Navigating Climate Change: How Shipping is Adapting in the St. Lawrence
When compared to other major river navigation routes around the world, the St. Lawrence River is a favored waterway.It flows from the mouth of Lake Ontario, at an altitude of 250 meters. From its source to the Gulf, the river travels 1,197 kilometers, and is fed by several tributaries including the Ottawa, Richelieu, Saint-François and Saguenay rivers.But the effects of climate change are being felt. The marine industry is adapting. It is currently embarking on a shift towards…
War in Ukraine Raises Global Shipping Costs, Stifles Trade -UNCTAD
The war in the Ukraine is stifling trade and logistics of the country and the Black Sea region, increasing global vessel demand and the cost of shipping around the world, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said. Container shipping and global value chains have been disrupted and many countries have had to look further afield for suppliers of oil, gas and grain.In a report entitled “Maritime trade disrupted: The war in Ukraine and its effects on maritime trade logistics” published on 28 June 28…
High Fuel Prices Draining Global Economy Says New Report
The forecasts and business strategies of carriers and manufacturers of transport-oriented capital goods indicate the industry is bracing for an era of higher energy prices and increased regulations, according to 'Transportation Outlook', a study conducted by Forbes Insights on behalf of CIT Transportation Finance. “This study highlights the fact that transportation executives are preparing for a future of uncertainty, both in terms of fuel prices and regulations,” said Jeff Knittel , President of CIT Transportation Finance . Fuel prices and rising energy costs are impacting the global economy: More than eight out of 10 (81%) executives say uncertainty surrounding energy policies is hampering global economic recovery.
Hapag-Lloyd: Revenue, Volume Up in Q1
Despite the persistently challenging environment in the industry, Hapag-Lloyd increased its transport volume and revenue in the first quarter of 2012. The average freight rate was $1,484/TEU in Q1, down around 5% on the previous year’s figure of $ 1,563/TEU. Revenue totaled EUR 1.6 billion in the first three months of this year – an 8% rise compared to Q1 2011. This was attributable to an increase of approximately 11% in the transport volume, which climbed to 1.32 million TEU. The bunker price shot up again in the period from January to March.
GoM Drilling Plan Advances
Legislation that would open part of the Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and gas exploration easily cleared a Senate committee on March 8, but could face future hurdles placed by coastal lawmakers, MarketWatch reported. The Senate Energy Committee voted 16-5 to approve a proposal to open around 3 million acres in an area known as "Lease Sale 181" to oil and gas drilling. The area is projected to hold as much as 6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The plan would maintain a 100-mile buffer zone between exploration activities and the Florida shore. Advocates of expanded drilling contend that high natural gas prices pose a threat to the U.S. economy through higher energy costs, particularly for electricity production.
