Golar Sails Away: LNG Shipping Era Ends After 50 Years

  • The sale of Golar Arctic for $24 million marks Golar’s complete withdrawal from the LNG shipping business.
  • Golar is now fully committed to floating LNG infrastructure, with its last LNG carrier, Fuji LNG, undergoing conversion into a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit.
  • Golar’s LNG shipping journey began in 1975 and concludes in 2025, shifting focus entirely to FLNG projects.

Golar LNG Limited has officially exited the LNG shipping sector after executing the sale of Golar Arctic, a...

https://mfame.guru/golar-sails-away-lng-shipping-era-ends-after-50-years/

Lloyd’s Register Grants First VC-L+ Notation for Vessel Connectivity

  • LR awarded its first VC-L+ notation to MT ASCONA, a VLCC operated by Neda Maritime.
  • The vessel enables high-quality livestreaming and real-time data exchange for remote monitoring and inspections.
  • Connectivity was evaluated through rigorous onboard testing, including a successful trial 550 nautical miles southwest of the Azores.
  • LR’s Digital Maturity Framework emphasizes connectivity as a key driver of maritime digitalization.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted its first VC-L+ Descriptive Note...

https://mfame.guru/lloyds-register-grants-first-vc-l-notation-for-vessel-connectivity/

IACS Engagement in SSE 11

  • IACS to participate in SSE 11 (Feb 24-28, 2025), supporting IMO’s regulatory framework.
  • Submitted proposals clarify SOLAS regulations, fire safety, lifeboat launch procedures, and maintenance.
  • Aims to improve regulatory consistency with unified interpretations and compliance guidance.
  • Proposes updates for SSE 12, focusing on plastic pipes and fire safety regulations.

As the principal technical advisor to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Association of...

https://mfame.guru/iacs-engagement-in-sse-11/

Russia Defies Sanctions, Blacklisted Tankers Still Moving Oil

  • Russia continues to use blacklisted tankers for oil exports despite the largest US sanctions enforcement.
  • China and India, Russia’s biggest buyers, are cautious as new US sanctions loom.
  • Sanctioned tankers frequently change ownership and registration under obscure firms to bypass restrictions.

Despite increased US sanctions, Russia continues to export crude oil using blacklisted tankers. Data shows a rise in Russian oil shipments carried by vessels outside the G7 price cap framework, with 15...

https://mfame.guru/russia-defies-sanctions-lacklisted-tankers-still-moving-oil/

Investigation Reveals Autopilot Use In Moselle River Collision

The German prosecutor’s office has released details of its investigation into the cause of an accident that severely disrupted shipping traffic for nearly two months, reports Luxembourg Times. 

Detailed Investigation

The investigation into the collision of a cargo ship with a locked gate on the Moselle River in December has revealed that the vessel was on autopilot at the time of the incident.

The ship was traveling at a speed of 12.2 km/h when it collided with the Müden lock, causing significant...

https://mfame.guru/investigation-reveals-autopilot-use-in-moselle-river-collision/

Cargo Vessel Grounds Near Norway’s Coast

  • A general cargo vessel ran aground near Bergsoya Island, Norway, on February 4.
  • The vessel sustained rudder damage, water ingress in ballast tanks, and developed a port-side list.
  • A nearby vessel stood by for support until a rescue team arrived.
  • The vessel was successfully refloated and towed to Mjolstadneset, Norway later that day.
  • Built in 1990, the vessel has a 3,013-tonne capacity, an overall length of 74.65 meters, and a width of 12.7 meters.

According to Maritime Bell, on February 4, a...

https://mfame.guru/cargo-vessel-grounds-near-norways-coast/

IUMI Addresses Geopolitical Tensions And Technological Advancements At Recent Meeting

The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has expressed its opposition to protectionist measures, stating that they are detrimental to the marine insurance community and the global economy. IUMI emphasizes the importance of free trade for the industry’s success, reports the International Union Of Marine Insurance. 

Continued Conflicts 

Continued tension and conflict in the Black Sea, Red Sea, and Baltic regions continue to impact global trade. In the Black Sea, while safe navigation...

https://mfame.guru/iumi-addresses-geopolitical-tensions-and-technological-advancements-at-recent-meeting/

Report Highlights Key Insights from Annual Summit 2024

  • The Global Maritime Forum released key insights from the 2024 Annual Summit in Tokyo.
  • Industry focus has shifted from why to how in decarbonization efforts.
  • Talent retention now requires urgent action, not just discussion.
  • Sensitive topics like flags of convenience and the dark fleet are openly addressed.
  • The report covers policy measures, global risks, and decision-making challenges.

The Annual Summit 2024, held under the theme “Currents of Change,” showcased how far the shipping industry has...

https://mfame.guru/report-highlights-key-insights-from-annual-summit-2024/

Shipping Rebound? SCA Calls for Normal Transit Through Red Sea

  • Following a halt in Houthi attacks, the SCA urges shipping companies to return to the Egyptian waterway, citing improved stability.
  • The last reported attack occurred on Dec. 2, with the group later pledging to avoid targeting non-Israeli ships.
  • Despite reassurances, many operators hesitate to resume Suez transits, leading to continued reliance on the longer African route.
  • Crude shipments dropped from 7.9 million b/d in 2023 to 3.9 million b/d in 2024, highlighting the economic impact of...

https://mfame.guru/shipping-rebound-sca-calls-for-normal-transit-through-red-sea/

Port of Oakland Achieves Strong Growth in 2024 Cargo Volumes

  • The Port processed 2.26 million TEUs in 2024, a 9.5% increase from 2023.
  • Imports increased by 15%, and exports grew by 5.4% year-over-year.
  • Refrigerated cargo volume decreased by only 4%, outperforming the broader U.S. market trend.
  • The dry cargo market saw strong imports, with furniture, plastic products, and batteries leading the way.

In 2024, the Port of Oakland experienced solid growth, handling 2.26 million TEUs, a 9.5% increase over the previous year. This growth is a reflection of the...

https://mfame.guru/port-of-oakland-achieves-strong-growth-in-2024-cargo-volumes/