oil and gas
oil and gas on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 8 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on oil and gas 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 oil and gas, 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.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Urges Muslim Nations To Recognise ‘Real Enemy’ As Hormuz Traffic Falls To New Lows
Amidst a notable decline in traffic traversing the Strait of Hormuz—reaching new lows—Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a directive to Muslim nations, urging unified recognition and confrontation of what he identifies as their “real enemy.” This pronouncement arrives as Iran reports preventing over 30 ships from utilizing approved routes since August 22nd, highlighting escalating tensions in a critical maritime chokepoint.

Explosion At Port Of Rotterdam’s Refinery & Fuel Terminal Kills 1 & Injures Several Others
A tragic incident at the Port of Rotterdam’s petroleum products storage facility has resulted in one fatality and six serious injuries, according to local authorities. The explosion underscores the inherent risks associated with critical infrastructure handling volatile materials. This event follows a series of concerning maritime incidents, including the grounding of the *Caroline Bezengi* oil tanker off Oman, highlighting potential vulnerabilities within global energy transport networks.

Cargo Ship With 62 People Onboard Sinks Off Chinese-Occupied Shoal In South China Sea
A Vietnamese cargo ship, *Khoi Nguyen 18*, has sunk in the South China Sea, approximately off Fiery Cross Reef, a Chinese-built artificial island within the contested Spratly Islands. The incident occurred on Saturday and involved 62 individuals onboard. This event underscores the complex geopolitical and environmental factors impacting maritime operations in the region. Related coverage on our site details the challenges of maritime salvage, as seen in the recent freeing of the *Onego Otra* after a four-week grounding in the St. Lawrence River.

Passenger Ferry Carrying 133 Capsizes Off Guyana, 2 Dead & Dozens Missing
Tragedy struck off the coast of Guyana as a passenger ferry carrying 133 individuals capsized, resulting in two confirmed fatalities and dozens missing. Extensive search and rescue operations are underway, deploying helicopters, aircraft, government vessels, and civilian craft. This incident underscores the inherent risks in maritime transport and highlights the critical need for robust safety protocols. The disruption to global shipping routes, as evidenced by the recent slowdown in the Strait of Hormuz, further emphasizes these vulnerabilities.

Iran Claims Two Oil Tankers Exploded, Caught Fire In Strait Of Hormuz Minefield; US Denies
Recent reports indicate a concerning escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor responsible for approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil and gas shipments. Iran has asserted that two oil tankers experienced explosions and subsequent fires within the strait, alleging the presence of a minefield. The United States has denied these claims. This incident underscores the strategic importance of the Strait and its vulnerability.

U.S. Firms & Iraq Sign Deals Worth $ 60 Billion To Construct New Oil Shipping Routes Beyond Hormuz
Recent agreements between U.S. firms and Iraq signify a strategic shift in global energy infrastructure. Deals valued at $60 billion will facilitate the construction of new oil shipping routes, mitigating reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. This development reflects growing concerns surrounding the stability of the region and the potential disruption of critical energy flows.

EU Buys 9.97 Mt Of Russian LNG While Debating 21st Sanctions Package Against Moscow
Despite ongoing debates surrounding a potential 21st sanctions package, the European Union recently imported 9.97 million metric tons of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). This highlights a complex geopolitical reality, demonstrating continued energy reliance even as policy shifts are considered. The situation underscores the challenges of decoupling from key global suppliers. For further context on evolving maritime energy strategies, see our article, "Why Is Shipping Turning To Fuel Cells For Clean Power?". This dynamic impacts international trade and underscores the need for data-driven ocean intelligence.

Trump Cancels 20% Fee Plan On Hormuz Transits For Direct Trade Deals With Gulf Countries
Following a strategic shift prioritizing direct trade agreements with Gulf nations, the Trump administration has rescinded a planned 20% fee on maritime transits through the Hormuz Strait. This decision, intended to foster mutually beneficial economic partnerships, underscores a move away from broader regional levies. The administration anticipates significant investment and trade gains through these bilateral deals. Related maritime security developments are also emerging, as evidenced by recent reports of Ukrainian claims regarding Russian naval assets, highlighting ongoing complexities in the region.