Cargoes
Cargoes on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 4 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on cargoes in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around cargoes, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
Russia Nearly Doubles LNG Carrier Fleet Serving Sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 Project
Russia has significantly expanded its LNG carrier fleet, nearly doubling its capacity to support the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. A recently commissioned, Russian-built ice-class vessel enables year-round operations in challenging Arctic conditions, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing energy production despite international sanctions. This strategic expansion highlights the evolving dynamics of global energy supply chains, and underscores the complexities of maritime logistics. For further context on related disruptions, see our recent analysis of “Vessel Shortage Disrupts India’s Auto Exports.”
$434 Million Deal Signed Between France & Saudi Arabia For New Terminal At Jeddah Islamic Port
A significant $434 million agreement has been finalized between France and Saudi Arabia, paving the way for a new terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. This joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Gateway Terminal and French shipping leader CMA CGM will enhance regional trade capacity and bolster the port’s strategic importance. The development underscores growing investment in critical maritime infrastructure.
Supertanker Abruptly Reverses Course Near Bab el-Mandeb Over Houthi Threat
A supertanker en route to Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, executed an abrupt course reversal prior to entering the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, responding to heightened security concerns related to Houthi activity. This strategic maneuver reflects the escalating risk assessments impacting maritime traffic in the region. Data indicates a significant decline in vessel passage through the Bab el-Mandeb, with only 11 commodity vessels transiting Sunday—a notable reduction, as detailed in our report, "Red Sea Ship Traffic Drops Sharply After Houthi Attack On Saudi Oil Facilities.
EU Paid $6.82 Billion For Russian Yamal LNG During First Six Months Of 2026 Ahead Of Import Ban
Despite impending import restrictions, the European Union procured approximately $6.82 billion worth of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) during the first six months of 2024. This figure represents 140 cargoes, totaling 10.25 million tonnes, sourced from the Yamal project located in Russia’s western Arctic. These validated shipments underscore the continued reliance on Russian energy resources prior to the full implementation of the planned import ban, demonstrating a complex transition period for European energy markets.