Maritime Industry Briefing: Seafarer Support, Bio-LNG Trials, and Shipbuilding Orders

## Seafarer Support Amid Gulf Tensions According to Hellenic Shipping News, The Mission to Seafarers (MtS), a leading international maritime welfare charity, continues to provide vital support on the ground to seafarers in the Gulf region. Thousands of seafarers are currently stranded as military tensions disrupt shipping routes in the area. 'Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Employers' Council, stated that 'the Mission to Seafarers has been a lifeline for many of these seafarers, offering them food, accommodation, and other essential services during this difficult time.'. ## Successful Bio-LNG Trial for AET AET, a leading global maritime energy transportation company, has completed its first Bio-LNG trial, as reported by Hellenic Shipping News. This is a 'meaningful milestone in our decarbonisation journey and a clear demonstration of our readiness for FuelEU Maritime,' said the company. The trial represents AET's ongoing efforts to explore alternative fuels and reduce emissions in line with industry sustainability goals. ## New Shipbuilding Contracts - HD Korea Shipbuilding has won a 340.2 billion won ($290 million) order from a European shipowner for two new LPG carriers, according to Hellenic Shipping News. - Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a $290 million order for three new crude oil tankers from a Bermuda-based shipowner, reports Hellenic Shipping News. This adds to the shipbuilder's growing order book as the industry continues to invest in new tonnage. ## Copper Market Volatility Finally, Hellenic Shipping News reports that copper prices have fallen below $13,000 per tonne, driven by a combination of macroeconomic headwinds and softer physical demand signals. Factors like a stronger US dollar, rising energy prices, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have contributed to the recent price slump, impacting the broader commodities market.