In a landmark diplomatic and economic event, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House on November 18, 2025, marking a significant escalation in bilateral ties. During the high-profile meeting, MBS announced that Saudi Arabia would ramp up its investment commitments in the United States from an […]
Continue ReadingDaily Standup Top Stories EU’s Climate Rules Have Caused a Response from the US and Qatar, Issuing Trade Threats October 22, 2025 Clark Savage In an escalating tension over global energy trade, the European Union’s push for stringent climate and sustainability regulations has drawn sharp rebukes from major LNG suppliers, the United States, and Qatar. Both […]
Continue ReadingThe Association of Average Adjusters (AAA) has issued a warning to the maritime sector, highlighting the growing legal ambiguity around insurance claims involving vessel groundings linked to GPS spoofing. In a new discussion paper, the AAA warns that cyber exclusion clauses increasingly found in hull & machinery (H&M) policies—most notably the LMA5403 clause—could leave shipowners […]
Continue ReadingThe Panama Ship Registry has become the first flag in the world to implement stricter controls and mandatory traceability for offshore ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of hydrocarbons. Non-compliance—depending on its severity—may lead to the cancellation of a vessel’s Panamanian registration. The regulation requires all Panamanian-flagged oil tankers with a gross tonnage of 150 or more to […]
Continue ReadingNorwegian authorities will require foreign-flagged tankers operating within the country’s economic zone to disclose their insurance arrangements starting August 11. The new rule, announced by Norway’s coastal administration, is part of a broader push to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection amid mounting concerns over the growing presence of shadow tankers in northern European waters. […]
Continue ReadingMalaysia has introduced new regulations to combat illegal ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers in its territorial waters, a move that could disrupt operations of the so-called shadow tanker fleet moving sanctioned oil to China. Under the new rules, vessels caught conducting unauthorised STS operations will face immediate detention, with the release process expected to take weeks. […]
Continue ReadingDaily Standup Top Stories Backlash Against EU Net Zero Regulations: Qatar Threatens to Cut LNG Supplies July 28, 2025 Clark Savage In a bold escalation of tensions over the European Union’s aggressive push toward net-zero emissions, Qatar has issued a stark warning: comply with our demands or face a cutoff of vital liquefied natural gas (LNG) […] […]
Continue ReadingReuters reported yesterday that Russia has imposed a sudden halt on foreign oil tanker loadings at its key Black Sea export hubs, citing a new port security decree that requires Federal Security Service (FSB) clearance for all foreign vessels — a move poised to disrupt over 2% of global crude supply. The restriction, which took […]
Continue ReadingDaily Standup Top Stories President Trump Announces Three New Trade Deals July 23, 2025 Clark Savage In a bold move to strengthen America’s economic position and promote fair trade practices, President Donald Trump announced three new trade agreements on July 22, 2025. These deals, involving Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan, aim […] Brazil Bets Against Net Zero. […]
Continue ReadingThe European Union officially rolled out its 18th sanctions package today, overcoming opposition from Slovakia earlier in the week. The sanctions are aimed squarely at crippling Moscow’s revenue streams and tightening the noose on its shadow fleet of sanctioned tankers Under the new measures, the oil price cap for Russian crude will be tightened—reduced to […]
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