For weeks now, global energy and geopolitical markets have been speculating about a possible conflict in the Middle East between Iran and the U.S., but they still seemed unprepared and entirely surprised by what happened this weekend.
Without going into the details that news outlets have already covered extensively, WPI provides below a short recap of the weekend’s events, particularly as they pertain to global energy trade and ocean freight. Some of the key developments were:
The U.S. killed the Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei as well as the Iranian defense minister. The U.S./Israeli strikes destroyed nine “important” Iranian naval vessels. In retaliation, Iran attacked some 15 countries nearby, including oil facilities...
What You Need to Know Today: Iran has developed an initial draft plan that would prohibit U.S. and Israeli ships from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, increasing concerns over potential disruptions to global energy trade. Although no restrictions have been enacted, the proposal adds anot...
Key Takeaways: Global freight markets are mixed this week with Capesize and Panamax vessel seeing strong performance, primarily on iron ore demand and U.S. Gulf and ECSA grain demand. Handysize and, to a lesser extent, Supramax vessels are trading lower as charterers focus on larger vess...
For years, the EU treated its cows, pigs, and broilers mainly as a source of emissions to be reduced. This week the European Commission gave them a new job title: "critical infrastructure." According to the EU’s official livestock strategy presented in Strasbourg, France, livestock underp...