An LPG cargo discharged in Bangladesh last October stirred controversy because of its suspected Iranian origins, prompting a probe from the Chittagong Port Authority. On Monday, the US sanctioned the shipper of that cargo, Dubai-based Octane Energy Group, but the company ‘categorically’ denies any involvement in Iranian oil trades

Largely flying under the radar, a fleet of LPG carriers with 5.1m cu m of capacity has been shuttling billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian propane and butane, while recording a hefty number of port state control detentions

‘Our feeling is we’re in the early innings of a discussion to be had between the US and Chinese governments,’ Matt Cox said during Matson’s 4Q24 earnings call on Tuesday

The Trump administration announced its second round of sanctions against Iran on Monday, targeting Iranian officials, shipping companies, commodity traders and 13 tankers. The move came on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which allies commemorated with sanctions on Russian vessels

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handled almost 1.9m teu in January, marking their strongest-ever start to the year. The surge was driven by shippers rushing to move cargo ahead of anticipated tariffs and the Lunar New Year, but economic indicators have raised concerns

VLGCs were unscathed by US sanctions until last year but the pace of designations may pick up under the new US administration. If new sanctions are imposed — and enforced — mainstream owners may benefit from even a relatively modest cut to Iran’s LPG exports