London, June 19, 2025 (Oilandgaspress) –-Shell is being “very careful” with its tanker movements in the Middle East amid the hostilities between Israel and Iran, Reuters reported today, citing chief executive Wael Sawan.
“The escalation in tensions over the last few days, in essence, has added to what has already been significant uncertainty in the region,” Sawan told an industry conference in Japan. “We’re being very careful with, for example, our shipping in the region, just to make sure that we do not take any unnecessary risks.”
Shell has extensive operations in the Middle East. Most of the oil produced in the region leaves it via the Persian Gulf and the Hormuz Strait that has returned to the spotlight after Israel launched missiles against Iran last Friday, with the risk of Iran deciding to close the chokepoint once again coming to the surface. Any such closure is unlikely to last long, according to analysts, due to the heavy military presence of the U.S. in the area but it would nevertheless affect oil prices and supply immediately. Read More
TotalEnergies and Avril, the industrial and financial leader in the French vegetable oils and proteins sector, have entered into an agreement to jointly study the development of a French intermediate crop sector for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and thus contribute to reducing CO2 emissions from air transport. This agreement is part of an ambitious dynamic led by the European Union, which requires the incorporation of 2% sustainable fuels in aviation from 2025, with a target of 70% by 2050.
Intermediate crops that do not compete with food
Catch crops are crops sown between two main crops on the same plot. As such, they do not require additional land and do not compete with human and animal food, while still providing additional income for farmers. They are eligible under European regulations for the production of SAF.
These crops also enable the co-production of plant proteins, thus contributing to the protein sovereignty of France and Europe in animal feed. They also offer numerous agronomic benefits: in particular, they limit soil erosion, improve soil structure, reduce water loss, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
Vegetable oils eligible for transformation into sustainable aviation fuels
As part of this agreement, TotalEnergies and Avril will therefore evaluate the entire value chain, from the selection of plant varieties to the production of biofuels, with the aim of structuring a sustainable French sector.
Avril will supply vegetable oils from intermediate crops to TotalEnergies, which will transform them into sustainable aviation fuel in its French biorefineries and through coprocessing in its French and European refineries.
Saab and Sabena technics sign agreement relating to GlobalEye Saab has signed a framework agreement with the French aircraft maintenance and modification provider Sabena technics relating to aircraft modification work for Saab’s GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The long-term agreement is intended to form the basis for future business between the companies, covering complex aircraft modification and associated services for GlobalEye.
“This reenforces Saab’s commitment to collaborate with French industry while supporting the expansion of our modification capacity to meet the increasing demand for GlobalEye. Sabena technics has the expertise and experience to provide this support,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics.
GlobalEye is Saab’s advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution using Bombardier’s Global 6000/6500 business jet aircraft. Transforming the airframe into a GlobalEye platform involves extensive technically complex work which requires highly-skilled and dedicated personnel.
10th High-Level Meeting of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation On the Sidelines of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that is taking Place on 18-21 June 2025, in Saint Petersburg, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Russian Federation held the Tenth High-level Meeting of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue today, 18 June2025.
The Meeting was co-chaired by HE Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and HE Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC.
Opening the meeting, HE Alexander Novak said “Russia highly appreciates the effectiveness of cooperation within OPEC+. Thanks to regular and trusting working contacts, including with the OPEC Secretariat, it is possible to compare positions in advance, develop agreed approaches, and make decisions at our ministerial meetings that take into account the interests of each OPEC+ members.”
HE Al Ghais praised the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue as a dynamic platform that facilitates discussion, knowledge sharing and exchange of views between the two parties. The Secretary General highlighted the important partnership between the Russian Federation and OPEC at all levels and commended the leadership role exerted by the Russian Federation in the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ framework as a co-chair of the OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meetings (ONOMM) and the Meetings of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC).
The Meeting constitutes an important milestone in the energy dialogue. It emphasized the strategic importance of cooperation between OPEC and the Russian Federation, including through the frameworks of the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ and the ‘Charter of Cooperation’.
Discussions revolved around developments in the global oil and energy markets, as well as various issues related to the oil and energy industries, such as energy security, risk of underinvestment and the importance of market stability in driving global economic growth. The Meeting also discussed the short-, medium, and long- term outlooks for energy markets.
It was agreed that the next High-level Meeting of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue will take place in the course of 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
Address
Helferstorferstraße 17,
A-1010, Vienna
Austria
Crude oil prices continue to face upward pressure as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues, raising concerns about oil supply disruptions from the Middle East.
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $75.03 | Up |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $77.39 | Up |
| Bonny Light 18/06/25 CBN | USD/bbl | $80.55 | Up |
| Dubai | USD/bbl | $71.56 | — |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.97 | Up |
| Murban | USD/bbl | $77.51 | Up |
| OPEC basket 17/06/25 | USD/bbl | $74.39 | Up |
France announces intention to procure GlobalEye from Saab Saab and the French defence procurement agency, Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), have today signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the sale of Saab’s GlobalEye Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to France, including ground equipment, training and support.
The joint declaration of intent, which was signed today at the Paris Air Show, includes DGA’s intention to procure two GlobalEye aircraft from Saab. The joint declaration of intent also includes an option for DGA to purchase two additional aircraft.
A final notification process to complete the procurement will now follow. The DGA has stated that a contract is expected to be finalised in the coming months. The parties have not yet entered into a contract and Saab has not yet received an order for GlobalEye from France.
“We welcome today’s announcement by France about the intention to procure GlobalEye, which will enhance the French Armed Forces’ situational awareness and threat detection across the air, land and sea domains. Our solution will enable France to maintain full sovereign control of its airborne early warning and control capability,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land. By providing real-time information to air forces, armies and navies, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats.
Equinor’s solar plant in Denmark starts production Production has commenced at the 65 MW Ingerslev Å solar plant located in Jutland, Denmark. The facility is operated by BeGreen, a wholly owned subsidiary of Equinor. Ingerslev Å marks an important milestone as BeGreen’s first project to reach production since Equinor acquired the company in 2023. With the launch of Ingerslev Å, all four Equinor subsidiaries that specialize in onshore renewables and battery storage now have assets in operation.
“Our ownership of local companies provides a strong foundation for value creation by leveraging their on-the-ground expertise and maximizing synergies with our trading house, Danske Commodities,” says Bade.
Danske Commodities will sell the power generated from Ingerslev Å on merchant terms in the DK1 power market in western Denmark. The annual production is estimated at 68 GWh.
The construction of Ingerslev Å was completed in under a year, showcasing the rapid project cycles typical of onshore renewables. The facility features over 100,000 solar panels and six transformer stations installed on site.
Rolls-Royce launches Durability Enhancement Package that will double Trent 1000 Time-on-Wing Rolls-Royce launched the first of two Durability Enhancement Packages, that will more than double the duration Trent 1000 engines remain in service before needing scheduled maintenance. This marks an important milestone on Rolls-Royce’s transformation programme into a high performing, competitive, resilient and growing business.
Increasing ‘Time on Wing’ for the Trent 1000 will bring significantly improved asset utilisation, reduced maintenance burden and provide far greater fleet planning certainty for customers. The durability enhancement complements the excellent reliability that the Trent 1000 already has.
The enhancement package has been installed in new engines since January 2025, ready for delivery to customers at the earliest opportunity post-certification. From today, they will now be distributed to maintenance facilities globally, to be retrofitted to engines that are already in service. Within two years all of the Trent 1000 fleet will have been upgraded.
The upgraded components have already been enhancing durability since 2022 on the Trent 7000 engine. It is performing better than expected, and in some cases more than tripling Time on Wing. This proven in-service performance gives Rolls-Royce full confidence in the same benefit reading across to Trent 1000 customers.
The new technologies – part of the Trent fleet £1bn durability enhancement programme – will contribute to Rolls-Royce meeting its mid-term targets to increase average Time on Wing across all modern Trent engines, which incorporates the Trent 1000, Trent 7000, Trent XWB-84 and Trent XWB-97. The company announced earlier this year that this target would double from its initial ambition of a 40% average increase to 80% by 2027.
JAL and JALEC sign MOU with Maeve Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL), JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. (JALEC) and Maeve Aerospace GmbH (Maeve), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of the MAEVE Jet, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to transform regional air transportation. This partnership will play a key role in optimising the aircraft’s specification and ensuring that it meets the economic and operational requirements essential for supporting the Japanese regional network.
The MAEVE Jet represents a new and unique approach to regional airliner design, offering significantly improved operational economics over existing aircraft through its mission-optimised design weights and innovative systems architecture. According to Maeve, this would result in a significant improvement in energy efficiency compared to current regional aircraft, enabling a 40% reduction in overall emissions without relying on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
JAL will contribute its expertise in areas such as aircraft design, operations, and the establishment of a customer support framework for the MAEVE Jet program. Furthermore, JAL will play a key role in developing a new aircraft design system focused on maintaining and enhancing airworthiness and reliability. This partnership aligns with the JAL Group’s continuous commitment to revitalizing local communities while maintaining and expanding its network.
Overview of partnership:
・Share development updates on the MAEVE Jet and discuss requirements for its operation in Japan
・Explore airport infrastructure and operational methods necessary for the MAEVE Jet
・Discuss monitoring, maintenance, and support systems to ensure smooth operation of the MAEVE Jet
・Plan and establish the future MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) framework for the MAEVE Jet
・Support the development of a new aircraft design system by leveraging operational experience
AFI KLM E&M and Air Austral Sign Expanded Engine Support Contract for 777 Fleet Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Air Austral recently signed an agreement to provide engine support for the airline’s fleet of three Boeing 777 aircraft. The terms of the contract include spare engine availability and repair.
The agreement was formally celebrated during the Paris Air Show 2025 Le Bourget, one of the aviation industry’s most prestigious global gatherings, underscoring the strategic importance of the contract and its role in shaping high-reliability operations for Air Austral’s long-haul network. AFI KLM E&M is pleased to announce the extension and reinforcement of its comprehensive maintenance support agreement with Air Austral. The renewed agreement underscores AFI KLM E&M’s commitment to providing end-to-end technical services tailored to meet the evolving needs of airline operators worldwide.
This enhanced agreement specifically focuses on supporting Air Austral’s Boeing 777 fleet, which plays a pivotal role in the airline’s long-haul operations—most notably on the flagship route between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Réunion Island (RUN). The 777 aircraft are central to Air Austral’s network and long-haul capacity, and their operational reliability is critical to the airline’s performance and customer satisfaction. As part of this agreement, AFI KLM E&M will ensure the availability of a spare GE90-115 engine. The agreement also includes access to bare engine accessories during the entire period of engine shop visits, allowing Air Austral to optimize its planning and reduce downtime during scheduled maintenance events. This integrated support solution reflects AFI KLM E&M’s commitment to efficient engine lifecycle management and its ability to adapt to airline-specific operational constraints. This renewed collaboration marks another milestone in the relationship between AFI KLM E&M and Air Austral. By aligning technical capabilities with strategic needs, both companies are demonstrating their commitment to operational resilience.
France signs framework agreement for Airbus VSR700 programme Sébastien Lecornu, the French Minister for the Armed Forces has signed a framework agreement with Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters and Marie-Laure Bourgeois, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing of Naval Group for the future acquisition of the Systèmes de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM: uncrewed aerial systems for the Navy). The agreement also paves the way for cooperation with other nations via government to government agreements.
Each SDAM will feature an Airbus VSR700 uncrewed aerial system (UAS), operated with Naval Group’s Steeris Mission System. Naval Group is also responsible for integrating the SDAMs onto French Navy frigates. As a result of 15 years of R&D experimentation and development, Steeris® MS is a sea proven solution designed for naval combat system integration.
“This framework agreement is a key milestone for the VSR700 programme,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “With our partners we have demonstrated the VSR700’s capabilities at sea with multiple demonstrations including one on board a French Navy frigate,” he added. “Furthermore, with this programme we are building a local and sovereign UAS ecosystem that will benefit both our home nations and our partners across the globe,” he explained. “VSR700 is a truly versatile system that could be used in many different environments as evidenced by the armed scout version on display at the Paris Air Show.”
“This signature is a testimony to the teamwork achieved with our partners and to Naval Group’s expertise in integrating all types of drones on board surface ships to improve the operational capabilities of our client navies” said Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.
The framework agreement lays the groundwork for inclusion of further partner nations into the programme. Other nations across the world have been officially invited by the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) to join the programme. Through a government to government contract they will be able to order the system in a configuration similar to the one selected by the DGA for the French Navy.
The serial VSR700s that will be delivered to the French Navy will be equipped for surveillance and intelligence missions, like the VSR700 prototypes that have been tested so far to develop the SDAM. This configuration includes a radar, an electro-optical system and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver. The VSR700 has been developed to both take off and land automatically from a navy vessel in rough sea conditions, in a dense electromagnetic environment while carrying three sensors and flying for more than eight hours.
France and Spain renew commitment to the Airbus A400M programme Airbus and OCCAR have reached an agreement with the A400M launch nations to secure production for the programme for the foreseeable future, improve the cost of operations, and jointly develop new capabilities. Through the agreement, France and Spain stated their intention to advance four and three A400M aircraft respectively in their delivery schedule.
As key enablers, Airbus has committed to work on operational cost improvements through maintenance optimisation and efficiency measures, and make A400M future developments faster and more cost-effective, enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities and ensuring its strategic autonomy in air transport and mobility.
Through the agreement, both Airbus and OCCAR will review the industrial status of the programme on a yearly basis, giving the A400M production set-up stability to pursue the evolution of the platform and open export opportunities.
Among these new capabilities, Airbus is already looking into developments like standoff jamming, payload increase to 40 tonnes, mothership for remote carriers and firefighting – developments that will further widen the A400M applications and are key to the present and future global requirements for both current and future operators.
Baker Hughes Rig Count: U.S. U.S. -4 to 555 Canada +24 to 138
U.S. Rig Count is down 4 from last week to 555 with oil rigs down 3 to 439, gas rigs down 1 to 113 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 3.
Canada Rig Count is up 24 from last week to 138, with oil rigs up 22 to 91, gas rigs up 2 to 47 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 13 June 2025 | 555 | -4 |
| Canada | 13 June 2025 | 138 | +24 |
| International | May 2025 | 886 | -5 |
More Energy, Oil & Gas Stories !!! �The squeaky wheel gets the oil�
OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole , victor@oilandgaspress
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Unimog and Arocs ready for offroad adventures The off-road vehicle trade fair Abenteuer Allrad will take place from June 19th to 22nd, 2025 in Bad Kissingen. Partners from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks are showing the Unimog in various equipment variants as a camping and expedition vehicle. There is also an all-wheel drive Arocs from the manufacturer Daimler Truck, converted into an off-road motorhome.
Made for “the country out there” – Unimog TenereX at the Hellgeth stand
The special vehicle manufacturer Hellgeth engineering GmbH is presenting a total of four leisure and long-distance motorhomes based on the highly off-road Unimog U 4023 at stand M17. The additional name “TenereX” for these vehicles, which are equipped for off-road use, is derived from the Tuareg word for “the country out there”, Ténéré. Technically, this claim is translated through switchable all-wheel drive as well as longitudinal and differential locks, high ground clearance, tire pressure control system and fording capability of up to 1.2 meters. The compact dimensions and small turning circle make driving on narrow and winding mountain and forest roads easier. The long suspension travel with coil springs absorbs shocks when driving off-road before they are transferred to the driver’s cab and the body.
The lightweight interior features a double bed and a spacious kitchen with an induction hob and 85 liter compressor refrigerator, as well as a separate bathroom with shower and separate toilet. In addition, reservoirs for fresh and service water and solar panels make the Unimog TenereX self-sufficient for several days away from civilization.
The Unimog TenereX from Hellgeth can be realized with a maximum vehicle weight (GVW) of 7.49 tonnes. A class 3 car driving license is therefore sufficient as a driving license. This low weight is possible through consistent lightweight construction in the construction of the suitcase and in furniture construction as well as the use of lightweight aluminum for add-on parts and rims.
Hellgeth engineering GmbH is a specialist in individual customer requests and also carries out, for example, tank conversions, the installation of cable winches or shock absorber adjustments. The experts at the company’s location in Wurzbach, Thuringia, also convert the Unimog, which is only available from the factory with a four-cylinder engine and 170 kW (231 hp), to a six-cylinder with 220 kW (299 hp).
Mercedes – Benz Trucks relies on intelligent assistance systems for better protection of cyclists and pedestrians On Germany-wide Road Safety Day on June 21, 2025, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is drawing attention to a particularly vulnerable group in road traffic: pedestrians and cyclists. Serious accidents often occur, especially when turning off, moving off and in confusing situations – often in urban environments.
Here, Mercedes-Benz Trucks relies on intelligent assistance systems that can mitigate these risks in a targeted manner: with the new Frontguard Assist, the further developed Active Sideguard Assist 2 and Active Brake Assist 6, Daimler Truck offers powerful safety equipment that can help to actively prevent such accidents.
“We develop technology that can compensate for human weaknesses – especially where seconds and centimeters matter. Protecting the vulnerable in road traffic is our responsibility,” explains Dr. Rainer Müller, Head of Product Engineering at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Protecting the vulnerable in road traffic is our responsibility,” explains Dr. Rainer Müller, Head of Product Engineering at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
The answer: intelligent assistance systems that can react to dangers in real time – before the driver sees them.
Moving off as safely as possible: Frontguard Assist can detect what is hidden in front of the truck
Frontguard Assist uses radar and a camera to monitor the area directly in front of the vehicle, which is difficult for the driver to see despite mirror and camera systems. Pedestrians, children or cyclists who are there – for example at bus stops or pedestrian crossings – can be detected. If there is a risk of collision, a visual and acoustic warning is issued.
Turning safely: Active Sideguard Assist 2 can protect when turning right and during SpurWechsel
Active Sideguard Assist 2 can detect other road users on both sides of the vehicle when turning or during a Lane change. In addition to the familiar warning function, the system can also actively intervene in the braking procedure in the event of critical danger in order to prevent a collision – for example with a cyclist on the bicycle path next to the vehicle.
React early: Active Brake Assist 6 can detect pedestrians
Alpine and Lapierre agree to a double collaboration in 2025 The latest generation of performance bikes in Lapierre’s road range, the Xelius DRS embodies speed and versatility and is priced at €11,000.
With its sleek lines, racy spirit, unique design, ideal geometry for aggressive riding and an aerodynamic performance that meets every cyclist’s expectations, the Xelius DRS enhances everyone’s performance with top-of-the-range equipment.
Featuring the best UD SLI TEAM carbon frame made from IM Toray 800 carbon fibre and high modulus M40J and M60 fibres, these state-of-the-art fibres perfectly combine lightness for climbing, responsiveness on the climbs and explosiveness for sprints.
The Xelius DRS SE also features the latest SRAM RED AXS groupset. Its 12-speed wireless electronic drivetrain, thanks to the AXS connection, and new lever ergonomics contribute to perfect handling and ultra-fast gear changes. The SRAM RED carbon crankset is equipped with a QUARQ power meter to monitor performance at all times.
The DT SWISS ERC 1100 wheels are the ultimate in performance with their aerodynamically differentiated carbon rims (35 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear) and DT 180 S hubs with ceramic bearings.
Overvolt GLP SE: competitor DNA
Inspired by motor racing, the GLP concept bike results from a crazy and unique electric mountain bike project priced at €12,000.
In three generations, while retaining its unique principle of centralising weight with an external battery positioned above the motor, the GLP III has evolved to deliver better performance without losing its DNA.
