MOL books three more LNG newbuilds

Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has signed another long-term charter contract with QatarEnergy for three newbuild liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. The vessels will be built at CSSC-affiliated Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. MOL signed a long-term charter contract with QatarEnergy in April 2022 for four newbuilds, and the latest deal

UN expert group launches report on corporate greenwashing

A UN-convened group has launched a major new report at COP27 to crackdown on corporate greenwashing around net-zero claims, outlining key recommendations to ensure non-state actors are actively working towards decarbonisation. The High Level Expert Group on Net Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities was set up by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in March 2022

France to increase expenditure on zero-carbon ships development

France’s secretary of state in charge of maritime affairs, Hervé Berville, has set aside €300m ($302m) under the government’s France-Mer 2030 plan to get the country closer to building zero-emissions vessels. While only 12% of the ships used in France are built in the country, compared to 80% in 1980, Berville stressed at a conference

ABS gives approval to ammonia-fueled vessels

ABS awarded two approvals in principle (AIPs) to COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., and COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Technology Co., Ltd., for their ammonia-fueled vessel and ammonia supply system designs which are being trialed on a tugboat. Given the challenging characteristics of ammonia, ABS conducted a comprehensive review and risk assessment focused on ammonia

Amid strong demand for diesel exports Chinese refiners increases its production  

China’s refined oil product exports in November are set to hit the highest since April 2020 as refiners ramp up output to multi-month highs to boost diesel supply and profit, offsetting the impact of slower domestic demand from COVID-19 restrictions. The world’s top two refiners – the United States and China – are processing more

Most seafarers require upskilling to meet decarbonisation goals

A new action plan, launched at the COP27 climate conference in Egypt by United Nations organisations, shipowners and unions, sets out recommendations to upskill seafarers to meet shipping’s decarbonisation goals. The plan is in response to findings from new research, the modelling of which cautions that as many as 800,000 seafarers will require additional training

Ethanol associations to support global fight against climate change

In an intentional commitment to support the global fight against climate change, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada), UNICA, UNEM (National Corn Ethanol Union) and ePURE have come together today to underscore the importance of renewable ethanol in this effort. The use and implementation of renewable ethanol offers GHG reductions in the

MPA, Los Angeles and Long Beach to establish green shipping corridor

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach and C40 Cities – a global network of mayors taking action to confront the climate crisis – have begun discussions to establish a green and digital shipping corridor between Singapore and the San Pedro Bay port complex. The corridor

Averda and WasteFuel to develop green methanol

Averda, a waste management, treatment and recycling company, and WasteFuel, a developer of bio-refineries, announced during the COP27 climate conference, their partnership to develop the first commercial scale municipal waste to renewable methanol plant in the Middle East. The location for the first plant is likely to be in Jebel Ali, the premier port in

Green Shipping Challenge encourages countries take action at COP27

Grabbing the most headlines was the Green Shipping Challenge, launched by the US and Norway, creating a platform for around 40 commitments to accelerate ship decarbonisation, with US presidential envoy for climate John Kerry and Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre on hand for the launch. The Green Shipping Challenge encourages countries, ports and shipping