Shipping and Bunkering Gold Courses

This course is designed to provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the production and the drivers of price and quality of fuel oil. Using this knowledge, the course then investigates the day-to-day aspects of the fuel and bunker markets and describes the supply chain and factors that influence it. In addition the course examines concerns of participants in the structural changes and the economic effects of such changes. Candidates will gain an understanding of why fuel prices and quality vary, and the effects of such volatility and how it can be mitigated.

On completion of the course all participants will have a thorough understanding of the day-to-day mechanics of the fuel market and in addition an understanding of the factors influencing the global market.

This course on LNG shipping is presented in the context of the overall LNG supply chain:

• how commercial shipping arrangements sit among the range of other agreements which exist between LNG producers, liquefaction parties, terminal operators;
• how the shipping contract overlaps with GSA’s, SPA’s and import/export agreements;
• the commercial, technical, regulatory, financial, legal and security risks that extend along the supply chain and which require the harmonization with the shipping sector;
• managing and optimising risk along the supply chain.

LNG transportation accounts for 10% to 30% of total LNG supply chain costs from upstream gas production through to terminalling and regasification on the import side. It is central, both figuratively and physically, to the LNG supply chain and the safe, efficient execution of LNG supply contracts.

The LNG shipping sector has also been evolving rapidly in recent years in response to accelerated growth in the international gas markets and - as in other parts of the LNG supply chain - technological innovation is seen as the means of optimising costs and increasing cargo outturn. New players have entered the LNG shipping business and the LNG industry is increasingly looking for more flexible shipping arrangements. Larger ships, innovative ship designs, new containment and propulsion systems have been developed while safety and environmental factors remain foremost considerations in the construction and operation of these vessels.

This course is designed to provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the production and the drivers of price and quality of fuel oil. Using this knowledge, the course then investigates the day-to-day aspects of the fuel and bunker markets and describes the supply chain and factors that influence it. In addition the course examines concerns of participants in the structural changes and the economic effects of such changes. Candidates will gain an understanding of why fuel prices and quality vary, and the effects of such volatility and how it can be mitigated.

On completion of the course all participants will have a thorough understanding of the day-to-day mechanics of the fuel market and in addition an understanding of the factors influencing the global market.

Shipping affects several aspects of a commodity including its marketing, supply, pricing, competition tactics and trading opportunities. Contracts can be complex, the legal and commercial implications profound. This one-day course provides insights into who is responsible for what, economic choices, common terminology, freight contracts and negotiations.

In theory, the determination of laytime and demurrage in tankers, if incurred, is a straightforward process as all of the relevant terms and clauses are contained in the charter party. However, as anyone who has examined a charter party will be only too well aware the wording is often less than clear and consequently the meaning is obscure. In short, lack of clarity over what does and does not count as used laytime can lead to contentious issues between parties. One of two things then happens. Either, a claim is made which potentially can require substantial resources to pursue, both in terms of time and money. Alternatively, potential claims are left to accumulate, unattended and considerable sums of money go begging.

It would be all too easy to write off the current downturn in the tanker or shipping markets as a repeat of past cycles in the sector. However, just as the sleek machines of Olympic Velodromes bear little resemblance to the gearless boneshakers of the past, today’s markets comprise different components as well. Experience is therefore key, combined with modern, practical approaches to achieve commercial, financial and operational solutions.

This one day seminar brings together a range of expert speakers from the worlds of finance, maritime law, ship management and commercial to examine contracts, cost management, loan availability, commercial organisation and project work outs. It is designed to ensure maximum interaction between presenters and delegates with both break out panel discussions and dialogue during individual sessions

The Asian region is the fastest growing area for chemical production and trade. Shipping is a vital part of the supply chain in the chemical sector and as such is a key element in the profitability, marketing and safe transportation of the commodities involved. Presented in association with Richardson Lawrie Associates - a maritime economics and business consulting firm with extensive global practice in chemicals trade, shipping and transportation economics, the course combines lectures from senior professionals and carefully structured exercises, case studies and workshops. The course is designed to enhance the business knowledge of commercial, operational and financial personnel from ship-owning and operating companies, chemical producers and traders, banks and financial institutions.

Making sound business decisions concerning tanker ownership, chartering, operations and coverage strategies demands a good understanding of key issues and their potential impact. This basic course covers the crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals and gas transportation sectors. This course also examines the important economic, financial, contractual, environmental and legislative issues when evaluating contract options, chartering and investment strategies, logistics and operating tactics. The emphasis of the course is on sound commercial practice, drawing on the working knowledge and experience of the various industry speakers. Case studies and practical sessions provide delegates with hands-on experience of decision making in this area. There are no pre-requisites for this course, nor is any advanced preparation required.

Making sound business decisions as they pertain to tanker ownership, chartering, operations and coverage strategies demands a solid understanding of key issues. The impact of any decision, good or bad, across the entire supply and marketing chain, can be far reaching.

This course covers the crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals and gas transportation sectors. It examines the important economic, financial, contractual, environmental and legislative issues when evaluating contract options, chartering and devising investment strategies, logistics as well as operating tactics. It is presented in association with Richardson Lawrie Associates - a maritime economics and business consulting firm with extensive global practice in the oil industry, shipping and transportation economics. The emphasis of the course is on sound commercial practice, drawing on the working knowledge and experience of various industry speakers. Case studies and practical sessions will build on delegates' hands-on experience. There are no pre-requisites for this course, nor is any advanced preparation required.

Building on the knowledge gained in "Tanker Ownership, Chartering and Operations" (TD2), this three-day course offers delegates a more in-depth exploration of contracts and pricing issues surrounding the tanker industry. The course focuses on the implementation of tactics and practical strategies for enhancing commercial returns and business performance in tanker transportation - both from charterers' and owners' perspectives. It looks at how commercial risks may be hedged using freight futures or by entering into period charter agreements. Negotiating techniques and the key elements of contracts of affreightment are examined and discussed. A legal workshop provides a series of case studies designed to highlight some of the more common events impacting on commercial operations.

The course also looks at how companies have looked to improve their competitive positions through benchmarking and the development of tanker pools. In a high oil price environment, delegates learn how to improve voyage economics through optimising bunkering strategies.

The course emphasises sound commercial practice, drawing on the working knowledge and experience of the various industry speakers. Case studies and practical sessions provide delegates with hands-on experience of decision making in this area. While not essential it would be preferable for participants to have already attended "Tanker Ownership, Chartering and Operations" (TD2).