Canpotex News

Despite concern that sanctions against Russia would cause a shortfall of fertilizer in Brazil, preliminary shipping data shows orders being fulfilled and vessels heading for Brazil, potentially allowing a normal grain planting season.At least 24 vessels carrying almost 678,000 tonnes of Russian fertilizers from ports in the country are expected to reach Brazil in the next weeks, according to preliminary shipping data compiled by Agrinvest Commodities and seen by Reuters on Monday.Despite sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, the data show 11 of the 24 vessels left ports including Saint Petersburg and Murmansk after Feb. 24, when the war started.

M/S Belnippon was delivered from Imabari Shipbuilding in January and has been fixed on time charter to Cargill for 10-13 months at USD 11,500/day, says a statement from Oslo-based bulk ship operator Belships. Belships concentrates on the dry bulk market, with 6 modern Supramax/Ultramax in service. M/S Belstar, M/S Belnor and M/S Belisland have continued the long-term contracts to Canpotex of Canada. Canpotex is one of the world's largest exporters of potash, a fertilizer product imported in large volumes by countries such as China, India and Brazil. M/S Belforest and M/S Belocean are both on time charter to Cargill. M/S Belocean was recently extended to Cargill for 6-8 months at USD 10,150/day effective from 1st February. All ships have sailed without significant off-hire.

Belships ASA, a bulk ship operator and management company, has signed an agreement to charter in an Ultramax bulk carrier of 63,000 dwt to be delivered from Imabari Shipbuilding first half 2020.    The charter period will be for minimum 8 years plus two yearly options, with purchase option from end of fourth year.    Through this new agreement, Belships ASA will have four Ultramax bulk carriers with eco-design from Imabari Shipbuilding.    Two ships are delivered and in service for Cargill and Canpotex respectively. The next newbuilding to be delivered in January 2018 and is presently unfixed.   Belships operates three bulk ships in addition to managing additional 12 ships owned by Elkem Chartering, that Belships owns 50% of.

The Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC) is on a mission to grow the city and port into one of the world’s premiere maritime centers. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News recently spoke with Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, Executive Director of the newly re-established VIMC, for her insights on the pace and direction of the initiative. Let’s start out easily. Why Vancouver? Why now? Why Vancouver? Projections and studies indicate that global trade will increase and shift to the Pacific due to the demand of resources by China and India.

Canpotex Ltd, the potash export sales arm for Potash Corp of Saskatchewan, Mosaic Co and Agrium Inc, said on Friday it would not build a planned shipping terminal at Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Canpotex said the decision was based on economic and commercial considerations and that its export capacity in Vancouver, Saint John and Portland were sufficient. Potash Corp Chief Executive Jochen Tilk had said in January that the suspension of production at an eastern Canadian mine could lead Canpotex to shelve plans to build the terminal.

Market-led solution reduces shipping’s carbon dioxide emissions. Ahead of COP21, 26 of the 35 charterers that include vessel efficiency in their supply chain selection have come forward to highlight their proactive measures on climate change. By using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Rating to find the more efficient vessels these industry leaders are using their influence to incite change in the maritime industry by rewarding ship owners that prioritise efficiency. Developed in 2010 in response to customer demand, the GHG Emissions Rating is a tool developed by RightShip, the maritime risk management specialist. The tool is available free of charge to all RightShip customers and at ShippingEfficiency.org and allows charterers and other stakeholders to assess the efficiency of vessels.

Portland is already the largest gateway on the U.S. West Coast for bulk mineral exports, and that gateway is about to get more efficient and diversified with the expansion of the Canpotex Limited (Canpotex) potash export facility at the Port of Portland's marine Terminal 5 in the Rivergate Industrial District. Canpotex, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Portland Bulk Terminals, L.L.C. (PBT), is investing up to $140 million in new equipment and infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its shiploading operations and the management of Canpotex’s specialty white potash products. A new shiploader, improved control system technology and an upgraded conveyance system will enable shorter turnaround times for Canpotex trains and ships at PBT.

Canpotex Limited announced it has agreed to an annual contract with its government and private sector partners in India to supply approximately 1 million metric tons of potash at a price of $322 per metric ton on a CFR basis. Steven Dechka, Canpotex's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated that this new agreement demonstrates once again the importance Canpotex places on the Indian market and on supporting its loyal and long-term customer base in India. "We are very pleased to conclude these new supply contracts with our long-term Indian customers, and continue our role as a leading potash supplier to this important market," stated Dechka.