Hakim Trading Blog
Trusted HSFO 380 supplier content from the Persian Gulf, focused on marine fuel, bunker operations and safe, efficient ship bunkering at key regional ports.
Following a trade truce between Washington and Beijing, China has begun issuing general rare‑earth export licenses, easing a previously highly bureaucratic process. The move comes as China approves about 70% of license requests, up from 50% earlier, and is seen as a response to EU pressure and a sign of restored trade flows. The policy shift is expected to reduce delays for key industries reliant on rare‑earths.
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Island Oil Appoints Senior Trader for Denmark Operations
Island Oil has named Christian Larsen as its senior trader in Denmark, a move announced via LinkedIn on Friday. Larsen brings experience from Oilmar and Monjasa, where he managed the Danish desk and worked as a bunker trader. He expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Island Oil’s fuel solutions across the industry.
Chinese Refiners Boost Throughput Amid Seasonal Maintenance
In November, Chinese refineries processed 39% more crude than the previous month, reaching 60.83 million tonnes, even as maintenance cut capacity by 1.2 million barrels per day. Independent plants stepped up runs after new import quotas, while domestic production rose 1.7% year‑on‑year. These dynamics highlight China’s sustained demand for imported crude and its aggressive stock‑piling strategy.
Arctic Ice Halts LNG Ship at Novatek’s Sanctioned Arctic Project
Advancing ice forced the sanctioned LNG carrier Buran to abort loading at Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 facility on the Gydan Peninsula and return to Murmansk. The incident underscores the challenges of shipping through early‑winter Arctic waters under U.S. sanctions, even as Russia continues to sell over a million tonnes of LNG to China.
Ofiniti Digital Platform Powers Over 25,000 Bunker Operations in 2025
In 2025, Ofiniti’s e‑BDN and FuelBoss platform facilitated more than 25,000 bunker deliveries, including 500,000 mt of alternative fuels. The company projects a tenfold increase for 2026 and highlights regulatory pushes in Singapore and the ARA ports. Digitalisation is also cutting delivery times by 45 minutes per shipment.
White Hydrogen and Carbon Mineralization: A New Decarbonisation Pathway
Newfoundland’s ancient ophiolite formations are being eyed as a low‑cost source of white hydrogen while permanently sequestering CO₂. The process, driven by serpentinization, could deliver hydrogen at $0.50–$1 per kg and lock up to 5.1 × 10¹¹ t of CO₂, fitting neatly into a rapidly expanding CCUS market.
Sanctions Cast Uncertainty Over Turkey's Gas Swap with Iran and Turkmenistan
Turkey’s plan to secure winter gas supplies through a swap deal with Turkmenistan, built on its long‑standing Iran‑Turkey pipeline, faces growing uncertainty as U.S. and EU sanctions tighten. The agreement, set to expire in July 2026, could be jeopardised if Turkmenistan is denied a waiver, threatening Turkey’s energy security.
Citi Projects Brent Crude to Average $60 per Barrel in Early 2026
Citi forecasts a sharp decline in Brent crude, estimating an average of $60 per barrel in Q1 2026. The bank’s outlook ranges from $50 to $75 depending on geopolitical and supply scenarios, with OPEC+ likely extending production cuts to support prices. Market volatility has been heightened by a U.S. seizure of a sanctioned tanker and concerns over Russian oil supply.
Uni‑Fuels Secures Three‑Year Bunker Supply Agreement with Asia Pacific EPCI Contractor
Singapore‑based bunker trader Uni‑Fuels has won a three‑year supply contract to deliver marine fuels to an unnamed engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contractor in the Asia Pacific region, effective from 1 January 2026. The deal is expected to bolster Uni‑Fuels’ revenue and reinforce its standing as a trusted partner in the maritime fuel market.
New Permitting Freeze Threatens Hundreds of U.S. Solar and Wind Projects
A federal order issued by the Trump administration has effectively halted approvals for solar and wind projects on U.S. federal lands, leaving only one solar development approved since January 2025. The freeze could cancel more than 500 projects with a combined capacity of 117 GW, potentially wiping out half of the country’s planned renewable energy output, according to SEIA and Wood Mackenzie.
Nordic Nations Advance Second Phase of Zero‑Carbon Shipping Roadmap
The Nordic countries have launched the second phase of their zero‑carbon shipping roadmap, moving from strategic planning to concrete execution. DNV, leading the programme, will focus on developing green shipping corridors and securing financing, with support from several research institutes and industry partners. The effort aims to bring two to three corridors to operational readiness by 2027.
Venezuela Regime Shift Could Trigger Oil Price Spike Followed by Slump
A possible change in Venezuela’s government may spark an immediate rise in oil prices, followed by a later decline once sanctions lift. Production has recovered to about 900,000 barrels per day, but a new administration could alter the country’s oil dynamics and impact Canadian heavy crude demand. Market participants watch closely as U.S. officials hint at a potential price drop if Venezuela’s political landscape shifts.
AI’s Power Hunger Forces a Shift to Nearby Power Plants
The S&P Global Energy report reveals that by 2030 global data‑center power demand could reach 2,200 TWh, roughly the total consumption of India. With grids built for a fossil‑fuel era and a growing share of intermittent renewables, the industry is turning to local power plants, batteries, and new financial structures to keep the digital economy humming.
US LNG Boom Set to Drive Up Power Bills
As U.S. liquefied natural gas exports accelerate, domestic gas pricing is shifting from a locally‑driven model to a global, spot‑market‑based framework. While this benefits producers and liquefaction operators, it raises the cost and volatility of gas and electricity for U.S. households and businesses.
Qatar Flags Post‑2035 LNG Crunch as AI Demand Accelerates
Qatar’s Energy Minister warns that the artificial‑intelligence boom will push global LNG demand beyond 700 Mt/yr by 2035, creating a supply gap. While the International Energy Agency expects new U.S. and Qatari export capacity to ease pressure, some industry voices caution that a glut may still materialise in the U.S. market.
Galveston LNG Bunker Port Secures Initial LNG Supply Deal for 2029
The Galveston LNG Bunker Port has signed an initial LNG supply agreement with an international shipping company for 2029, following the project’s permit approvals and EPC selection. The terminal will begin operations in 2028, offering up to 720,000 gallons per day of LNG to vessels at Port Houston, Galveston and Texas City via barge. The deal, backed by a Jones Act‑compliant vessel, marks a key step in strengthening U.S. maritime fuel resilience.
Ukraine's Diplomatic Tensions: Implications for Global Shipping and Marine Fuel Markets
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks European backing amid a disputed U.S. peace proposal, maritime operators face heightened geopolitical risk. The conflict’s ripple effect on shipping lanes, insurance costs, and marine fuel pricing—especially HSFO380—demands strategic adaptation by fleets and traders.
Mediterranean ECA Fuels Mix Shift: HSFO & MGO Surge
Since the Mediterranean Emission Control Area (ECA) took effect on 1 May 2025, bunker volumes in the top ten ports have risen by almost 20%. VLSFO fell 23%, while MGO, ULSFO and biofuels saw dramatic increases, and off‑specification rates changed across grades.
Sudan's Heglig Oilfield Seizure: Shipping and Marine Fuel Market Implications
The Rapid Support Forces’ takeover of Sudan’s Heglig oilfield has halted production and threatens the critical pipeline linking South Sudan to the world market. Shipping operators face heightened route uncertainty and potential fuel supply disruptions, while HSFO traders must reassess risk premiums. Market participants should monitor conflict developments and consider diversifying sourcing and routing strategies.
India Opens Nuclear Power to Private Investment, A Game Changer for Shipping and Marine Fuel Markets
India is poised to allow private investment in its nuclear sector, aiming to boost capacity to 100 GW by 2047 at a cost of $214 billion. The move could reshape shipping energy demand and create new investment opportunities for marine fuel infrastructure.
Russia and China Push Back Against U.S. Sanctions with New LNG Shipment
A U.S.-blacklisted Russian LNG tanker, Valera, has just delivered cargo from Gazprom’s Portovaya plant to China’s Beihai terminal, signalling a continued defiance of Western sanctions. The move highlights shifting dynamics in the LNG market and raises questions for shipping operators about compliance and risk management.
Pacific Basin Revamps Bunker Team to Embrace Sustainable Energy
Pacific Basin Shipping has restructured its bunker division into a Sustainable Energy Solutions team, aligning with its decarbonisation strategy. The change coincides with the retirement of long‑serving GM Rakesh Sharma and the appointment of Henrik Rojel as head of the new unit. The firm will now focus on emissions compliance and developing energy‑related services for customers.
India’s Coal‑Power Pause: What It Means for Marine Fuels and Shipping
India has postponed a firm decision on expanding its coal‑fired power fleet beyond 2035, keeping options open for a possible jump to 420 GW by 2047. This uncertainty will influence global coal supply, LNG imports and, by extension, marine fuel demand and shipping economics in the coming decade.
Study Confirms Sharp Drop in Shipping Sulfur Emissions After IMO 2020
A recent NCAS study shows shipping sulfur emissions have fallen by roughly sevenfold since the IMO 2020 rule, with vessels burning bunker fuel containing about ten times less sulfur. Measurements from aircraft and ground sensors across the North‑East Atlantic confirm the impact of the 0.5% sulfur limit.
UK Grid Operator Clears 300 GW of Unviable Projects, Paving the Way for Cleaner Shipping
The National Energy System Operator has removed 300 GW of non‑viable projects from its backlog, prioritising net‑zero‑aligned developments. The move shortens grid connection queues, reduces costs and supports the maritime sector’s shift to low‑carbon fuels.
Antero Resources Eyes HG Energy Deal to Bolster LNG Supply for Maritime Shipping
Antero Resources is in talks to acquire shale operator HG Energy, a move that could strengthen its LNG output and feed the growing maritime fuel demand. The transaction underscores the tightening link between U.S. natural‑gas production and the shipping sector’s transition to cleaner fuels, potentially reshaping the HSFO380 market.
Europe’s Soft Gas Prices Tighten the Net on U.S. LNG Exporters
Record U.S. LNG exports are now being squeezed by falling European gas prices, eroding margins for traders. With Europe’s reliance on LNG rising amid pipeline shortages, exporters face a dilemma: higher prices hurt demand, but lower spot rates limit profitability. The market’s future hinges on supply‑side dynamics and regulatory shifts.
Arctic Mining Surge: Shipping and Fuel Markets Brace for Change
The retreat of Arctic ice has unlocked vast reserves of critical minerals, prompting a scramble among nations and raising concerns for marine ecosystems. Shipping operators face new routes, fuel demands, and regulatory hurdles as mining hubs emerge along northern coastlines. Balancing resource extraction with environmental stewardship will be pivotal for the future of global maritime trade.
Maersk Pushes Ahead With Ethanol–Methanol Fuel Blend on Laura Maersk
Maersk’s latest trial on Laura Maersk boosts the ethanol share in a methanol blend to 50%, with plans to test 100% ethanol next. The move underlines how major liners are diversifying beyond conventional fuels, a trend that will reshape future bunker portfolios alongside HSFO 380 and other marine fuels.
Oil Up Again For The Week
Hope that the U.S. Federal Reserve would enact another modest rate cut was again enough cause for oil on Friday to eke out another session of modest daily and weekly gains, supported by supply concerns in the wake of the failure of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.