Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a promising decarbonization method, requires a value chain for CO2 transport and storage to serve estimated future demands. DNV’s Mathias Sørhaug surveys the status, challenges and opportunities of CO2 shipping within the CCS value chain featuring key insights from energy company Equinor and Athens-based shipowner and mid-stream service company ECOLOG.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates in its Net-Zero Roadmap that to achieve the 1.5°C global warming limit set by the Paris Agreement, we need to capture 7.6 billion tons of CO2 annually by 2050. In its July 2023 update, the Global CCS Institute (GCCSI) reports that current CCS projects in operation can capture and store about 50 megatons of CO2 annually. This implies that from 2023 to 2050, CCS capacity must increase at least 100 times to capture the projected 7.6 billion tons of CO2.
CCS emerges as a crucial technology in Europe’s green shift
In Europe, CCS is listed as one of the key green shift technologies in the Net-Zero Industry Act of March 2023 and many projects have received innovation funding. The GCCSI highlights a 48% increase in CO2 capture projects just in the 12 months from 2022 to 2023, which is a very positive indicator for the future. However, very few…
Supply chains face constant disruptions like the Baltimore bridge collapse. Despite challenges, logistics adapt, seen in rerouting around the Red Sea disruptions. Political risks and regulatory uncertainties persist, impacting global trade. Investments in resilience, reshoring, and tech adoption rise amid declining inventories and supplier diversification.
Supply chains face constant disruptions like the Baltimore bridge collapse. Despite challenges, logistics adapt, seen in rerouting around the Red Sea disruptions. Political risks and regulatory uncertainties persist, impacting global trade. Investments in resilience, reshoring, and tech adoption rise amid declining inventories and supplier diversification.
Logistics networks hold pattern in a new normal
A sign that logistics networks have “healed” around the latest fracture can be seen in most firms not experiencing delays, but rather expecting an inflationary effect. The reduced risk of delays can be seen in the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index for manufacturing supplier delivery times, which were better in March than in the fourth quarter in the Eurozone.
It may be too soon to judge the final impact of the canal disruptions
In the 2015 to 2019 period, Chinese exports of peak-season products (including toys)…
By Richard White, Global Commercial Director, GTMaritime
When I joined GTMaritime in September 2022, the growing prevalence and massive potential of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks was already a major topic of discussion in the maritime community. Eighteen months later, the subject has come to dominate connectivity conversations in the shipping space.
Earlier in my career, vessels were all-but closed networks, with short emails representing the limit of modernity in terms of ship to shore communications. Now, we have the bandwidth to transfer data in volumes that were previously unimaginable. IoT-connected devices, real-time CCTV, and video calling are increasingly common features on vessels today – with benefits resulting for efficiency, safety, and crew welfare.
Increasingly, LEO has played a significant role in this evolution.
Nevertheless, despite the evident gains, caution is also needed: with ships more connected to the outside world than ever before, they are also more vulnerable to cyber threats.
LEO like a fast car – it needs suitable brakes
No longer closed networks, ships which take advantage of bandwidth to support the ‘floating office’ approach to business communications are also witnessing a surge in targeted attacks. But if issues arising from a cyber breach can be reasonably straightforward onshore, within close reach of IT support, dealing with them on a vessel operating in a remote location presents a far greater challenge.
Furthermore, the impacts of communications loss caused by a cyberattack is far more severe at sea: there are serious implications for vessel safety and efficiency, let alone consequences for supply chain disruption.
Security standards on cyber security inevitably take their lead from industries based ashore but, at GTMaritime, we are convinced that extra protection is needed at sea, in light of the crucial role ships play in supporting the global economy.
Cyber-risk management requirements into force by the International Maritime Organization in 2021 and new IACS unified requirements on cyber resilience which enter into force in July this year, are a good starting point. However, in our experience, organisations may only pay sufficient attention to cyber risk once they have fallen victim to an attack.
In GTMaritime’s view, changing this mindset is a vital to shipping’s response in accommodating its voracious appetite for more data. As a leading provider of solutions and services which keep ships and their crews safely connected 365 days a year, GTMaritime guides customers through compliance but also helps them to look beyond the regulations to secure network and asset protection.
As well as ensuring our clients have the data and means to update and maintain their IT assets in line with regulatory requirements, for example, we offer them a Phishing Penetration Test allowing them to gauge their employees’ vigilance towards phishing threats.
The Phishing Penetration Test is available free of charge to users of GTMailPlus, which integrates seamlessly with tools designed for shore-based operations, such as Office 365, and adds a layer of maritime-optimised security with features to protect against phishing, zero-day threats, and viruses.
Our dedicated cyber solution goes a step further. Developed in partnership with CrowdStrike, it delivers end-point detection and response capabilities; next-generation anti-virus software; on- and offline protection; and a centralised control, management, and audit dashboard.
Another key part of the GTMaritime offering is the ability to throttle data and prioritise transfers, thereby avoiding bottlenecks and ensuring that the most important data is sent to shore first.
In my view, having LEO connectivity on board a ship is like owning a fast car: to enjoy it, you need an airbag and suitable brakes – and that is what we aim provide through our maritime-optimised solutions.
Success built on trust
Our vision is to deliver a comprehensive toolkit for vessel IT managers, covering everything they need to ensure secure and reliable data transfer between ship and shore – and ultimately help their companies to achieve new levels of efficiency, safety, and crew welfare.
In pursuing this objective, we work with all kinds of vessel owners – not just the major global brands but also the smaller, family-run businesses that make up the majority.
It is the latter group that generally requires our support the most – and to which we owe much of our success. Today, GTMaritime software features on board more than 17,000 vessels – or 25% of our addressable market – belonging to over 2,000 owners. It helps approximately 100,000 users send a total of more than one million operational emails every day.
We have been able to achieve such impressive figures by developing relationships and trust with ship owners – and by building a client list that has allowed us to diversify and evolve our offering quickly and successfully as requirements have changed.
Our broad customer base vindicates our reputation as a globally trusted partner for shipping which, by continuing to be the IT’s manager’s best friend, helps its customers seize opportunities and minimise the threats of an increasingly connected maritime industry.
Looking ahead, we plan to continue our global expansion to provide a local presence across the world’s major shipping hubs, ensuring our growing client base has access to the same level of support no matter where they are based or where their vessels are operating.
To that end, we have recently opened an office in Greece, which joins our existing bases in the UK and Singapore, and added dedicated resources in the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Therefore, you will get the opportunity to network and make more professional connections that may benefit you later in your career. Luckily, any education and skills you gain from an FP&A certification program will give you an edge over your competition. Financial planning and analysis professionals should use FP&A certification programs to help further their FP&A skills so that they can advance in their careers.
They make it possible for you to construct complex financial forecasts, perform scenario analyses, and provide data-driven insights. Financial forecasting is the process of estimating or predicting how a Worldtradex website business will perform in the future. Together, budgeting and forecasting give you a framework for tracking performance, identifying deviations or variances, and adjusting plans as needed.
CFOs must possess a comprehensive understanding of all financial aspects of the business while maintaining strong relationships with the board of directors and external stakeholders. Anaplan is a large, enterprise-wide solution that allows users to model complex business scenarios and connect the outcomes to the overall company strategy. This FP&A software is best suited for larger companies with deeper project management experience and more information technology (IT) resources. In addition to financial planning and analysis, Anaplan can also be used for operational planning processes and cost management practices.
Airline ticket prices adjust in real time based on live data related to demand, fuel costs, and competitor activity, allowing airlines to respond quickly and maximize revenue.
The job of managing a corporation’s cash flow typically falls to its FP&A team and its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
It can also help with workforce and headcount planning, sales planning, and marketing planning.
The professionals who will advance fastest are those who develop these capabilities and apply them to solve real business problems.
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) teams play crucial company roles by performing budgeting, forecasting, and analysis that support major corporate decisions of the CFO, CEO, and the Board of Directors. In addition, corporate financial analysts also track a business’s revenue and gross margins. Even after graduating with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, many FP&A professionals go on to get different FP&A certifications. Once prospective FP&A professionals receive the education their careers require, they must receive real work experience in the finance or accounting industry before obtaining a lucrative FP&A job.
Data Collection, Consolidation, and Verification
The financial modeling training was the best I have received in my entire corporate finance career. I learned how to be good at financial modeling, PowerPoint presentation, budgeting & FP&A. They’ve helped me sharpen my technical skills and gain much more confidence in areas like financial modeling, budgeting, and strategic analysis. Through a guided learning path, you will construct a flexible FP&A model in Excel from the ground up by applying best practices for model design, structure, scalability, and formatting to make models easy to maintain. This specialization also covers advanced modeling topics, including revenue and headcount drivers, debt and capex planning, and financial statement aggregation for dynamic Excel dashboards.
To quiet any doubts that your boss, co-workers, or anyone else has about your FP&A knowledge and skills, get one or more of the FP&A certifications.
Upgrading to a paid membership gives you access to our extensive collection of plug-and-play Templates designed to power your performance—as well as CFI’s full course catalog and accredited Certification Programs.
Additionally, Vena offers enterprise-level security and more in a structured database environment.
Standard FP&A analysts are responsible for gathering data and building financial models.
While more experienced and developed in their skills than junior-level FP&A analysts, senior FP&A analysts still have a large amount of standard finance work duties.
The FP&A certification programs teach financial planning and analysis professionals valuable information and skills that will help them improve at their jobs. In fact, nearly all of the FP&A certification programs teach information and techniques about one or more of the core steps in the FP&A process. Corporate financial analysts analyze financial data and use financial models to create financial reports that predict a business’s future financial health. They also use the financial reports that they create to recommend future actions to a company. Directors must show proficiency in developing and implementing strategic financial initiatives while managing and developing teams.
They also take the time to obtain credentials from recognized institutions like the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and FP&A-specific certifications. As you master these tools to gather and process data, your next challenge becomes presenting to both finance and non-finance stakeholders. This is where data visualization and storytelling skills become essential to your FP&A toolkit. Whether you’re just starting in FP&A or a seasoned analyst aiming to stay ahead, mastering these top 10 FP&A skills in 2025 will position you for lasting career success. To ensure proper implementation of any financial planning software, an organization should consider some of the following best practices. Because of this, many software companies decided to create purpose-built FP&A tools for situations in which Excel was not particularly well-suited.
Financial analysts
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) teams play crucial roles by performing budgeting, forecasting, and analysis to support informed decision-making. Even a basic review of sales patterns or customer behavior can reveal actionable insights. FP&A helps teams move from instinct to evidence, translating data into decisions that improve outcomes. That includes providing input on new product launches, major campaigns, or expansion plans. Think of your role as a partner in decision-making by providing forecasts, analyses, and insights to support informed choices.
Budgeting and Forecasting
They become key advisors to executive leadership, translating complex financial data into actionable business strategies. This role often involves managing multiple workstreams simultaneously and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across all organizational levels. Entry-level analysts often work closely with senior team members to learn the organization’s financial systems and reporting structures. This period is crucial for building a strong technical foundation and understanding how financial data drives business decisions.
Demonstrates Your Passion for the FP&A Field of Work
These factors may include economic and business trends, potential risks and obstacles, past performance, and more. We offer comprehensive FP&A education that combines theory with application to build real-world skills for a future in finance. All programs are online and self-paced, so you can learn in your free time and develop your skill set anytime, from anywhere. At Tesla, the team would have needed to evaluate scenarios for varying production costs, supplier challenges, or shifts in market demand.
FP&A Modeling Pt.3 – Headcount Analysis
Real-time responsiveness allows them to act quickly when consumer behavior https://worldtradex.live/ shifts, instead of waiting for the next quarterly report. Dynamic pricing models help airlines respond to market signals as they happen, improving fare efficiency and increasing profitability. This case study in FP&A shows how airlines rely on data to fine-tune pricing on every route, every day. After completing the required courses, take the final exam (with a minimum passing grade of 70%) to earn your program certification.
When it comes to managing a company’s financial activities, the accounting and financial planning and analysis (FP&A) teams each play distinct yet interdependent roles. The goal is to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights while managing critical processes like annual budgeting, long-range planning, and management reporting. Focus on mastering financial modeling skills, advanced Excel techniques, and popular financial planning software. Pursue relevant certifications that demonstrate your expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning. Stay current with emerging technologies and analytical tools that can enhance your effectiveness in financial planning and analysis.
Financial Analyst
Aspiring FP&A professionals can focus on developing these skills to excel in this dynamic field. Good financial analysts are individuals capable of handling and intelligently analyzing a mountain of different types of data and data evaluation metrics. It typically takes about three to five years to make the transition from a junior to a senior financial analyst. Working closely with the CFO, FP&A teams oversee the intricate balance of income streams, expense management, and capital expenditures.
Another 10% move into some other area of corporate management, such as sales and marketing or human resources. A majority of corporate financial analysts remain in the industry but pursue new challenges (and higher salaries) by moving from one company to another. However, if you’re a creative problem solver with a natural or cultivated talent for financial analysis, modeling, and forecasting, then becoming a corporate financial analyst may be the perfect career choice for you.
In addition, you will use your model for variance analysis to track performance, identify trends, and deliver meaningful insights. Upgrading to a paid membership gives you access to our extensive collection of plug-and-play Templates designed to power your performance—as well as CFI’s full course catalog and accredited Certification Programs. Standard FP&A analysts are responsible for gathering data and building financial models. Regular FP&A analysts are also responsible for tracking, analyzing, and evaluating financial activities and creating monthly reports for department heads. In a small business, the position of the corporate financial analyst may not exist as a separate job title, but instead effectively be held by the owner, CEO, CFO, or company controller.
The tanker market is bound to be further impacted by the escalation of the Middle East tensions. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Xclusiv said that “news of an Israeli strike on Iranian territory, potentially escalating tensions in the Middle East, sent shockwaves through global markets. Geopolitical uncertainties loom large, capable of swiftly altering the trajectories of commodities such as oil, and reigniting concerns over inflation. Although oil prices took a rollercoaster ride on Friday, with WTI climbing to USD 86/barrel, reports suggested the attack was less extensive than initially believed, with Iran’s key nuclear facilities seemingly untouched. Additionally, Iran downplayed the attack and any possibility of immediate retaliation. This reassessment of the situation caused oil prices to erase earlier gains, with WTI closing the week at USD 82/barrel”.
Source: Xclusiv
According to the shipbroker, “rising tensions in the Middle East and stricter sanctions against Iran could impact the supply of LPG, posing risks to Iranian exports. Concurrently, ongoing cuts by OPEC+ are further limiting outflows from the region. Iran, a significant player in the LPG market, saw exports of around 1,000,000 metric tons in March, with April’s volumes currently standing…
According to the Capesize C3 South Atlantic overview provided in the image below, during the third week of April, there was a notable 4% decrease in ballast vessels bound for the South Atlantic, coupled with a significant surge of 72 vessels waiting to load. Analysis of forthcoming arrivals in the South Atlantic over the next 40 days reveals a discernible uptick in vessel supply, both laden and unladen, within the 10 to 20-day timeframe. However, beyond the 30-day mark, there appears to be a pronounced increase in the availability of ballast vessels.
Gross supply criteria for the C3 route:
1. Ensure that the Estimated Arrival Time (ETA) to Tubarao is under 40 days.
2. If a ship is heading to the South Atlantic, it’s automatically counted.
3. Include Ballast vessels opening in Singapore/Malaysia, Argentina & Uruguay Thailand/Vietnam, East Coast India, and East Africa. If the forecasted load area is South Atlantic or unknown.
4. Include laden vessels opening on the Singapore/Malaysia, Pakistan/West Coast India, and Atlantic or unknown.
5. Exclude vessels with AIS destinations in Australia/ Indonesia/ South Atlantic: Brazil, Africa, Atlantic Coast, South Africa.
Net supply criteria:
Including Available Ballast, Available Laden, Waiting to Discharge and Discharging…
“In the first quarter of 2024, global iron ore shipments rose 3.8% y/y on expectation of strong Chinese steel production which, however, failed to materialise. Iron ore supply has grown faster than Chinese demand which could lead to weaker shipments ahead,” says Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.
During the start of the year, Brazilian iron ore shipments typically slow down due to mining disruptions caused by heavy rainfall. However, this year conditions were better and Vale, a leading miner, increased output by 6% y/y, boosting shipments from Brazil.
In China, expectations of stronger steel production following the Chinese New Year led to strong iron ore prices. However, despite these expectations, steel production weakened 3.1% y/y while both iron ore shipments and domestic mining rose. Consequently, iron ore inventories in Chinese ports increased and are now at the highest levels since April 2022.
73.9% of the world’s seaborne iron ore shipments are bound for China as the country relies greatly on ore imports to produce steel.
“The capesize segment greatly benefited from this increase in shipments, both due to the higher volume and the above average sailing distances between Brazil and China. This helped the Baltic Exchange’s Capesize 5TC index to…
LNG shipping is undergoing major shifts since the start of 2024. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Intermodal said that “during Q1 of 2024, the LNG shipping market experienced major disruptions and shifts that significantly altered global trade routes and market fundamentals. The year commenced with logistical challenges, particularly highlighted by persistently low water levels in the Panama Canal, which constrained LNG transits. Compounding these challenges, LNG carrier movements through the Suez Canal have been completely halted since mid-January, necessitating a strategic redirection of shipments along alternative routes”.
According to Intermodal’s Research Analyst, Ms. Chara Georgousi, “the demand for LNG in Asia has remained robust, fueled by competitive pricing and strategic stock-building. This pronounced rise in demand within Asia stands in stark contrast to the more subdued scenario witnessed in Europe, where LNG imports have been significantly impacted by internal market dynamics and alternative energy sources. Specifically, NE Asia experienced a 4.02% increase in LNG imports during Q1 of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with China notably leading this uptick with a 23.44% rise. SE Asia also saw a significant boost, with imports surging by…
IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association and BIMCO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on some of the monumental challenges and opportunities within the areas of bunker, marine energy and maritime sectors and help facilitate shipping’s decarbonisation efforts.
The parties have agreed to leverage their respective expertise and resources to develop innovative solutions and initiatives to facilitate the transition towards cleaner fuels and efficient and sustainable shipping practices. The partnership MOU will focus on addressing the following key areas:
Research and Development: Collaborate on research initiatives, studies, and projects relevant to the bunker/marine energy industry and maritime sector.
Information Sharing: Share relevant information, publications, and data that may be beneficial to the members of both organisations.
Training and Education: Explore opportunities for joint training programs, seminars, and educational initiatives to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals in the maritime and bunker/marine energy industry.
Influence: Work together on efforts to address common issues and challenges faced by the industry.
Commenting on the MoU, Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, stated:
New requirements will come into force from 29 April at the ports of Melbourne and Geelong for vessels equipped with a mechanical or software-based engine or shaft power limiter in accordance with IMO requirements.
As stated in the Ports Victoria Operational Instruction (OI) No.01-2024, the IMO has adopted measures under the MARPOL Convention requiring certain international ship types to take action to reduce their carbon intensity.
To comply with those requirements, some vessel operators have installed a mechanical or software-based engine or shaft power limiter. Some limiters may have the unintended consequence of degrading a vessel’s manoeuvrability at critical times when navigating in a confined waterway.
Risks associated with transiting the Fairway through Port Phillip Heads, South Channel and approaches to port of Geelong and Melbourne may demand access to the vessel’s full power capability.
The below requirements apply to any vessel intending to transit the port waters of the port of Melbourne and port of Geelong.
Engine power or shaft power limiter requirements:
Any vessel equipped with a mechanical or software-based engine or shaft power limiter will disable the device prior to pilot boarding, or;
Any vessel equipped with a mechanical or software-based engine…
