Norwegian tanker hit by cruise missile + Last-mile delivery via Lambo

TRADE NEWS

Norwegian Tanker Struck By Missile

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels recently escalated regional tensions by attacking a Norwegian tanker, the MT Strinda, with at least one missile leading to a fire on board. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. The incident occurred in the Red Sea near the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait, marking a notable shift in the rebels' targeting strategy.

The fire caused by the missile was successfully extinguished, allowing the MT Strinda, operated by ship owners J Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, to continue safely to port. The company confirmed that the 30-member crew, all Indian citizens remained unharmed throughout the ordeal.

In a critical response to the crisis, a U.S. Navy destroyer rendered assistance to the MT Strinda after receiving a mayday call as stated by U.S. officials. This incident, though not directly linked to Israel has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of shipping through the Suez Canal, emphasizing the vulnerability of international maritime routes to regional conflicts.

Both France and the U.S. have engaged drones near their ships, with the French military successfully neutralizing a drone close to the MT Strinda, thwarting a potential hijacking attempt. See news clip here

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Why The U.S. Buys So Much Nuclear Fuel From Russia

U.S. nuclear power plants imported approximately 24% of their enriched uranium from Russia in 2022. Nuclear energy is staging a comeback as demand continues to rise to meet clean energy goals, but the U.S. currently lacks sufficient capacity to turn raw uranium into nuclear fuel.

GLOBAL TRADE SNIPPETS

Chinese logistics firm buys giant cargo ship to meet car export demand. The ship, named "Jiuyangxing," boasts a capacity of 7,000 cars and will commence its maiden voyage from Shanghai Nangang Terminal to the Waigaoqiao Port Area, carrying 3,000 Hyundai and Lincoln vehicles.

Spain seizes 11 tons of cocaine in shipping containers, most found among frozen tuna. Spanish authorities say that they have confiscated 11 tons of cocaine and arrested 20 people in two different operations targeting the smuggling of the illegal drugs inside shipping containers

Global trade expected to shrink by nearly 5% in 2023 amid geopolitical strains and shifting trade patterns. Global trade is projected to end the year 5% down compared to 2022’s record level, shrinking by about $1.5 trillion to below $31 trillion, according to UNCTAD’s latest Global Trade Update.

Hybrid Electric Eel aircraft claims flight endurance record. Hybrids could have almost as much potential in the air as they do on the ground. Ampaire says the clever first-gen hybrid powertrain in its Electric Eel demonstrator cuts fuel consumption by 50-70%, and it's just logged a world record for endurance.

TRANSPORT NEWS

Last-Mile Organ Delivery Via Lambo

In 2024, Italy's state police will begin using a new Lamborghini Urus Performante supercar for the critical task of rapidly transporting medical organs. This 666-horsepower SUV, capable of reaching a top speed of 306 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, will significantly enhance the efficiency of emergency medical services. The vehicle, donated by Lamborghini, is specially equipped for organ and plasma transport, featuring necessary police and medical equipment.

This initiative is part of a long-standing collaboration between Lamborghini and the Italian Police that began in 2004. The Urus Performante joins two Huracán LP610-4s and is the sixth Lamborghini to be integrated into the police fleet. The primary use of these high-performance vehicles is for 'life-saving transports', involving the swift and secure delivery of organs, tissues, plasma, and pharmaceutical products to hospitals, often located in challenging or remote areas.

This collaboration has already yielded significant results. Since 2004, the Italian Police have completed 242 organ transports and over 382 operational services on roads and motorways using Lamborghini vehicles. One notable instance was in February when a kidney was transported from L'Aquila's San Salvatore hospital to Turin's Molinette hospital in under five hours, covering over 700 km in a Lamborghini Huracan.

These supercars also serve in traffic police operations and in raising awareness about safe driving. Officer Maria Francesca Bruschi emphasizes the complexity and importance of these transports, highlighting the collaboration with the National Transplant Centre in executing these critical missions. Lamborghini's contribution to the Italian State Police fleet underscores the vital role of high-performance vehicles in medical emergencies, ensuring timely and efficient transportation of life-saving organs and medical supplies.

SHIPWRECK OF THE WEEK ⚓️☠️ 

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