Positivism returns after recent market stabilization

The PCTC market has started 2025 on a quieter note, following record-breaking years. Time charter rates have softened, driven by slower growth in Chinese car exports and the anticipation of several new vessel deliveries in 2025. After this rebalancing, the outlook now remains positive for the months ahead.

In December, new car registrations in the EU increased by 5% year-on-year, with Spain leading at an impressive 29% growth. While Germany and Italy saw modest declines, overall EU car registrations for 2024 grew by 0.8%, stabilizing after the exceptional growth in 2023.

A fairly steady 2025 expected

As 2025 unfolds, global car sales are expected to remain steady, supported by improving trends in key markets. Although a full orderbook of new PCTC vessels may temporarily pressure freight rates, this normalization is expected to create a healthier balance between supply and demand, paving the way for sustainable growth in the segment.