Namibia, a potentially energy-rich West African country, could stimulate new crude oil trades for tankers including VLCCs and Suezmax vessels by the end of this decade.

Houthi forces in Yemen have escalated their threat against commercial shipping to include vessels headed to Israel from the East Mediterranean Sea.

Methanol-powered tankers were the biggest driver of alternative fuelled new vessel orders in April according to DNV.

Singapore-based commodity trading giant, Trafigura, has ordered four medium gas carriers (MGC) that will be powered by ammonia dual-fuel engines, at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan.

As part of its massive newbuilding plans QatarEnergy has ordered 18 LNG carriers for some $6 billion to be built at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard.

Qatari LNG shipping company Nakilat reported higher revenues and lower operating expenses for the first quarter.

MidOcean Energy, a LNG company formed and managed by investment company EIG, has completed the acquisition of Korea-based SK earthon’s interest in Peru LNG (PLNG).

Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up attacks on shipping again in recent days including a strike on an Aframax tanker Andromeda Star.

Nantong CIMC SinoPacific Offshore & Engineering, a subsidiary of CIMC Enric, has signed a contract with Avenir LNG for two 20,000 cu metre LNG carrier and bunkering vessels.

John Fredriksen’s SFL Corporation has acquired two LNG dual-fuel chemical tankers for $114 million.