Negotiating for a Brighter Future: Bath Iron Works’ Union Success Story
In 2020, the largest union representing workers at Bath Iron Works took a bold step. They launched a two-month strike, a move aimed at securing top-priority elements within their contracts like limiting the use of subcontractors. This bold move paid off. Fast forward to this year and negotiation terms significantly improved with the union securing the highest percentage pay raise in its history.
Riding the Wave of Lithium Demand: Australia’s Record Exports to China
Despite a weakening Chinese economy and plummeting commodity prices, Australia experienced an unexpected boom. Their exports to China peaked at a record-smashing $102.5 billion in the first half of this year. The cause? Surging shipments of lithium concentrate. This precious resource has now surpassed liquefied natural gas to claim the spot as Australia’s second-largest export to China, right behind iron ore. Sales took a monumental leap to $11.7 billion between January and June. Two years earlier, first-half sales of lithium barely scratched $470 million.
Setting Sail: Ukraine’s Impending Black Sea Grain Agreement
Ukraine is gearing up to enter a promising new chapter. They are preparing to establish a Black Sea grain agreement, without relying on Russia’s nod. According to Oleksandr Hryban, a special adviser of Ukraine’s economy minister, the government is in fruitful discussions with two potent players in the marine insurance market. The challenge ahead is the high war-risk insurance necessary to revive agricultural exports from the Odesa region where Ukraine’s largest grain terminals are nestled.
Towards an Eco-friendly Tomorrow: Progress in Ammonia Fuel Adoption
The shipping industry is pushing boundaries, making headway with key systems necessary for implementing ammonia as a viable marine fuel alternative. Although many consider ammonia the future of marine fuel, a significant amount of work is needed to ensure its wide-scale adoption. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, however, is making notable strides, beginning rigorous tests for systems necessary for ammonia fuel operations. The advent of ammonia as a fuel has the potential to significantly alter the shipping industry’s landscape, taking it a step closer to sustainability and a greener tomorrow.
