Maritime shipping is a crucial component of global trade, handling over 80 percent of the world’s trade by volume. In 2023, global maritime trade reached 12.3 billion tons, rebounding from a contraction in 2022. Projections indicate continued growth, with an expected 2 percent increase in 2024 and an average of 2.4 percent annually through 2029. Maritime shipping moves an estimated 11 billion tons of goods annually, representing over 80 percent of world trade by volume. In 2021, the total value of global merchandise trade was $28.5 trillion, with maritime shipping playing a significant role in this exchange. After a contraction in 2022, global maritime trade saw a 2.4 percent increase in 2023. It is said that Asia remains the leading maritime cargo handling center, accounting for a significant portion of goods loaded and unloaded. Furthermore, Containerized cargo is a vital part of maritime trade, and its recovery is expected to contribute to overall growth. The global merchant fleet’s capacity has been growing, with an increase of approximately 43 percent between 2013 and 2021. The pandemic caused disruptions to the shipping industry, but the sector has shown resilience in adapting to new trade routes and challenges.
Five Crewmembers Caught Smuggling Drugs on Tanker
Five crewmembers from the product tanker Scot Bremen have been arrested after the vessel’s master found out that they were concealing packages of narcotics, operator Scot Tankers said Thursday. The update adds new dimensions to the story of the seizure, which Belgian authorities announced earlier this week.
On Friday, Scot Bremen arrived off Ostend, Belgium on a voyage from the small port of Pecem, Brazil. She anchored to await a pilot and her entrance into port.
Two days later, the master of Scot Bremen discovered that five ratings “were concealing suspected packages” on board, Scot Tankers said in a statement. He canceled the pilot boarding, notified Belgian authorities, isolated the crewmembers, and collected their cell phones.
Fire Breaks Out on Supply Boat
On Wednesday, a major fire broke out aboard a supply boat in the Bay of Gibraltar, forcing seven crewmembers to abandon ship over the side.
On Wednesday afternoon, the supply boat Ceutamar 5 was alongside a container ship to deliver goods at a position within Spanish waters. A fire broke out at about 1730 hours, sending a column of smoke up over the bay.
The crew managed to separate their vessel from the boxship before they jumped over the side. All were safely rescued by responders from Salvamento Maritimo, according to local media. First responders then turned to extinguishing the fire and ensuring the damaged supply boat’s stability.
Sanctions on Ice-Class LNGCs Could stop Russia’s LNG Exports
Russia’s Yamal LNG plant in the Siberian Arctic is one of the country’s last remaining sources of energy sales to European markets. Last year, Yamal LNG sent about 16.6 million tonnes to Europe, supplying fully 20 percent of the bloc’s imported liquefied natural gas – even though the EU has largely shut off Russian oil and pipeline gas, steps taken in order to reduce the Kremlin’s revenue for its war in Ukraine.
Though it continues to buy Russian LNG at record rates, the EU has taken the step of banning Russian LNG transshipments through EU ports. Yamal operator Novatek once relied upon ports in France and Belgium to transload and re-export LNG to markets overseas, like China. The use of these EU-based LNG terminals allowed Novatek to shorten the voyages of its unique icebreaking LNG carriers, freeing them up for more trips to and from Yamal.
Norway Awards $15M in Grants
The Norwegian government is committed to strengthening the country’s coast and maritime transport system. This year, it has selected nine port projects from a long list of proposals, which will receive government support, while it also plans future programs focusing on the green transition.
The government reports it has pledged a total of NOK 155 million ($15 million) in support for nine projects through a subsidy scheme for efficient and environmentally friendly ports. The funds will contribute to more efficient ports, better logistics, and lower emissions.
Among the proposals selected are three projects for Oslo, as well as projects in Bodø, Kristiansand, and three other ports.
Suez Canal Responds
The Suez Canal Authority is highlighting its quick response to a grounding incident on Friday, June 20, as a Chinese heavy lift vessel malfunctioned during the transit. The grounding came as the authority is trying to attract more vessels back to the route, highlighting the transit of large CMA CGM container vessels.
The Red Zed I (51,969b dwt) was in the southbound convoy on Friday when the Suez Canal Authority reported the vessel experienced a “sudden steering failure.” Built in 2015, the vessel, which is registered in Liberia and managed by COSCO Shipping, was not loaded during the transit.
Two stateless tankers inbound to the Russian oil operations
Two stateless tankers inbound to the Russian oil operations in the Baltic were spotted traveling with a Russian warship. Russia in the past has been seen escorting some of its military cargo ships, and in May appeared to be escorting outbound shadow fleet tankers in the Baltic following the increasing effort by the Baltic nations and the EU to crack down on the shadow fleet.
The latest move was called “A major step in sanctions evasion,” in a LinkedIn posting from Mark Douglas, a maritime domain awareness analyst at Starboard Maritime Intelligence. He reported the escort using data from open-source intelligence on Bluesky. Douglas suggested it was “deliberate timing” for the tankers to meet up with the Russian corvette Boikiy as they reached the English Channel and headed to the Baltic.