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Denmark's APMH offers $1.3 billion for the tugboat group Svitzer
Denmark's A.P. Moller Holding, a subsidiary of Denmark's A.P. APMH already owned 47% of Svitzer's shares prior to the bid. The independent board members of the towing company unanimously approved the offer. APMH is the controlling shareholder of Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk . APMH stated in a press release that the stock market listing did not generate the investor interest expected. A delisting will allow Svitzer to continue its growth. It added that Svitzer must grow its business to maintain its market position in an industry fragmented and competitive, undergoing consolidation. Svitzer shares have risen 8.2% to 216.4 Danish crowns since their IPO, while APMH is offering 285 crowns.
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Maguire: US natural gas prices prepare for the impact of tariff crossfire on US prices
The U.S. Natural Gas prices have already risen by about 80% in the last year, but they are set to get a new jolt due to the effects of the recent round of tariffs levied by the U.S. Government on goods entering the nation. The U.S. Gas Market will be affected regardless of when and how the new tariffs come into effect. Exports of LNG in the form or gas are likely to become a bargaining tool in any subsequent trade maneuvers. Commitments to increase purchases of U.S. LNG can be a quick way to rebalance the trade ledger to the U.S. for nations that are looking to reduce their trade surplus or avoid future tariffs. As a possible form of reprisal, some countries that are affected by the new tariffs and who already buy U.S. LNG regularly may also threaten to reduce their purchases. Gas exporters, utilities and households will all be affected by the changes in the gas trade volume and price. BIG STAKES According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. exported nearly 12 billion cubic foot of LNG every day in 2024. This cemented its position as the world's top LNG exporter for the second consecutive year. The LNG shipments generated more than $30 billion in revenue, which was significant for both the companies that shipped the gas as well as the U.S. Treasury. According to Kpler ship tracking data, the Netherlands was the largest market for U.S. LNG in 2024, accounting for 11% of all volumes. France, Japan and South Korea were the next biggest buyers of U.S. LNG. China, Turkey, Spain, and the United Kingdom also made a notable purchase. Tipping the Balance The administration of U.S. president Donald Trump has threatened to impose high tariffs on goods that these countries sell to the U.S., as the U.S. is running up trade deficits. All of these countries already buy a lot of U.S. LNG. It is likely they will increase their purchases in order to ease relations with the Trump Administration. As part of the tariff negotiations, other countries with large trade surpluses, such as Vietnam, may also consider increasing U.S. LNG exports. Plan B LNG will also be a part of any countermeasures that nations take to retaliate against the U.S. after they raised tariffs. China and several European countries, including Germany, have pledged to respond to the planned hikes in tariffs. They are likely to see LNG as a way to cause revenue damage to the U.S. while not risking self-harm. Qatar, Australia, and Malaysia also provide LNG to global clients, so they will be able quickly replace any U.S. LNG volumes lost, while U.S. LNG suppliers may find it difficult to find alternative buyers. GAS FLOW AFFECTS The domestic gas market will be affected by the new tariffs in the United States, regardless of how the LNG export volume trends. The increase in LNG imports will result in a higher demand for gas at LNG export terminals, and a tighter supply of gas for other gas consumers. This will put pressure on U.S. utility companies that rely on gas to produce approximately 40% of their electricity. In response to higher gas prices in the US, several utilities have already reduced their gas usage in favor of increasing coal-fired electricity generation. Gas prices could rise further due to the renewed strength of LNG exports. This would lead to a surge in U.S. electricity emissions, which could accelerate climate changes. If, on the other hand most trade partners choose to reduce U.S. purchases of LNG as part of a tariff reprisal, then demand for LNG export terminals may drop, which could result in more gas being available at home and lower gas costs. It is likely that there will be mixed reactions among trading partners, as some countries may reduce their LNG purchases, while others might increase them. These volume swings may eventually balance each other out, resulting in a total LNG volume that is largely unchanged by the end the year. In the short term, however, the sudden changes in LNG order flows could trigger wild swings on the gas market. Gas market participants will need to be able to take advantage of any price movements that are favorable and to avoid volatile market conditions. These are the opinions of a market analyst at.
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President of a Japanese shipping company fears that US tariffs could slow down cargo flow, he says
Nippon Yusen, Japan's biggest shipping line, fears that tariffs imposed by U.S. president Donald Trump could increase the price of cars and everyday goods, reducing consumer demand and slowing down cargo flow, according to its president. "The tariffs do not fall directly on the consumers but they are ultimately responsible for the burden, which reduces the flow of goods." In an interview with Takaya Soga on Monday, he said that this was his biggest concern. Last week, Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on automobile imports. This move is expected to hurt Japan's export driven economy. He also promised to announce reciprocal duties targeting all trading partners this Wednesday. "Tariffs can have a significant impact on the economy," Soga added, adding that the actual cargo movement will determine the extent of this impact. Soga, however, sees benefits that could come from the trade conflict. He said that even if cargo volume declines, delays caused by tariff-related procedures could disrupt logistics and tighten ship demand, which would increase freight rates. NYK may find new business opportunities if China begins to source raw materials outside of the U.S. In anticipation of U.S. Tariffs, a rush for consumer goods drove cargo movements in December up until the Chinese New Year. However, there has not been a major change in material flow since they went into effect, Soga stated. The United States also plans to charge docking fees at U.S. port for any ship that is a part of a large fleet including Chinese-built or Chinese-flagged ships and will pressure allies to follow suit or face retaliation. According to NYK, of the 800 ships owned or operated, less than 10 percent are Chinese-built. He said that the U.S. Government will examine carefully whether or not this policy will be implemented. Therefore, we cannot state now that we are going to stop ordering vessels from China. Soga anticipates that Red Sea avoidance will continue as long as geopolitical risk in the Middle East persists. Last year, disruptions in the Red Sea caused by attacks by Yemeni Houthi militants consumed extra capacity as many ships took an extended route around Southern Africa. Soga stated that while the congestion of container vessels in the Panama Canal is mostly resolved, NYK has asked the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) to restore Tier 1 priority status for LNG tanker traffic. Soga stated that the company may delay its plans to invest in vessels for offshore wind projects in Japan due to a slower than expected market development. However, overseas investments would proceed faster. (Reporting and editing by Sonali Paul, Additional reporting by Tim Kelly)
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Shipbuilder Austal shares ride military spending wave and defy market decline
Analysts said that the policies of U.S. president Donald Trump, which have caused stock markets around the globe to tremble, are actually benefiting Austal Australia Shipbuilder. The shares of the company that supplies commercial and defence vessels to clients such as the Australian and U.S. Navy, among others, soared by 35% during the three-month period ending in March. This was their best quarter gain in almost two years, since June 2023. The broader benchmark, on the other hand, lost around 4% due to concerns about stretched valuations in financial stocks as well as the impact of U.S. Tariffs. Austal shares have risen in response to Trump's request that Australia and other U.S. allies increase their defence spending. Last week, Australia announced that it would be bringing forward A$1billion in defence expenditures in the federal budget. Dhierin Perkash Bechai is an aerospace analyst for Seeking Alpha and The Aerospace Forum. She said that with higher defense spending, and a greater need for autonomy across all domains, Austal could see more orders from Australia. "That's also driven by the sense that China could become more aggressive in this region amid a fallout with the U.S. Austal has grown its order book by 11% in the last six months, to A$14.2-billion. Austal's two shipyards are located in the United States, which shields it from Trump's possible import tariffs. These have recently roiled the global markets, and further enhances Austal's appeal to investors. The shipyards produce smaller combat vessels, reconnaissance ships and modules for nuclear powered and nuclear armed submarines. Investors want companies that can win business in the U.S. without tariffs or sacrificing their growth ambitions elsewhere, said Nicholas Sundich. Hanwha, a South Korean conglomerate, recently bought a 9,9% stake in Austal. This was nearly a full year after Austal rejected Hanwha's A$1.02 Billion takeover offer. This acquisition shows the foreign interest in Austal.
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Argentina begins gas exports via Bolivia, says Brazilian firm
T otalEnergies exported for the first-time gas from Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale to Brazil's Matrix Energia, Matrix announced in a statement on Tuesday. Sources familiar with the situation claim that 500,000 cubic metres of gas were exported via the Bolivian pipeline Tuesday. The statement from Matrix stated that the objective of this unprecedented operation was to ensure the technical viability and stability of the logistics networks. It also added that it involved many different parts of supply chains, as well as the signing of two natural gas import contracts for a three-party operational agreement. Over the past year, companies from Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil have been negotiating deals to ensure that Argentina's natural gas can reach Brazil, one of Latin America’s most important markets. Sources said last year that Bolivia initially refused to charge a toll fee for use of its infrastructure. Instead, it preferred a solution whereby it would buy gas from Argentina, and then resell to Brazil. Negotiations improved in the last few months and several supply contracts were identified. Since years, the pipeline has transported Bolivian gas to Brazil and Argentina. However, as Bolivia's gas production declines, export volumes have decreased. The arrival of Vaca Muerta in Brazil is a victory for Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva who prioritized providing cheaper gas to Brazil's industry. Exports would be a victory for Argentina as well, since its gas production is increasing under the market-friendly policies of President Javier Milei, creating a new revenue stream for a country that had been experiencing a deficit on its energy trade. One of the sources said that the contract was a spot agreement, meaning the supply could be interrupted in winter, when the demand for goods is high in Argentina. Bolivia's state energy company YPFB has not responded to a comment request on the new exports via Bolivian pipelines. (Reporting and editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez, Stephen Coates and Fabio Teixeira; Additional reporting by Marianna Pararaga)
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The delays in the Paraguayan soybean barge transit has an impact on crushers in Argentina
According to transport and crushing chambers in both countries, an accumulation of sediment on the Paraguay River delayed barges that were carrying Paraguayan soya beans to Rosario. Argentina, which is the top soybean oil exporter in the world, depends on Paraguayan beans at this time, since the Paraguayan crop has finished and Argentina's harvest starts this month. The barges used to travel from Rosario via the Parana River use the Paraguay River near the mouth of the Bermejo River. Gustavo Idigoras of Argentina's chamber of grain exporters CIARA-CEC said that the delays have affected the flow barges into Argentina. Argentina's grain-processing industry also buys soybeans from Argentine farmers, though the latter have held back more beans than usual because of uncertainty about the exchange rate. Raul Valdez of the Paraguayan Center for Shipowners (CAFyM) said that the delays had also affected iron ore exports into Brazil. Valdez noted that the conditions on the river have improved over recent days due to increased river levels and dredging. Paraguayan soybean exports fell 14.2% during the first two month of 2025 compared to 2024.
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The US will no longer impose a 7-year export deadline set by Biden on new LNG projects
Wednesday, the U.S. will revoke a policy that was issued by former President Joe Biden's administration, which required that liquefied gas projects, or LNG, export within seven year of regulatory approval. The LNG industry had pressured the Trump administration to withdraw the April 2023 policy statement on Department of Energy export approvals to major markets in Europe, Asia and Africa because many projects would take more than seven year to complete. The Federal Register will publish a document on Wednesday that states, "From now on, DOE will review applications to extend the export start deadline of an authorized holder and grant extensions for good reason shown, on a case by case basis. This is consistent with DOE’s prior practice before the Policy Statement was issued." Tala Goudarzi, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, said the Biden administration had made it unnecessarily difficult for projects to obtain and maintain an authorization to export LNG to non-free-trade-agreement countries. Energy Transfer, a pipeline operator, filed a new license in 2023 for its proposed 16,45 million metric ton per year Lake Charles LNG facility, in Louisiana. The DOE had previously denied the request for an extension of three years for the old one. Energy Transfer is not available to comment at this time. Fred Hutchison is the president and CEO at LNG Allies. He called the previous policy of deadlines inflexible. The new policy marks a return to normal order. Hutchison stated, "We're grateful that common sense has been restored to the U.S. LNG Export Process." (Reporting and Editing by Margueritachoy and Leslie Adler.)
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The US will no longer impose a 7-year export deadline for LNG projects, as set by Biden
The U.S. will rescind on Wednesday a policy that was issued by the former administration of President Joe Biden, which required liquefied gas projects, or LNG, to export within seven year of receiving approval. The LNG industry pushed President Donald Trump's administration to reverse the April 2023 policy statement of the Biden administration on Department of Energy approvals of exports to major markets in Europe, Asia and Africa because many projects require more than seven years to complete. They have stated that if the projects are forced to restart their applications, it could cause delays in LNG exports. The Federal Register will publish a document on Wednesday that states, "From now on, DOE will review applications to extend the export start deadline of an authorized holder and grant extensions for good reason shown, on a case by case basis. This is consistent with DOE’s prior practice before the Policy Statement was issued." The Energy Department didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Fred Hutchison is the President and CEO of LNG Allies a trade association. He called the previous policy on deadlines inflexible, and that the new policy was a return to normal order. Hutchison stated, "We are thankful that common sense has been restored to the U.S. LNG Export Process." (Reporting and Editing by Margueritachoy)
Argentina's state airline company cuts staff, paths, passenger advantages ahead of possible sale
Argentina's state airline company, Aerolineas Argentinas, is slimming down for a capacity sale, shedding 13% of its staff, cutting moneylosing domestic paths and even removing snacks formerly readily available to guests, according to sources and documents seen . The cutbacks, a lot of whose information were previously unreported, become part of a backdoor effort to cut the airline company's problem on the state and lure personal financial investment. The drive is progressing, despite the fact that libertarian President Javier Milei's strategies to privatize the company have actually generated pushback. The provider, with Argentina's blue and white colors, is a major test case of Milei's promarket reforms, which are yanking South America's secondlargest economy in a sharply various instructions after years of huge federal government. They have actually enhanced the state's finances, but stunted financial growth and pushed up hardship.
Reuters spoke to 10 company executives, authorities, pilots, airline company workers and union members, and saw a memo on the strategies to simplify the airline company for sale.
The drive brought in hit operating results for Aerolineas in 2024, a senior business source stated ahead of the airline's release of full-year outcomes next week. Part of that shows the double-digit decrease in personnel targeted in the earlier document seen .
Our task is to get (Aerolineas) in order, the senior source stated, adding that the carrier intended to operate more like its personal counterparts.
That method, when the time comes and the federal government allows its sale, the company is more appealing.
In July, Aerolineas made a profit for the very first time in seven years, information shown Reuters revealed. Milei, a brash financial expert, took workplace in late 2023, pledging to shake up Argentina's subsidy-heavy economy with chainsaw cuts. He has faced pushback in Congress from privatizing Aerolineas outright, however is figured out to press his strategies through. His government has actually threatened to close the airline if it can not be privatized.
Either it is shut, to cut the deficit, or it is privatized, but it will not stay in the hands of the federal government, Milei informed local radio in November. The administration claims the airline has depleted federal government coffers by $8 billion since 2008 when it was put back in the hands of the state after a previous privatization in the early 1990s under Milei's idol, then-President Carlos Menem.
The transportation secretariat delayed remark to Aerolineas, which did not respond to requests for comment.
' LABOR IS OUR ONLY WEAPON'
The procedure to simplify the company involves cutting loss-making paths, freezing wages, using buyout programs and shedding agreement employees, six airline staff members informed Reuters. Even a modest food offering for guests dealt with the chopping block.
The airline company has actually cut its in-flight snack alternatives, conserving the firm more than $500,000 a year, the senior airline source stated, as the company took a cue from American Airlines which notoriously cut an olive from each salad served in very first class in the 1980s to lower expenses.
Aerolineas now provides just one dessert in executive class and has actually cut a cereal bar for economy guests, the senior business source added.
Unions and Milei's political opponents have actually fought back, with protests at significant airports damaging flight in current months, causing flight cancellations and delays. In December, Buenos Aires province's opposition guv said he would oppose any attempt at privatization.
Our labor is the only weapon we have, stated veteran Aerolineas pilot Juan Pablo Mazzieri, who sports a tattoo of the airline company's logo design, an Andean condor, on his shoulder. We don't. like doing it, but we're going to cause delays and. cancellations.. Milei argues that the carrier needs to end up being more competitive. His administration looked to deregulate the sector, enabling. inexpensive providers to increase operations and press an open skies. policy to enable foreign competitors to enter the market.
COURTING SUITORS
Milei has actually promoted selling off Aerolineas in one go. Undoubtedly, the company's CEO, Fabian Lombardo, told local radio that. a number of international airline companies had expressed interest. So far. those talks have remained informal, sources stated.
The only competitor to openly state interest is holding. business Abra Group, which manages Colombia's Avianca and. Brazil's Gol.
Abra is still conducting due diligence, and it stays. uncertain what an acquisition of Aerolineas would appear like,. Abra's chief industrial officer, Joe Mohan, informed an industry. conference in Dallas in November.
Aerolineas could be a tough sell, analysts cautioned. It would be much easier for someone to accompany a percentage. ( stake), the Aerolineas senior source said, pointing out the strategies of. German airline company Lufthansa to acquire a 41% stake in. Italian state provider ITA.
Still, Aerolineas has yet to bring banks and advisers on. board, according to the source, due to the fact that it requires more clearness on. the federal government's strategy.
Milei's Plan B might be offering the airline to its. employees, ridding him of both the firm's monetary headache and. its employees, whom he thinks about combative. Aerolineas states the. labor conflicts have actually cost the carrier millions of dollars.
The company has cancelled worker perks, such as payment. for commuting time, complimentary flights, dollar-based bonus offers and additional. vacations - which were all coming at the expenditure of poor. Argentines, according to the government.
A number of union leaders, however, state workers taking over the. firm was a non-starter.
The unions argue Aerolineas serves a social purpose beyond. its balance sheet, in a country that is 5 times the size of. France and which extends from the Antarctic to tropical jungle. in the north. Its cities are far-flung and transport links are. limited.
Since the start of the cuts, that included a government. aid on aircraft tickets, domestic travel in Argentina has. fallen 9%, information shows.
We're seeing nearly half the variety of flights we did a. year earlier, said Marcelo Austi, an Aerolineas gate representative at. Buenos Aires' regional Aeroparque airport. That's a massive. distinction..
(source: Reuters)