Stories for February 13th 2007
Oil production costs rise 53%
The cost of producing oil and gas has risen about 53 percent in the past two years, and the trend is expected to continue this year, according to a report released yesterday.
Shipowners order US$105.5B of new vessels in 2006
According to London-based Clarkson, the world's biggest shipbroker, shipowners ordered new vessels worth a record US$105.5 billion in 2006. The trend has been spurred by tanker owners keen to upgrade their fleets ahead of IMO single-hull tanker deadlines that kick in at the end of the decade, according to an article published by Gulf News.
Ecuador's Congress yields and approves referendum
Ecuador's Congress backed Tuesday a call by President Rafael Correa for a referendum on a national assembly that would then rewrite the country's constitution.
Eurozone growth surprises all 2006 forecasts: 2.7%
Eurozone growth ended 2006 strongly, thanks to better-than-expected growth in Germany and recovery in Italy. Gross domestic product across the 13 countries that use the euro grew 0.9% between October and December, compared with the previous three months.
Deep sea giant squid flash blinding light to attack prey
Enormous deep-sea squid emit blinding flashes of light as they attack their prey, research shows. Taningia danae's spectacular light show was revealed in video footage taken in deep waters off Chichijima Island in the North Pacific and reported by BBC.
Brazil describes Bolivia's foreign policy: “childish”
Brazil described as “childish and amateur” Bolivia's indication that it may cancel a scheduled presidential bilateral summit, if Brazil does not pay more for Bolivian natural gas.
