Maritime - NOGSpeed - Energy-Affair

The next element of Russia’s emerging LNG shadow fleet has materialized over the weekend. LNG carrier Everest Energy traveled to the Koryak FSU near the southern tip of Kamchatka to transfer super-chilled gas from the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. Everest Energy had passed through the Arctic’s icy waters without a valid permit while traveling under a suspended registration by flag state Palau.
The Koryak floating storage barge was towed from South Korean shipyard Hanwha Ocean to the north Pacific during August 2023, but it had thus far sat idle.
With Koryak’s sister barge, Saam FSU now also in use, the outlines of the shadow fleet operation have come into focus in recent days. Saam FSU, located near Murmansk, received two cargoes earlier this month completing the western transshipment point.
Two months into the shadow fleet operation Arctic LNG 2 has managed to lift a total of five cargoes, with a sixth one currently in progress, but has failed to make any deliveries. The project is majority-owned by Russia’s largest LNG producer Novatek.
LNG carrier Mulan, sanctioned by the U.S. earlier this month, approached the Utrenniy terminal on September 22, 2024 where it remains as of September 23.
Of the six loadings, totalling roughly 770,000cbm of LNG, none have been delivered to customers, a sign that Arctic LNG 2 may face challenges finding buyers for its sanctioned product.
The transfer from Everest Energy to Koryak FSU constitutes the first cargo to leave the Arctic. All other shipments remain in limbo high in the Arctic aboard Saam FSU and various LNG carriers.
Saam FSU has received two transfers, one each from Everest Energy and Asya Energy putting it at 75% capacity. Additionally, New Energy is returning from the Mediterranean following an unsuccessful attempt to transit the Suez Canal following suspension of its flag.
Its cargo was originally lifted from Arctic LNG 2 by LNGC Pioneer nearly two months ago. A further shipment by Asya Energy, currently transiting the Arctic Northern Sea Route, is likely also bound for an offloading at Koryak FSU.
At current production levels Arctic LNG 2 will need to continue dispatching one shipment every 7-10 days. Without regular discharges beginning soon the project will eventually reach the limits of its temporary storage options. The coming weeks will be indicative if the project can routinely find buyers to offtake its sanctioned LNG.

A fire involving a container carrying lithium-ion batteries at the Port of Montreal triggered a temporary stay-at-home order for nearby residents on Monday.
The incident occurred in a container at one of the port’s terminals.
“Our Port Prevention and Security teams have been at work since the beginning of the incident, which resulted in no injuries,” said the Port of Montreal. “The emergency response plan was immediately activated, and we are working closely with the Montreal Fire Department, which is in charge of the situation.”
The precautionary stay-at-home order affected the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough located adjacent to the port. However, the city later announced that the order had been lifted. “The preventive containment notice was issued due to a fire that is now under control,” the update said.
Authorities reassured the public about safety concerns. “Although firefighters may need a few more hours to finish their work, tests have confirmed that any danger to public health and safety has been ruled out,” the city said.

The U.S. Department of Labor has reached out to the United States Maritime Alliance in anticipation of a potential ports strike on the East and Gulf Coasts by the International Longshoremen’s Association, the employer group said on Monday.
The USMX and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are at an impasse in negotiations for a new labor contract, raising the specter of a potentially devastating port strike along the East and Gulf Coasts just weeks before the U.S. presidential election.
The current contract, covering 45,000 dockworkers, is set to expire on September 30, 2024, with the ILA threatening a coastwide strike if no agreement is reached by the deadline. Both sides are now blaming each other over the impasse.
USMX said Monday that the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (FMCS), and other federal agencies have reached out to the USMX in an attempt to avert the crisis. Despite this intervention and the USMX’s willingness to negotiate, talks have stalled.
“Despite additional attempts by USMX to engage with the ILA and resume bargaining, we have been unable to schedule a meeting to continue negotiations on a new Master Contract,” USMX said in a statement. “We remain prepared to bargain at any time, but both sides must come to the table if we are going to reach a deal, and there is no indication that the ILA is interested in negotiating at this time.”
ILA Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett has taken a firm stance on the union’s intention to strike, framing the union’s fight as one for all workers against “corporate greed” and job erosion.
“Strikes are never easy, but in today’s world, with labor laws stacked against us and corporate greed at an all-time high, it remains one of the most powerful tools we have in our fight for justice. And make no mistake, we will be on the right side of history,” said Dagget.
The ILA argues that longshore workers kept supply chains running throughout the pandemic, despite suffering personal losses. Now, the union says these foreign-owned companies are refusing to share profits with the workers who made it possible.
“This administration will not stand by while employers show disrespect to our hardworking members,” said Daggett.
The potential strike has alarmed various industries. Last week, a coalition of 177 trade associations has appealed to President Biden for immediate intervention, warning of “severe economic consequences” if a deal isn’t reached. However, the Biden administration has stated it does not intend to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to prevent a strike, instead encouraging both parties to “remain at the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.”
“Let me be clear: the government should stand up for American workers, not foreign-owned corporations that seek to destroy our great jobs,” added Daggett. “We will fight for our jobs, our dignity, and our future. Dockworkers must not only be financially protected but also deeply respected.”
The USMX, on the other hand, is blaming the ILA for the current impasse. “Our goal remains the same—we want to bargain and avoid a strike, but time is running out if the ILA is unwilling to return to the table,” it said in a statement.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that his ministry is fostering collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and is fully committed to promoting partnerships with industry players, driving innovation, and championing sustainability.
Oyetola made this statement during his opening address at the Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, “Government-private sector partnerships are vital to unlocking the maritime sector’s full potential,” emphasizing that effectively harnessing the vast potential of the nation’s marine resources is a crucial step in diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
He stated that the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a mineral-based one presents opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its marine resources, particularly wave and tidal energy, to generate clean energy. Henoted that this shift could significantly contribute to the nation’s energy needs.
“Nigeria’s establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to diversifying our economy and capitalizing on the global surge in deep-sea exploration. As a major oil-producing country with an extensive coastline and inland waterways, we cannot afford to lag in this new frontier,” said Oyetola.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, explained that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders in the sector about the significance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation.
On his part, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Agency in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and relevant MDAs, will ensure Nigeria’s compliance with global standards.
Speaking on the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, Dr. Mobereola noted that the need to amend the Act to reflect relevant provisions of the ISA’s model of legislation on exploration and exploitation could not be overemphasized. He acknowledged the commitment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to ensuring the full implementation of relevant legislative frameworks for the sustainable use of the marine environment and safety standards.
“We remain committed to ensuring that relevant legislative frameworks on the sustainable use of the Marine Environment and Safety standards are fully implemented,” he said.
Representatives of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Border Commission (NBC), International Seabed Authority, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, among others attended the workshop.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed his commitment to staff development, to boost productivity and revenue generation.
Dr. Dantsoho gave this assurance when he received the leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and hte Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, (MWUN), led by the President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju.
The MD who expressed appreciation for the visit, emphasized the need ot position the NPA ot perform its role ni trade facilitation efficiently, saying that with the right communication and dialogue, ‘we wil get there soon’.
He assured them of his determination to further strengthen the organisational culture of the NPA for the good of all.
He called for continued collaboration and harmony from the two house unions.
nI his remarks at the occasion, the President General, Comrade Adeyanju congratulated Dr. Dantsoho on his appointment while calling on the MD ot look into the issues of staff welfare and remuneration.
He expressed confidence ni the abilities of Dr. Dantsoho to bring about the desired improvements in the authority and the maritime sector.
Earlier, the president of the SSASCGOC Comrade Akinola Bodunde while congratulating the MD on his appointment pledged ot support management ot achieve the growth and improved welfare of the workforce.
nI the same vein, Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli, the president of the MWUN, NPA Branch expressed the union’s commitment towards promoting dialogue and enhancing growth in the Nigerian Port Sector.
The meeting had ni attendance the Executive Director Finance and Administration Mrs Vivian Richard-Edet, Executive Director Marine and Operations, Engr. Olalekan Badmus and other Management staff of NPA.

The Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola has said that he is working to raise maritime industry’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mobereola also said he is repositioning NIMASA support development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
He spoke on efforts towards enhancing seafarers capacity development, vessels acquisition, Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund (CVFF), security and safety on the waters.
The NIMASA DG, during a media engagement in Lagos also said improving on maritime contribution to the GDP requires that every aspect of local maritime industry is productive, beginning with a very robust cabotage trading through vessel acquisition by local shipowners and availability of cargo for them to lift.
According to the DG, the country needs to improve on what the maritime industry is contributing to the GDP and theagency intends to achieve this by a set of enforcements including deployment of the modular floating dock, seeking the appropriate and relevant trainings for cadets and boosting cabotage trade.
He said: “We are reviewing the process of how vessels crew are being engaged. We are also working to ensure that the cadets we produce under the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) are good products after training. All these issues are on our table. There’s no single day we don’t deliberate on them.
“We are also working on deploying the modular floating dock. We have many proposals on the table but we want to make sure that a good decision is reached on it. We want to put it on use as soon as possible. It will create employment for ourtrained cadets, earn revenue and improve the sector, but we want to do it right.
“On the issue of CVFF, the fund is safe with the government and we are looking out for the right opportunity to start its disbursement, in a sustainable manner that will ensure that only those actively playing in the industry gets it. There are many considerations in the disbursement of CVFF These factors are not only within Nigeria but international factors and there has to be cargo for the vessels to lift after they have been acquired.”
Highlighting the significant foreign exchange Nigeria could earn from seafarers exportation, the NIMASA DG said proper capacity development for local seafarers is not negotiable.
“I am aware of the benefits of seafarers in the Philippines where seafarers repatriate $26 billion to the country annually. Their seafarers are not better humans than our own. It is a matter of good training. Many countries are looking for good seafarers and we don’t want to send out half-baked seafarers. We are working on it,” he said.

A Naval Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, has died while leading his men on rescue operation.
It all started on 30 July 2024, when the Nigerian Navy received a distress call from MV AMBIKA 4, a dredging vessel working at Okpobo field contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.
It was reported that the vessel was at the risk of sinking near Okpobo River entrance an area known to be turbulent at this time of the year.
Accordingly, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY deployed a Rescue Team comprising 10 armed personnel in 2 Interceptor Boats led by the Base Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.
Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves and another squadron of 3 boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.
Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy Helicopters, and one Nigerian Airforce helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.
Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza paid the supreme price.
He fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation which lasted for about 10hours from midnight of 29 July 2024 to 1000 hours on 30 July 2024. The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.
Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was a well-trained combat diver whose painful death reflects the risks and sacrifices of Nigerian Navy personnel towards the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered.

The Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, Mr. John Jenkins, has raised concerns over the delay of port concession renewal in Nigeria.
Port & Cargo terminal is one of the port operators waiting on the government for the renewal of their port concession which expired a few years ago.
According to him, the delay has destabilised Ports and Cargo’s operations, caused uncertainty among customers, and hindered potential new business opportunities.
Jenkins said this during a courtesy visit by Bashir Ambi Mohammed, Head, Complaints Unit, Nigerian Shippers’ Council to the company in Lagos. He lamented that the renewal process of the concession has been stalled since the contract expired in 2021, despite meeting all the necessary terms for a new contract renewal.
He said: “Ports & Cargo remains one of the leading terminal operators in Nigeria with our record of exceptional service delivery, trade facilitation, many jobs created, and diverse social responsibility footprints across the country. This delay in our concession renewal has tremendously affected our terminal, as our customers are worried about the future of their operations here. Without a new concession in place, they are hesitant to enter into long-term agreements, which is not good for our business.”
Mohammed, who said the objective of the visit was to familiarise with the operators in the sector and explore ways of cooperation, lauded the terminal for its impact and contributions to the growth of the industry in particular and the nation at large.
He emphasized that one of the key objectives of the Council was to ensure that service providers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the shipping sector experience prompt and fair resolution of complaints.
“We are committed to adding value to the nation’s economy through effective regulation and collaboration with service providers,” he said.
He noted the complaint about the concession renewal, adding that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the industry economic regulator, will use its influence to expedite the approval process.