News Archive Mar 2008

31 Mar New week sees oil prices tumble
Analysts pointing to stronger dollar, supply confidence; bunkers down.
In Full
31 Mar Dan-Bunkering shifts offices
31 Mar Criticism of shipping 'disappointing and disconcerting'
IMO will rise to challenges threatening the environment; failure is 'not an option', says Secretary-General.
In Full
31 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
31 Mar New call for residual-fuel ban in Antarctic waters
Environmental group wants IMO to act, warning that IFO spills would be 'exceptionally difficult' to handle in icy waters.
In Full
31 Mar Rottedam market MDO hardly available
31 Mar IMO committee begins key meeting
Recommendations made this week could shape the bunker industry for years to come.
In Full
31 Mar Hyundai to trim April bunker output
Refiner plans to cut production back to February levels.
In Full
31 Mar Wired Bunkering moving to new premises
31 Mar IMO urged to endorse abatement technology
Environment technology group warns of health risks if abatement technology is excluded from IMO's emissions reduction plan.
In Full
28 Mar New trader for Dan-Bunkering's Copenhagen team
28 Mar Shell exits French bunker market
SMP stops delivering bunkers in French ports, but marine lubricant sales to continue.
In Full
28 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
28 Mar MPA hits single hull-operators
Incentives to deploy double-hull bunker tankers extended to 2011.
In Full
28 Mar Rotterdam market stable
28 Mar Supplier says SECAs are not properly enforced
Petrobras says, without enforcement, Sulphur Emission Control Areas are 'useless'.
In Full
28 Mar Aramco sells bunker parcel
The 380-cst cargo is due for early-April loading.
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28 Mar Oil at $100 is 'cheap'
No substitute for oil means no escaping from increasing oil prices, an investment bank chairman says.
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27 Mar Ports recognise industry support
Fifteen shipowners acknowledged for support of emissions reduction scheme.
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27 Mar Ship operators urged to rethink approach to fuel costs
Credit risk analyst says fuel surcharges are not a sustainable long-term method for offsetting effect of high bunker prices.
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27 Mar Ventrin plans expansion
New shareholding will see changes in Caribbean supplier's operations.
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27 Mar Infineum owners mulling sale
Study to 'review strategic options' for additives JV.
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27 Mar WTSA to roll out quarterly bunker surcharge increases
Hikes coming as container lines attempt to bring surcharges 'closer in line' with actual bunker price gains.
In Full
27 Mar Rotterdam market firm
27 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis (March 26)
27 Mar Another record for Singapore fuel oil stocks
27 Mar Hong Kong: IFO supplies set to tighten
Traders expect supplies of 380 cst product to remain tight throughout April.
In Full
27 Mar Maersk gives more details of floating BAFs
Floating BAFs will be introduced in phases starting in April.
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26 Mar Port of Charleston supports emissions measures
Cold ironing one of several proposals as port announcing new policies.
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26 Mar Oil rallies on weak dollar, US stock draw
NYMEX crude up more than $4 by afternoon trading.
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26 Mar Three European countries line up to support distillates
Germany, Norway and Finland tell IMO they back moves to phase out residual bunker fuel.
In Full
26 Mar Vitol takes Egyptian cargoes
Traders say parcel could go to Fujairah as Vitol prepares to enter the bunker market.
In Full
26 Mar EU to investigate bunkering in the Strait of Gibraltar
Spanish environmentalists win right to have concerns brought to the European Commission.
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26 Mar Several bids, no offers in Rotterdam at noon
26 Mar Fuel oil removed from sunken tanker
About 1,600 tonnes of fuel oil safely transferred to shore.
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26 Mar Taichung 380 cst out for two more weeks
Taiwan's oil refiner says the bunker product is currently unavailable due to barging issues.
In Full
26 Mar Asian operator acquires fuel monitoring system
FuelTrax™ installed on new tug, fleet-wide use intended.
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25 Mar Trinidad/Tobago boosts supply
25 Mar Fresh doubts about biofuels
UK scientist says it would be 'totally insane' to promote biofuels until their overall environmental impact is assessed.
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25 Mar Ports' distillate fuel plan is official
Go ahead given as industry giving support to incentive scheme.
In Full
25 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
25 Mar New trader for Bominflot
25 Mar New bunker supplier in Georgia
Bunkering resumes in Batumi and Poti.
In Full
25 Mar IBIA in bid to establish professional bunkering qualifications
Looking for third parties to set up 'comprehensive training regimen' for bunker industry personnel.
In Full
25 Mar April re-start for Portland bunker station
New owner Aegean says it expects to begin supplying at what will be its eighth service centre next week.
In Full
25 Mar Rotterdam market quiet
25 Mar Australia to ratify oil spill protocol
Ratification is aimed at increasing compensation for oil spills.
In Full
25 Mar Sri Lanka adding onshore bunker storage
State-run oil refiner and bunker supplier to benefit from new infrastructure at Colombo port.
In Full
24 Mar US bunkers soften as oil drops further
Crude threatening to go below $100 and marine fuel markets following.
In Full
24 Mar Oakland approves emissions strategy
'Bold step' to raise $520 million, will include cold ironing.
In Full
24 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
24 Mar Double-hull barge begins operating in Durban
Delivery charges climb to reflect fleet upgrade.
In Full
24 Mar Bunker prices slide in Asian hub
Fuel oil follows crude oil market down.
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24 Mar Latest catfine warning highlights low sulphur fuel
Blending low sulphur bunker product can come at 'a quality cost' warns DNVPS.
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24 Mar Hong Lam signs chartering pact with Shell
Singapore's largest barge operator brings in new 8,600 dwt double-hulled bunker tanker.
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24 Mar Forecast: Oil to stay in $30 range
OPEC president predicts oil prices will move between $80 and $110 a barrel.
In Full
21 Mar Oakland looks at fees to reduce emissions
Increased costs for containers raising competition concerns.
In Full
21 Mar Poland: Single-hull phaseout to cut barge fleet
Supplier says reduced fleet will be sufficient to meet demand.
In Full
21 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
21 Mar Rotterdam market very quiet with no barge trade
21 Mar Titan storage named as fuel oil delivery point
Part of Nansha terminal designated by Shanghai Futures Exchange for delivery of fuel oil contracts.
In Full
21 Mar Singapore fuel stocks up, distillates dip
21 Mar Wired Bunkering turns 10
Singapore bunker supplier celebrates its 10 years in the business.
In Full
20 Mar West Coast bunker prices lower
Markets softening but Singapore remaining much more competitive.
In Full
20 Mar Carnival fuel prediction over $500
Financial results under pressure as bunker costs keep rising.
In Full
20 Mar Crude, bunkers slump further
$20 knocked off Rotterdam fuel oil values in two days as crude sentiment turns.
In Full
20 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
20 Mar Ukraine seeks 1.4 billion spill compensation
Wants Russia to pay damages following Kerch Strait fuel oil pollution.
In Full
20 Mar Catfines spike observed in ARA region
Viswa Lab reports sudden increase in average values since February with four off-spec cases in March.
In Full
20 Mar Port fuel incentives won't replace new rules
Subsidy scheme of limited duration and California plans main engine fuel restrictions.
In Full
20 Mar Rotterdam quiet, prompt supply tight
20 Mar Oil removal starts on sunken tanker
Tanker carrying 1,700 tonnes of fuel oil sank off Vietnam's central coast earlier this month.
In Full
19 Mar IMO and EU communications continue
EU supportive of international ship emission regulations, but ready to act alone.
In Full
19 Mar EMSA looking for more oil spill recovery vessels
Applications wanted by the end of April as agency seeks to strengthen cover in the Black and North Seas.
In Full
19 Mar Industry supports ports' fuel plan
PMSA coming in behind proposal to subsidise distillate fuel.
In Full
19 Mar Rollercoaster week for crude
Prices down again Wednesday after DOE report shows dip in US demand.
In Full
19 Mar Poll: Emissions trading a 'useful option'
Industry supporting pollution reducing initiative despite IMO snub.
In Full
19 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
19 Mar New Kingston oil spill 'not bunkers'
Local authority says frequency of spills points to need for review of procedures.
In Full
19 Mar KazMunayGas acquires Batumi port and oil terminal
KazMunayGaz now owns all oil facilities along with container and dry/general bulk cargo berths.
In Full
19 Mar Rotterdam market still firm
19 Mar PetroChina buys cargo for blending
A961 grade bought to counterbalance influx of high-viscosity and high density Western cargoes.
In Full
19 Mar Hong Kong: Bomin moves
18 Mar US prices softening, for now
Major ports moving lower despite crude's rebound, margins tightening.
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18 Mar Ports to offer distillate incentives
Lower emissions the goal as authorities offering to pay the difference in bunker costs.
In Full
18 Mar Cylinder oil spill off Brazil
Odfjell tanker in mooring collision, rupturing two tanks.
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18 Mar Pilot charged over oil spill
Fines and jail time possible as federal laws brought into play.
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18 Mar Kenya: General Manager resigns
18 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
18 Mar Gazprom Neft buys Baltic port assets
CEO says acquisitions will enable the company to expand its bunker fuel business.
In Full
18 Mar UK fishermen in petition to even out bunker cost
Says oil companies should be forced to provide bunker fuel at the same cost regardless of location.
In Full
18 Mar Rotterdam market firming again after yesterday's late dip
18 Mar Nippon Oil to acquire rival refiner
Output of bonded bunkers from the two refiners could change after merger.
In Full
18 Mar Fuel oil leaks from Total refinery
Loire river affected by fuel oil leak during loading operation at Donges refinery.
In Full
17 Mar Bunker supplier pledges disaster relief
Navipac supporting rebuilding efforts with matching funds scheme.
In Full
17 Mar Ship main engines excluded from new EPA emissions rules
Standards released, but only for sub-30 litre displacement.
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17 Mar Oil drops on US recession fears
Prices may be at turning point as weak US economy outweighs new dollar low against euro.
In Full
17 Mar IMO turns fifty
No less than 50 international conventions and protocols have been passed since the UN agency was established.
In Full
17 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
17 Mar Stena Oil boosts trading team
17 Mar New employee at O.W. Bunker Korea
17 Mar New bunkering JV enters Singapore
US-based firm and Indian oil refiner form partnership to start bunker business in Singapore.
In Full
17 Mar China Merchants in cold ironing drive
Alternative power for berthed ships to be encouraged at ports managed by China's largest port operator.
In Full
17 Mar Japan bunker sales improve on year
Sales up even as supplies remain tight.
In Full
17 Mar Ship spills bunker fuel in Ulsan
Small bunker spill said to be under control.
In Full
14 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
14 Mar Moller-Maersk says environmental issues cannot be ignored
Playing for time is not an option says group's CEO.
In Full
14 Mar Mexico buyers favour MGO
Bargain prices proving a good option, alternative to IFO.
In Full
14 Mar Clean up, save on fuel
Hull performance expert taking the dollar saving and lower emissions message to conference audience.
In Full
14 Mar Dutch official stresses CO2 cost of switch to distillates
Dutch refineries would emit an extra 3.5 million mt of CO2 if they had to convert residual fuel to distillates for Rotterdam bunker market.
In Full
14 Mar SkySails ship completes 12,000 miles round trip
Ship's captain says a 'new chapter' has been written in the history of shipping as towing kite cuts bunker consumption.
In Full
14 Mar Rotterdam market firming again
14 Mar Supply shortage on cargo delay
Hong Kong bunker market facing some 380 cst product tightness.
In Full
14 Mar Liner operator could stock bunkers at box ports
CMA CGM chairman considering dedicated oil tanks at key ports.
In Full
14 Mar Singapore barge operator to move office
14 Mar IEA meeting to discuss oil prices
Crude oil climbs above $110 per barrel.
In Full
14 Mar Subic Freeport may double bunker storage
Growth in traffic at Philippines port prompts bunkering investment.
In Full
13 Mar Houston resists bullish energy markets
Ample supplies see prices slip despite record crude levels.
In Full
13 Mar Ferry tests biodiesel fuel
Lower grade test underway as company planning to use range of diesel fuels.
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13 Mar Maersk profits climb but prospects 'uncertain'
CEO speaks of 'complex outlook' and challenge of higher bunker costs.
In Full
13 Mar 500 cst sales take a hit
High-viscosity bunker volumes in Singapore down more than 15%.
In Full
13 Mar Judge questions major's liability for fuel oil spill
Official says 'polluter pays' rule might exclude those who don't pollute 'intentionally or recklessly.'
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13 Mar Management changes at Gibraltar supplier
General manager saying company was 'confident of growth'.
In Full
13 Mar New Indonesian refinery could boost fuel oil supply
Iran in partnership with Pertamina to build a 300,000 bpd refinery in Banten.
In Full
13 Mar Singapore: Residual fuel stocks dip marginally
13 Mar ConocoPhillips offers first fuel cargo
Offer is made for loading from its newly leased Singapore terminal.
In Full
13 Mar Supplier warns of tight Japanese market
Buyers advised to secure their deliveries early during the next one to two months.
In Full
12 Mar Oil prices still sky high
DOE report failing to put the brakes on speculation-fuelled markets.
In Full
12 Mar Chemoil opens for business in Fujairah
Supplier is taking bunker orders, extending its global reach.
In Full
12 Mar Turkish refinery to cut fuel oil output
Players say it is not the refiner's intention to leave Istanbul market 'short'.
In Full
12 Mar Fuel 'huge issue' for cruise lines
Bunker issues affecting cruise industry in 'staggering ways'.
In Full
12 Mar Rotterdam market firm
12 Mar Chinese oil port could be operating this year
New Tianjin facility to focus on servicing Sinopec projects and regional refineries.
In Full
12 Mar Asian bunker markets extremely volatile
Bunker prices in Singapore show wide fluctuations.
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12 Mar Horizon unveils fuel savings scheme
Horizon Lines promoting fuel efficiency to combat rising bunker costs.
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12 Mar Another spill hits S Korea
Over 40 mt of fuel leaks after collision between a tanker and a cargo ship.
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12 Mar Philippine supplier wants larger market share
Marine Fuels Philippines to grow its fleet of bunker tankers.
In Full
11 Mar Vessel congestion puts pressure on Panama bunkers
Prices also firming amidst resupply delays and bullish markets elsewhere.
In Full
11 Mar First double-hull barge for Durban
Smit Amandla Marine's double-hull vessel signals new era for South African delivery fleet.
In Full
11 Mar Japan turns to emissions trading
Environment minister says industries that invest in green technology should be rewarded.
In Full
11 Mar California to enforce struck-down fuel rules
Agency citing federal rules to keep auxiliary engine regulations in play despite court ruling.
In Full
11 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
11 Mar No IFO bunkers at Paranagua
Supplies tight in two Brazilian ports but Santos is back to normal.
In Full
11 Mar Rotterdam market remains firm
11 Mar Fishermen threaten port blockade over fuel costs
Regional government minister rules out fuel subsidiaries and points to 'fuel efficiencies' as best way forward.
In Full
11 Mar Cosmo to reduce bunker output
The Japanese refiner will cut bunker fuel output by 10,000-15,000 mt per month.
In Full
11 Mar New double-hulled tanker for Aegean
Company says it will be taking delivery of seven other new-builds in the course of the year.
In Full
11 Mar Oil storage project for Jebel Ali
Port's bunker market set to grow on planned expansion.
In Full
10 Mar Oil spikes to new record price
Bunkers feel the pressure as crude gaining further.
In Full
10 Mar Seventh straight surcharge increase by Matson
Fuel costs again boosting additional charge to record level for shipowner.
In Full
10 Mar Sulphur options 'still up for discussion'
Source close to IMO says bunker fuel recommendations 'evolving', nothing 'cast in concrete'.
In Full
10 Mar Chemoil 'ups the stakes' in Fujairah
Company radically increases planned capacity at Fujairah terminal as CEO repeats 'ambitious yet realistic' aim to seize 'sizeable' share of bunker market.
In Full
10 Mar Rotterdam market quiet
10 Mar Storage gives Chinese oil major leverage
PetroChina 'swing supplier' in Singapore fuel-oil cargo market.
In Full
10 Mar Mexican oil ports re-open
Crude still bullish on cold snap and weak US dollar, but prices kept stable as Mexico supply disruptions ease.
In Full
10 Mar Singapore broadband could 'revolutionise' bunkering
System will allow bunker barges to access, view and plan schedules online.
In Full
10 Mar 'Universal' cylinder lube more widely available
Total Lubmarine says new cylinder oil helps shipowners cope with sulphur changes.
In Full
10 Mar Japan: Retroactive bunker price edges higher
February bunker fuel price up slightly from month-ago levels but up more than 50% from last year.
In Full
07 Mar New environmental award for Long Beach
Port gaining further recognition for clean air efforts.
In Full
07 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
07 Mar 1.51% sulphur fuel 'will fail' SECA standard
'Unified interpretation' could usher in two-decimal place IMO sulphur standard and strict verification procedure.
In Full
07 Mar Sumitomo strengthens Singapore foothold
Japanese oil trading arm set to merge with Singapore player after buying remaining stake.
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07 Mar Dutch barge JV to take over partners' activities
Interstream Barging to integrate Vopak Barging Europe and Van der Sluijs Tankrederij.
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07 Mar Total hoping for 'good science' in IMO decision
Oil major says bunker market is of strategic importance for refining industry.
In Full
07 Mar Rotterdam market quiet
07 Mar New trader at Dan-Bunkering's Kaliningrad office
07 Mar Vopak profits up 40% in 2007
Company predicts more growth in 2008 with strong demand for storage from all market sectors.
In Full
07 Mar Single hull ban in the Philippines postponed
Operators want time to negotiate better rates for double hulls.
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07 Mar August launch for Adani's second barge
Indian supplier hopes its first owned-barge will be operational within a week.
In Full
06 Mar NYMEX to launch fuel oil, gasoil contracts
06 Mar Court decision to affect future fuel rules
California will tailor its main engine restrictions to allow fewer exemptions.
In Full
06 Mar Bunker markets firming as crude oil climbs
06 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
06 Mar Rotterdam market very quiet
06 Mar Crude tops $105 on weak dollar
Analysts say oil prices are becoming disconnected from fundamentals.
In Full
06 Mar New moves to tighten regulations on bunker tanks
US Senator calls for double skins to protect fuel tanks. IMO regulations 'do not go far enough'.
In Full
06 Mar Fuel oil tender withdrawn
Saudi Aramco pulls out of two sell tenders after offers fail to match expectations.
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06 Mar New terminals boost fuel oil inventories
Singapore statistics show over 40% rise as official data changes to include new tank storage.
In Full
06 Mar Tanker sinks off Vietnamese resort
14 crew members feared dead, oil spill reported.
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06 Mar Container carrier predicts weak demand
OOIL says bunker costs in 2007 made a 'bad situation worse' on Pacific routes.
In Full
06 Mar Bunkerworld adds Indian trio
Bunker prices at three Gujarati ports are now available on the price page.
In Full
05 Mar CMF makes the change to 0.1% sulphur MGO
05 Mar Market firmer as US crude stocks dip
Crude rally continues on OPEC decision and unexpected inventory decline.
In Full
05 Mar Heavy flow of fuel oil to East Asia continues
April cargo volumes at 12-month high but players warn of 'shortage of quality'.
In Full
05 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
05 Mar No change from OPEC
Oil prices up after OPEC officials say group will maintain output.
In Full
05 Mar Training programme tackles bunker recruitment shortages
O.W. Bunker says international programme is 'first of its kind' in the bunker sector.
In Full
05 Mar Rotterdam market quiet
05 Mar New tanker for Fujairah player
Second of eight newbuilds on order for Middle East firm has begun operations in Fujairah.
In Full
05 Mar Europe still willing to work through IMO
European Commission source says environment ministers will wait to see what IMO decides before considering their own emissions reduction plan.
In Full
05 Mar Maersk calls for urgent measures to tackle bunker costs
A 'fair formula' needed in passing increased costs on to shippers.
In Full
05 Mar Japan bunkers reach new peak
Persistent product and barge tightness pushing prices up.
In Full
05 Mar Four more newbuildings for Aegean
Latest deal will bring Aegean's double-hull bunkering fleet to 44.
In Full
04 Mar Some bunker relief in the US as oil price tumbles
Houston taking advantage of shift on crude markets but demand faltering.
In Full
04 Mar $2.2 million fine dropped from draft cold ironing rules
California presenting revised language as regulatory process gaining momentum.
In Full
04 Mar Shipping lines face tough negotiations over floating BAFs
Carriers are digging in on bunker fuel 'because they have to' says APL official.
In Full
04 Mar Tallinn: Decline in cargo throughput slows
Estonian oil port ships 1.8 million mt of liquid product in February.
In Full
04 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
04 Mar Container lines seek efficiency with vessel sharing agreement
Transpacific partnership between three container lines to maintain capacity while minimising fuel cost impact.
In Full
04 Mar EU ministers threaten unilateral action on sulphur emissions
'Unanimous understanding' that the IMO 'isn't doing enough,' says EC spokeswoman.
In Full
04 Mar Rotterdam market remains firm
04 Mar Shell tanker grounded off Bahamas
Salvors to remove bunker fuel and possibly cargo from 44,800 dwt products tanker before attempting re-float.
In Full
04 Mar Pakistan refiner cuts product flow to marine market
Supplier says its bunkering operations have been suspended.
In Full
04 Mar Buyers sought for Egyptian 180 cst cargo
Egyptian refiner offers two straight-run fuel oil parcels for March loading.
In Full
04 Mar PetroChina plans oil refinery in Singapore
Reports say the Chinese oil firm is carrying out feasibility study on the project.
In Full
03 Mar Legal reasoning upheld in emissions court case
Appeals judge adding to weight of decision with rules classified as 'standards'.
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03 Mar Newbuild earmarked for Canary Islands
Product tanker will be latest addition to O.W. Group's operations along West African coast.
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03 Mar US company buys barge fleet
TEPPCO says it is capitalising 'on the growing demand for barge services'.
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03 Mar Lubes barge showcasing 'green' technology
BP-owned vessel fronts EU-funded project to demonstrate ship emission reductions.
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03 Mar China close to deal on Venezuelan fuel oil
PetroChina poised to become one of the biggest single buyers of Venezuelan product.
In Full
03 Mar Bunker market report from Praxis
03 Mar Rotterdam market holding firm
03 Mar OPEC mulls production cut
Oil markets stay close to record levels, but some OPEC members predict slump in demand.
In Full
03 Mar New independent director at Chemoil
Peter Meade joins the company's Board of Directors.
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03 Mar Competition heats up in Sri Lanka
End of what has effectively been a monopoly on bunker fuel sales expected to bring prices down.
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03 Mar Double-hulled tanker for Hong Kong
Soaring Dragon's fleet swells to six with delivery of third double-hull bunker tanker.
In Full