USGC-NWE freight rates rise on surge in diesel exports: sources

Spot freight rates to send 38,000 mt ultra-low sulfur diesel cargoes from the US Gulf Coast to Europe have risen on an increase in export volumes, sources said Monday.
Freight rates were assessed by Platts at Worldscale 100 Friday, a rise of w7.5 on the previous day.
Sources said rates have risen on a "wide open" arbitrage for ULSD and a shortage of tonnage for prompt loading dates.
Sources reported at least 10 medium-range tankers on subjects for trans-Atlantic routes loading out of the USGC, although further details weren't immediately available.
Traders said last week that the US would likely keep sending large volumes of diesel to Europe in September and October.
One source said 1.3-1.4 million mt of US diesel could reach Europe in September, down slightly from 1.5 million mt/month over the summer.
European wholesale cash premiums have been on the rise generally since last week, factoring in scheduled works at European refineries and making Europe more attractive as a destination for diesel.
Sources continued to peg freight rates as firm on Monday.
"I think w100 levels will be repeated," said one US-based shipbroker. "Most of the vessels on subs are for trans-Atlantic routes and the arb [for ULSD to Europe] is wide open."
The Hellas Symphony and the Maersk Marmara were both reported on subjects to Brazil's Petrobras for a September 14-17 laycan, loading from the USGC to Brazil, with options to discharge in the NWE. The NWE discharge options were both reported at w100 levels.
A source at Petrobras wasn't immediately available to comment on the matter.
Source: Platts


International Seafarers' Welfare Awards 2014 Launched
The International Seafarers' Welfare Awards 2014 are being launched today, as representatives from the global shipping industry gather in London for International Shipping Week. For seafarers, the backbone of the industry, welfare services and facilities can be a life line when working away from home for long periods of time.
These awards recognise excellence in the provision of welfare services by shipping companies, welfare organisations, ports and individuals - on ship and on shore. They showcase good practice in the industry, and highlight the commitment and dedication shown by many - in the service to seafarers.
With nominations now open, we encourage seafarers to recognise those that have shown them exceptional service this year and nominate. The award categories are: Seafarers' Centre of the Year; Shipping Company of the Year; Port of the Year; and Welfare Personality of the Year.
The winners of the 2012/13 International Seafarers' Welfare Awards were :
• Shipping Company of the Year : Shell Shipping
• Port of the Year : Kandla (India)
• Seafarer Centre of the Year : Seafarers House, Port Everglades (USA)
• Welfare Personality of the Year : Reverend Dennis Claughton (Australia) & Father Giacomo Martino (Italy)
Roger Harris, Executive Director, International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network said "Seafarers make a huge, often invisible, contribution to our societies. They deserve to have excellent welfare services and facilities wherever they are in the world. These awards recognise the considerable efforts that organisations and individuals make to meet the welfare needs of seafarers, and we hope that others are inspired to do more in this area."
The International Seafarers' Welfare Awards 2014 will be held at the International Labour Organisation in Geneva on 7 April 2014 and will be presented by Mr Guy Ryder, Director General of the ILO. The awards are organised by the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), and supported by the International Shipping Federation, International Transport Workers' Federation; International Christian Maritime Association; International Labour Organisation; the International Maritime Organisation; and Crewtoo.
Source: International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)