The briefing archive
Every daily issue we've published, one day at a time.
Mercuria Challenges Baltic Exchange Over Tanker Freight Rate Benchmark
Commodity trader Mercuria is challenging the Baltic Exchange’s decision to maintain its TD3C oil tanker freight benchmark during Strait of Hormuz disruptions. The case raises questions about freight-rate accuracy, market transparency and…
Pirate Ship Ends Routine Rate Alerts as Shipping Prices Change More Frequently
Pirate Ship has stopped routine shipping-rate notifications as carriers increasingly adjust prices multiple times a week. Frequent USPS Ground Advantage rate changes are making shipping costs harder for e-commerce sellers to predict…
Ulysses Develops Autonomous Underwater Robots for Inspection and Maritime Defence
Ulysses is developing autonomous underwater vehicles for subsea cable surveys, pipeline inspections, marine habitat restoration and naval defence, aiming to reduce reliance on crewed vessels and make underwater operations more scalable and…
Did the Jones Act Shipping Waiver Lower Diesel Prices? The Data Says Little
An analysis of US fuel shipments finds that Jones Act waivers contributed only a small share of New England’s petroleum supply, with limited evidence of lower diesel prices. Crude oil costs, refinery…
Rising Oil Shipping Costs Push Up Fuel and Grocery Prices
Oil tanker shipping costs have surged amid vessel shortages, security risks and longer routes. A US-to-Japan crude shipment is expected to cost $81 million, adding pressure to fuel prices, grocery costs and…
Shipping Companies Post Record Profits as Freight Rates Surg
Global shipping earnings per vessel rose 75% year over year as conflict-related disruptions, longer routes and reduced vessel availability drove freight rates higher. Oil tanker operators have seen particularly strong profits as…
