to one of those Ukrainian ports.The dealsThe United Nations and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative for an initial 120 days last July to help tackle a global food crisis worsened by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, one of the world’s leading grain exporters. It has been extended three times since…
Novatek Plans to Use LNG-fueled Bunkering Vessels
Novatek, Russia's largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), plans to use LNG-fueled bunkering vessels at is hubs to comply with stricter environmental regulations, the company said on Monday.Novatek is building LNG transhipment hubs in Murmansk, in North Western Russia, as well as in the Pacific peninsula of Kamchatka.Bunkering vessels are usually fueled by fuel oil-based blends.
Oil falls below $110 as Ukraine worries ease
Putin orders troops in military exercise back to base. U.S., EU warn Russia could face sanctions over Crimea; U.S. crude inventory likely rose 1 mln bbls last week. Oil fell more than $1 on Tuesday to below $110 a barrel after President Vladimir Putin recalled troops to base from military exercises in western Russia near its borders with Ukraine. April Brent crude was down $1.47 at $109.73 a barrel by 0900 GMT. It closed the previous session at its highest since Dec. 27. U.S. crude for April delivery fell as low as $103.60, after reaching a 5-1/2-month high at $105.22 on Monday. The contract was currently down $1.11 at $103.81. Russia invaded Ukraine's autonomous Crimea region at the weekend…
Russian Spy Ship Makes Surprise Visit to Havana
A Russian spy ship slipped into Havana Bay for an unannounced visit during a period of turmoil in Ukraine and displays of military strength elsewhere in the world. The Viktor Leonov SSV-175, part of the Vishnya class of intelligence ships, quietly entered Cuban waters earlier this week and was docked at a cruise ship terminal on Thursday, its crew casually taking in the view of the old colonial section of the Cuban capital as passers-by gawked. Russian warships have come and gone in Cuba since the collapse of the Soviet Union…
BOURBON expands its activities in Russia
BOURBON opens a new affiliate in Saint Petersburg, Bourbon Baltic, which will provide clients with first-class ship management resources. It complements BOURBON’s current operations in Sakhalin. Global leader in offshore oil and gas marine services, BOURBON opens Bourbon Baltic, an affiliate based in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to optimize vessel crew recruitment and continue offering oil and gas clients around the world top quality ship management services for their offshore needs. BOURBON affiliates are strategically located around the world to work closely with local stakeholders and get access to highly skilled seafarers. North-western Russia with its center in St Petersburg has a long-standing tradition of maritime activity and was chosen by BOURBON for the Group’s Russian affiliate.
Vostochny International Container Services Reports Growth
Volume growth at Vostochny International Container Services (VICS) increased by 48 percent in the first half of 2003. Under the successful joint operating management of CSX World Terminals (CSXWT) and P&O Ports since 1995, the increase in volume is in addition to growth of 145 percent since 1999. Strategically located at the Pacific terminus of the Trans Siberian Railway connecting the Far East to western Russia, CIS, Central Asia and Northern Europe, VICS is Russia's most efficient container terminal. Recent improvements to the Trans Siberian Land Bridge's (TSLB) infrastructure and systems by the Russian Transport and Railway Ministry ensure future growth will continue.
Ships Stranded on the River Don
More than fifty massive container ships are stuck in shallow waters on the river Don in western Russia. Strong easterly winds are being blamed for falling water levels in the country's fourth largest river, causing traffic jams that have lasted more than a week. The water level is half a metre below normal, leaving many boats unable to float. If weather conditions don't improve, it's feared all movement along the river may be blocked. Sailors blame temporary weather conditions for the snarl-up. But climatologists warn that the Don is growing shallower by several centimeters each year. [Source: http://www.russiatoday.ru]
