Officials say external expertise and additional capture methods are being considered as the hunt continues
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment wishes to advise the public that search efforts remain active following the reported sighting of an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Although the snake has not yet been located, trained responders continue their search and remain ready to respond to any credible information received. The Government is also exploring additional measures, including external expertise and other capture methods to strengthen ongoing search efforts.
The Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, Minister of Public Works and Environment, said, “The Government remains fully committed to locating and safely removing this animal. Trained personnel continue to lead this effort, and we are exploring all available options to strengthen our search and capture capabilities. We ask the public to remain vigilant, follow official guidance, and report any credible sightings immediately. We urge members of the public not to create, share or rely on fabricated videos, images or narratives as it can undermine public confidence and hinder response efforts.”
The Ministry is aware of fake social media posts, including AI-generated videos and images circulating on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok falsely claiming the snake has been captured or located. These posts are not authentic, and the snake has not been found. Such misinformation can create confusion and distract from legitimate public safety efforts. Members of the public are encouraged to rely on verified information from official Government sources.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow official Government social media channels and visit www.gov.bm for verified updates. The Government will continue to provide factual information as it becomes available.
Anyone who observes the snake is urged to maintain a safe distance and immediately report the sighting by calling 911. If safe to do so, keep the snake in sight until authorities arrive. Never attempt to capture, corner, or harm the animal.
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
Revised pricing takes effect August 1, with most residential customers seeing “a modest increase of around $1.62 to $4.72 a month”
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) today announced that from 1 August 2026 BELCO’s electricity rates will be restructured and customer bills redesigned as directed and approved by the Regulatory Authority. The changes are guided by two key priorities, greater transparency for customers, and a fairer sharing of costs.
Rates will now be unbundled for greater transparency. Usage and demand charges previously bundled to reflect the total cost to generate and deliver electricity to customer homes will be separated out to show what customers pay for the generation of their electricity (generation charges) and what they pay for the transmission and distribution of it (transmission and distribution charges). This enables customers to see how their rate divides between the cost of generating, and transmitting and distributing, the electricity they use.
The rates themselves have been adjusted, most notably the facilities charge, to be more cost-reflective of the service provided to each customer.
Customers who both self-generate and consume energy from the grid use the system differently from those who only require electricity to be delivered to their homes. The revised rate structure better aligns charges with actual grid usage, so costs are shared more fairly across all customers.
The impact varies by customer class and by usage, so the change is not a single across-the-board increase or decrease. For most residential customers who do not have distributed generators (primarily rooftop solar), the change means a modest increase of around $1.62 to $4.72 a month.
Customers with distributed generators will see a larger increase, primarily in their Facilities Charge, which reflects the increased cost of operating and maintaining a grid that now must carry power to and from their home or business, while maintaining a reliable supply for the entire island.
A full breakdown of the new rate structures, with tables and worked examples showing how the change affects each type of customer, is available at belco.bm.
Customers are also encouraged to visit belco.bm to learn more about energy efficiency tips and practical ways to lower their monthly usage.
BELCO President Wayne Caines said: “For more than a century, BELCO has been dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers. The new rate structure demonstrates our commitment to fairness and transparency and is cost-reflective of the energy provided to our customers. I encourage residents to visit our website to learn more about what this change means for them.”
Funding to support local artists, creative projects and cultural organisations
The Department of Culture and the Bermuda Arts Council (BAC) are pleased to announce the first round of grant recipients for 2026. The awardees reflect a diverse range of disciplines and stages of creative development, showcasing the depth of talent within Bermuda’s arts community. These grants support artists and organisations in delivering projects that contribute to Bermuda’s cultural landscape while fostering creativity, education, heritage preservation, and community engagement.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said: “The Government remains committed to supporting Bermuda’s artists, cultural practitioners, and creative organisations. Through the Bermuda Arts Council grant programme, we continue to invest in projects that preserve our heritage, inspire innovation, strengthen community connections, and contribute to the growth of Bermuda’s cultural identity. We congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing the impact of their work.”
Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council, Shanna Hollis, shared: “The Bermuda Arts Council is proud to support a remarkable group of artists and organisations whose projects demonstrate creativity, innovation, and a commitment to enriching our community. This round of awardees reflects the diversity of talent that exists across Bermuda’s artistic sector. We are excited to see these projects come to life and contribute to the continued growth and development of the arts in Bermuda.”
The following individuals and organisations have been selected for the following grant categories:
Stewardship & Production Grant ($3,000): Granted to Karen Franks to continue developing educational children’s media following the success of her Abigail’s Dream Adventure series. Her latest project, The Colorful Little Cricketers, includes a children’s book and digital television series that explores themes of resilience, teamwork, perseverance, diversity, and empowerment through the sport of cricket. The project aims to provide children with engaging educational content that promotes positive values and global understanding.
Project Grant ($5,000): Granted to Yusef Bushara for Isolated Winds, a multimodal exhibition bringing four Bermudian and Sudanese artists into conversation around the theme of return. Drawing on research into shared histories and geological connections, the project explores themes of global solidarity, cultural exchange, and belonging. The exhibition will later be presented in London, extending dialogue and collaboration between artists and communities from both countries.
Education & Experience Grant ($2,000): Granted to Lara Hetzel to attend PACCIN in Stockholm, a professional development opportunity focused on the preservation and protection of cultural property. The experience will provide specialised training and international networking opportunities that will strengthen her ability to support the care, presentation, and preservation of artistic and cultural works in Bermuda.
Materials & Equipment Grant ($2,000): Granted to Ahmed-Yassine Abdellah Chentouf to support the continued development of Super Summer, a community-focused initiative that combines arts, culture, education, and personal development. The grant will assist with equipment and resources needed for the upcoming “SS26” events, creating safe and engaging spaces for participants to connect, learn new skills, and experience creative programming.
Materials & Equipment Grant ($2,000): Granted to Nadiyah Brown to support the advancement of her analogue photography practice. The grant will fund essential equipment, repairs, and materials that will enable her to continue documenting and preserving visual narratives that explore heritage, identity, and the experiences of people and communities across Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Professional Development Grant ($2,500): Granted to Troy Washington to support the acquisition and maintenance of industry-standard percussion and recording equipment, while also contributing to the expansion of the No Limits Music School Legacy Programme. The initiative will provide education, mentorship, training, and performance opportunities for young musicians, creating structured pathways for artistic development and community engagement.
Organisational Grant ($5,000): Granted to the Chewstick Foundation for the creation of a Community Mural at Devonshire Recreation Club. The project will commemorate the Club’s historic role as a community hub and its significance following the February 2, 1965 BELCO Crisis.
Onion Bulb Grant ($1,000): Presented to Devray Denwiddie to support the creation of new fine art and wearable art works for exhibition and public presentation. The funding will assist in transforming conceptual ideas into completed pieces that explore personal creative expression across multiple artistic mediums.
Onion Bulb Grant ($1,000): Granted to Zachary Wilson for Solara Unplugged, a live music initiative supporting the Lumina Festival and its mission to celebrate culture, creativity, and community. The project showcases local and international talent while creating opportunities for artists and audiences to connect through live performance and cultural exchange.
BAC celebrates the accomplishments of all recipients and looks forward to supporting Bermuda’s vibrant arts community throughout 2026.
To learn more about Bermuda Arts Council grants and the 2026 grant application process, please visit www.artscouncil.bm.
Media release and images supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
Community fundraiser boosts total charitable giving to $7.5 million with grants supporting several organisations
The Convex End-to-End has once again transformed the generosity of Bermuda’s community into meaningful support for local charities, awarding $297,500 in grants at its annual awards ceremony held at the Hamilton Princess. This year’s fundraising will increase the event’s total charitable giving since its inception in 1988 to $7.5 million, continuing a tradition of investing in organisations that strengthen Bermuda’s communities. Four major grants of $50,000 each were awarded to:
Coalition for the Protection of Children – Breakfast for Every Child Programme
New for 2026, the Convex End-to-End introduced $12,500 Community Impact Grants, creating additional funding opportunities for smaller charities delivering essential programmes.The inaugural recipients are:
C.A.R.E. Learning Centre
It Takes A Village Foundation
Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association
Performance Pathways
Future Leaders Bermuda
The Deloitte School Award of $15,000 was presented to Warwick Academy in recognition of the highest level of student participation and fundraising during the 2026 event.
Additional donations were also made to organisations providing essential support on event day, including St. John’s Ambulance, Open Airways, Bermuda Red Cross, and the Horticultural Skills Programme.
The $12,500 Anne Mello Award, recognising an organisation making an outstanding contribution to Bermuda’s community, was presented to Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB).
Christen Styche, Chair of the Bermuda End-to-End Charitable Trust, said, “Each year, we’re reminded of what can be achieved when Bermuda comes together with a shared purpose. The organisations receiving funding this year are delivering vital programmes that will have a lasting impact across our community, and we’re incredibly grateful to every participant, volunteer, donor and sponsor who helped make this possible.”
Paul Simons, CEO of Convex Bermuda, added, “The Convex End-to-End is about more than a single day of fundraising, it’s about investing in organisations that are creating meaningful change throughout the year. These grants will help local organisations continue to deliver vital services and make a lasting difference across Bermuda. We’re proud to support an event that inspires generosity, strengthens our community and improves lives.”
The awards ceremony also recognised the volunteers, participants and teams whose dedication helps make the Convex End-to-End possible each year. Africans in Bermuda received the Founder’s Trophy in recognition of the organisation’s outstanding volunteer support throughout this year’s event. Keisha Brooks was named Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional commitment to the Convex End-to-End, while the Bermuda Gig Rowers were recognised as the Top Fundraising Team after raising an outstanding amount in support of Bermuda charities.
The Honourary End-to-Ender award was presented to Wendell Dill in recognition of his longstanding service and commitment to the event, having served as Master of Ceremonies at the start of the Convex End-to-End for 30 years. Dudley Cottingham was recognised with the Joan Dismont Top Fundraiser Award after raising the highest amount for this year’s event. Prizes were presented to the event’s top individual fundraisers, thanks to the generous support of local prize sponsors.
Save the date for next year’s Convex End-to-End: Saturday, May 1, 2027.
Paget/Warwick route suspended until further notice while repairs are addressed
The Department of Marine & Ports would like to advise the public that the Paget/Warwick ferry service Pink Route will be suspended effective Wednesday, July 8, 2026, until further notice due to mechanical issues.
The Department apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates the public’s patience and understanding.
Updates regarding the resumption of service will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available.
As they try to sell to new tech millionaires, brands have to reckon with their unique taste and competing interests that deflect attention from traditional luxury items
International News via Reuters:
Sitting on roughly $3.5 million in SpaceX shares, Chip, a former data scientist at Elon Musk’s aerospace behemoth, has recently bought meteorites worth $10,000 and a $5,000 fire truck.
The 50-year-old space enthusiast is not sure how he will use the truck – maybe as an attraction for his 3-year-old kid’s birthday party. But his new wealth tied to SpaceX’s initial public offering in June has given him the freedom to buy “silly” things, he told Reuters.
Chip, who asked to use only his first name to discuss personal finances, has been eyeing the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 SpaceX Chronograph watch in the $8,000 range, inspired by NASA astronaut John Glenn’s 1962 mission in Earth’s orbit.
Despite the excitement, the jury is still out on whether an estimated 440,000 U.S. millionaires minted by stock market gains last year and, more recently, AI companies’ public listings, will translate into a new golden era for the global luxury goods sector.
“This industry is competing more and more with other industries and with other buckets of possible expenditures and purchases,” said Federica Levato, a partner at the consultancy Bain & Company.
Struggling fashion brands are looking to the tech millionaire boom for a lifeline as they face persistent weakness in China and consumer unease globally.
The personal luxury goods market, valued at €358 billion ($406 billion) in 2025, has contracted over the past two years, Bain said in a study last month.
Yet, North America was among the fastest-growing regions for luxury groups LVMH, Richemont, Hermès and for Kering’s Gucci in the quarter to March 31.
Richemont CEO Nicolas Bos told analysts in May that a “high level of consumer confidence in America” translated into strong sales.
UNIQUE TASTE
As they try to sell to new tech millionaires, brands have to reckon with their unique taste and competing interests that deflect attention from traditional luxury items.
“I played volleyball in high school and college,” said AI strategist Zack Kass, who led ChatGPT creator OpenAI’s go-to-market unit until 2023 and owns an undisclosed stake in SpaceX. “I literally took my OpenAI winnings and bought a professional sports team,” he said, referring to a volleyball team.
As part of a broader focus on experiences and wellness, tech employees are interested in smartwatches that track daily steps and calories, said Harrison Colcord, the founder of Harrison Lifestyle Concierge.
Former SpaceX engineer Robert, whose shares are worth roughly $4 million and who also asked to use only his first name, said he and his wife recently bought new Apple Watches as they double down on fitness, while planning to reinvest most of their new wealth after embarking on a cruise around Alaska.
But the opportunity remains for traditional multi-thousand-dollar watches from top brands including Rolex and Richemont’s Cartier, also thanks to their investment appeal as their resale price is often higher than retail prices.
“You’re not wearing your smartwatch with your tux or your suit,” Colcord said.
The U.S. was the main destination market for Swiss watches in 2025, accounting for 17% of global exports despite significant disruptions from import tariffs, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said in January.
Rolex declined to comment. Richemont did not respond to a request for comment.
Apparel brands, however, will have to compete with other industries beyond traditional luxury for their share of the spending.
The newly wealthy spend about one-third less on smart outfits and leather goods compared to those with generational wealth, said Filippo Bianchi, who leads the global luxury team at Boston Consulting Group.
Instead, their top spending priority is durable assets like real estate, yachts and cars, he said.
Still, brands like Chanel and Hermes carry logos that affluent clients are often willing to wear, said Mary Gonsalves Kinney, a stylist based in California who works with tech executives.
Chip, the former SpaceX employee, said he does not plan to buy luxury apparel, barring a potential upgrade to his outdoor clothing collection. The last jacket he bought was from the thrift store Goodwill.
“I’ve been in T-shirts and shorts for years,” he said. “That’s what I’m comfortable in – I don’t see that changing.”
Reporting by Danielle Kaye in New York and Alessandro Parodi in Gdansk, Additonal reporting by Elisa Anzolin in Milan; Editing by Lisa Jucca and Jamie Freed
Iraqi and Iranian flags fluttered above the crowd, alongside the banners of powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militias whose supporters joined the procession
International News via Reuters:
Mourners marched through Iraq’s holy city of Najaf on Wednesday, following the coffin of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as his six-day funeral procession, which drew huge crowds in his home country, pressed on across the border.
People carrying large portraits of the late leader gathered along the route and chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” as Khamenei’s coffin was driven on a large truck through the streets.
Iraqi and Iranian flags fluttered above the crowd, alongside the banners of powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militias whose supporters joined the procession.
Najaf holds special significance for Shi’ite Muslims worldwide as the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad.
Khamenei’s coffin arrived on Tuesday evening at Najaf’s international airport, where Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, senior officials and religious figures attended an official reception.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders also arrived to take part in the procession, which is expected to continue to the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala before the coffin is returned to Iran for burial.
Reporting by Reuters in Najaf; Additional reporting by Muayad Hameed; Writing by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Andrew Heavens
The European Union could allow industry to emit CO2 for longer and give companies more free carbon permits under plans drafted by the bloc to make its emissions trading system more flexible
International News via Reuters:
The European Union could allow industry to emit CO2 for longer and give companies more free carbon permits under plans drafted by the bloc to make its emissions trading system more flexible, a European Commission official said on Wednesday.
• The EU ETS is the bloc’s main policy for addressing climate change. It forces power plants, industries, shipping firms and airlines to buy permits when they emit CO2, providing a financial incentive to pollute as little as possible.
• The Commission will propose an overhaul of the ETS on July 17.
• The revision aims to align the ETS with a target passed by the bloc last year to cut overall EU emissions by 90% by 2040, and address some governments’ concerns that the scheme hampers European industries’ competitiveness.
• The Commission will propose extending the ETS to let companies keep emitting into the 2040s, said the Commission official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans are not final. In its current form the ETS would effectively cut off emissions in 2039.
• It will also propose giving industries more free CO2 permits, reducing their ETS bill, in exchange for them investing in European decarbonisation, the official said.
• This will include finding a way to give free CO2 permits to industries covered by the EU’s carbon border tax for longer, something Brussels had previously said would have to stop when the border levy fully applies in 2034.
• The Commission will also propose fast-tracked changes to the rules determining how many free emissions permits the EU gives industries based on heat production and fuel use.
• This plan could grant companies an extra €6 billion ($6.85 billion) in free permits, the official said.
• Other planned changes include lowering the “linear reduction factor” which determines how fast companies in the ETS must cut their emissions each year. Currently, this dictates that emissions fall by 4.3% per year.
• The proposal will also require national governments to spend more of the revenues they collect from the ETS on investing in industries that pay CO2 costs, the official said.
• The proposals are being developed inside the European Commission and could still change. Once published, they must be negotiated and approved by the European Parliament and EU countries, a process that takes months.
• Among the issues still being debated is how and when to integrate international carbon offset credits into the ETS, the official said.
• Brussels also plans to extend a fund that uses revenues from selling CO2 permits to help poorer EU nations transition to clean energy, a key demand of nations including Poland.($1 = 0.8763 euros)
Reporting by Kate Abnett, editing by Inti Landauro and Jan Harvey
The EU Digital Markets Act has triggered legal challenges by Apple, Meta and ByteDance since it took effect in May 2023
International News via Reuters:
Apple lost its challenge on Wednesday against landmark EU rules that designate its app stores and operating system iOS as gatekeepers subject to obligations aimed at giving rivals more room to compete.
The EU Digital Markets Act, which sets out a list of dos and don’ts for Big Tech with the threat of fines of as much as 10% of a company’s global annual turnover, has triggered legal challenges by Apple, Meta and ByteDance since it took effect in May 2023.
The ruling by the Luxembourg-based General Court will strengthen the position of EU antitrust regulators as they attempt to make space for rivals and give Europeans more choice.
“The General Court dismisses Apple’s actions regarding its designation as a gatekeeper in relation to the App Store and iOS,” the tribunal said.
It also said that Apple’s actions regarding the iMessage service are inadmissible.
APPLE SAYS DMA THREATENS TO ERODE PRIVACY PROTECTIONS
Apple reiterated its criticism of the DMA.
“We firmly believe the DMA’s mandate goes beyond what is lawful and proportionate, threatening to erode decades of privacy and security protections we’ve built and leaving our users vulnerable to new risks,” an Apple spokesperson said.
“We will continue advocating for the innovation and privacy our European customers deserve.”
Apple can appeal on matters of law to the Court of Justice of the European Union, Europe’s highest.
Apple took its grievances to the Court in 2024 after the European Commission designated its five App Stores on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TVs and Apple Watches as a single core platform service under the Digital Markets Act.
Judges sided with the EU competition enforcer.
“Irrespective of the devices in question, those stores have the same purpose, namely to connect app developers with end users in order to facilitate the distribution of software applications,” they said.
The iPhone maker also contested the labelling of its operating system iOS as an important gateway for businesses to reach users requiring it to allow rivals to inter-operate with the system.
Apple also disputed the designation of its messaging service iMessage as a number-independent interpersonal communications service, or NIICS, which could subject it to DMA rules.
“That classification does not, by itself, produce binding legal effects that bring about a change in Apple’s legal position,” the Court said.
“In particular, none of the obligations laid down by the DMA applies to iMessage since that service has not been listed in a designation decision as an important gateway.”
The cases are T-1079/23 Apple versus Commission, T-1080/23 Apple versus Commission and T-214/24 Apple and Apple Distribution International versus Commission.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Inti Landauro and Babrara Lewis
Speaking in the Turkish capital Ankara, Trump called Madrid a “terrible partner” in NATO as he railed against allies for not supporting the war on Iran and ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt all trade with Spain
International News via Reuters:
President Donald Trump threw a summit of NATO leaders into disarray on Wednesday as he demanded the United States cut trade ties with Spain and made renewed claims on Greenland, irking another NATO ally Denmark.
Speaking in the Turkish capital Ankara, Trump called Madrid a “terrible partner” in NATO as he railed against allies for not supporting the war on Iran and ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt all trade with Spain.
Trump’s remarks, also declaring the fragile ceasefire with Iran to be over, overshadowed a summit that European leaders had hoped would project unity and support for Ukraine and cap a series of rows that have threatened to tear the military alliance apart.
Trump spoke alongside NATO Secretary Mark Rutte, who has assiduously tried to assuage his concerns over defence spending, Iran and Greenland, while lavishing praise on the president for bringing such issues to the fore.
They also undercut the carefully crafted pre-summit messaging that European NATO countries had stepped up to the plate on military spending, which saw at least $50 billion in defence initiatives unveiled on Tuesday.
Washington and Madrid have been at loggerheads, with Spain explicitly rejecting Trump’s demands for European countries to sharply increase military spending and pay for their own defence. Madrid’s Socialist leadership has also refused to let the U.S. use its airspace or bases on its territory for the Iran war.
“Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” Trump said. “By the way, I’d like to cut it off. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate, they don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits.”
In response, the office of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said it was treating Trump’s statements as business as usual, adding that bilateral relations benefited both countries.
Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia was more blunt.
“We are a sovereign, democratic country that defends multilateralism and peace,” she said on X. “What’s terrible is confusing diplomacy with bullying.”
Asked about Trump’s remarks, a NATO diplomat said: “The answer to every question POTUS raises is clear: build a more European NATO. That’s what we’re doing in Ankara.”
TRUMP CALLS IRAN ‘SICK PEOPLE’
The U.S. has unleashed new military strikes on Iran and revoked a licence allowing Iran to sell oil in response to attacks on three tankers. It was the latest blow to a fragile ceasefire agreement in a war that is deeply unpopular in Europe.
“It’s a very interesting question. To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them,” Trump said when asked whether the interim accord with Iran that envisaged hammering out a long-term peace deal by mid-August was over. “They’re scum. They’re sick people. They’re led by sick people.”
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them,” he said.
Rutte defended the new U.S. strikes and played down Trump’s disappointment with allies over the Iran war as “isolated cases”.
“I think what you did last night was absolutely necessary. It was a very strong response,” Rutte told Trump. “When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, I think it is totally crucial that the U.S. forcefully react.”
He also praised Trump for making European countries raise their game on defence spending.
“It’s really important when it comes to NATO, what you have achieved, and this is a huge win,” he said.
Trump has accused European nations of failing to let U.S. forces use their airspace and bases on their territories during the war.
European officials have said they largely honoured their commitments to U.S. forces, despite not having been consulted about a conflict that roiled their economies.
Trump also demanded that his country control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, reviving an issue that has put severe strain on the alliance that has underpinned Western security since the start of the Cold War.
“Greenland is very important for the United States, but it’s not important for Denmark,” he said. “In fact, when Denmark was overrun by the Nazis in less than one day – Hitler beat them out in one day, took over – they asked us to take care of Greenland. In fact, we took Greenland, and then stupidly we gave it back.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland was not up for grabs.
“We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory,” she said.
Reporting by Lili Bayer, Andrew Gray, Humeyra Pamuk, David Latona, Gram Slattery; Writing by Lili Bayer, Andrew Gray and Matthias Williams; Editing by Alistair Bell, Andrew Heavens and Andrei Khalip
The diversions come after a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were damaged near the strait on Tuesday following reports that Iran fired missiles at ships in the waterway
International News via Reuters:
At least four oil and gas tankers have turned back from attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, ship-tracking data showed, as renewed attacks on vessels in the critical waterway heightened safety and security concerns.
The diversions come after a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were damaged near the strait on Tuesday following reports that Iran fired missiles at ships in the waterway, prompting maritime authorities to raise the threat risk for transiting vessels to “severe.”
The LNG tankers Al Ghariya, Duhail and Al Ruwais were inching westward towards the Strait of Hormuz before changing course to turn away late on Tuesday, data from analytics firms Kpler and LSEG showed. All three tankers controlled by QatarEnergy were empty and heading towards Qatar’s Ras Laffan export facility to load cargoes.
LSEG and Kpler data also showed the Indian-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Lila Vadinar, which is carrying 2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude that was loaded late last week, made a U-turn off the tip of Oman at the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
At least 16 LNG cargoes from Ras Laffan and 10 from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co’s (ADNOC) Das Island terminal in the United Arab Emirates have exited the strait since the conflict began in late February. But this is still a fraction of the roughly 7 million metric tons on average typically shipped from both export hubs each month.
A queue of ballast, or empty, vessels waiting to load at Ras Laffan has also built up, reaching more than 10 ships in early July, according to Vortexa analysts.
Over 50 QatarEnergy- and ADNOC-controlled ballast vessels are stationed around the Middle East Gulf, India and the Strait of Malacca, with some switching off their Automatic Identification System signals for more than 10 days, Vortexa added.
Still, at least three stranded crude oil tankers managed to exit the strait. The Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Mercury Hope, with 2 million barrels of Emirati crude loaded in early March, exited the strait on Wednesday, LSEG and Kpler data showed. The ship’s manager Anglo Eastern Maritime did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The VLCC Tenjun, managed by Nippon Yusen KK and carrying 2 million barrels of Qatari crude loaded in late February, exited the Strait of Hormuz late on Tuesday.
The VLCC Pertamina Pride, managed by Indonesia’s state energy firm Pertamina, also exited the strait on Tuesday, with its transponder switched off, shipping data showed. The vessel is carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude loaded in early March.
Nippon Yusen declined to comment on the Tenjun tanker. Pertamina did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Additionally, Indian refiner Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd has cancelled a vessel charter it had booked for loading crude oil from Iraq, two shipping sources with knowledge of the matter said.
Reporting by Emily Chow and Florence Tan; Additional reporting by Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo; Fransiska Nangoy in Jakarta and Nidhi Verma in New Delhi; Editing by Christian Schmollinger
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