Firm Tanker Earnings and VLGC Highs Sustain Market Confidence
This week’s market remains firm overall as tariff negotiations rumble on Shipping markets were broadly steady this week, with tankers supported by higher OPEC+ output, LPG carriers benefiting from strong arbitrage and extended sailing distances, and car carriers showing resilience despite tariff headwinds. Geopolitical developments remain in focus, across segments. OPEC+ output growth underpins tanker […]
Trump critical towards IMO’s net-zero framework
Are IMO carbon neutrality plans ‘in danger’ due to Trump? Unites States President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of the IMO’s net-zero climate strategy, calling it a “global carbon tax on Americans” and warning of retaliatory measures against countries that support it. The plan, set for a final adoption vote in October, would introduce […]
Military threats to Israel-linked vessels
Yemen’s Houthis threaten to target merchant ships The Houthi rebel group in Yemen has launched a new phase of its maritime campaign, vowing to target any merchant vessel linked to countries or companies maintaining commercial ties with Israeli ports. Escalation of years-long Red Sea disruption threatenedBacked by Iran and controlling much of northern Yemen, the […]
Worldwide ammonia rollout continues apace
Successful bunkering demonstrations completed at nine locations The global rollout of ammonia as a marine fuel took a major step forward this week with the publication of new data showing that twelve ammonia bunkering demonstrations have now been successfully completed across nine international locations. These trials included both truck-to-ship and ship-to-ship transfers, all conducted without […]
Stable Markets Backed by U.S. Tariff Shift and Firm Fundamentals
Long-term outlook is promising Shipping markets held firm this week across the tanker, LPG, and PCTC segment, supported by solid fundamentals and constructive trade developments. Tanker demand boosted by US export increaseTanker rates remained steady this week, with Suezmax and Aframax segments maintaining solid earnings amid balanced supply and demand. Crude flows through key Atlantic […]
China vehicle export sees robust growth
US-China trade tensions remain an obstacle China’s seaborne vehicle exports rose 28% year-on-year in May to 645,000 units, with strong growth across most regions. Exports to Russia dropped 77% due to new “recycling fees” that act as tariffs, aimed at protecting Russia’s auto industry. Year-to-date, exports are up nearly 20%. Meanwhile, Chinese imports of US […]
Israel-Iran ceasefire calms shipping markets
Hormuz Strait closure remains unlikely A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran was reached on June 24, providing short-term normalization to shipping markets. War-risk premiums on voyages through the Persian Gulf fell slightly, and crude tanker rates dipped 10-20 % to pre-conflict levels. However, underlying volatility remains elevated. Tracking interference poses operational risksNotably, Iran’s parliament […]
Calmer conditions set in following recent highs
Rates hold steady with strong fundamentals Shipping markets stabilized this week following the June 24 ceasefire between Israel and Iran. While war-risk premiums and freight rates declined slightly, operational risks in the region remain. Tanker markets softened from recent highs, while the LPG segment held steady. Ceasefire tempers tanker earningsThe tanker market pulled back as […]
Stable PCTC demand amid growing fleet
Steady market growth continues after slow start to 2025 The PCTC market is showing signs of stability, with EU new car registrations up 1.6% year-on-year in May –the second month of growth after a slow start to the year. Battery electric vehicles reached a 15.4% market share, supporting long-term trade potential. Strong recent trade ahead […]
The Iran/Israel escalation and its impact
A short timeline on recent developments The Iran–Israel conflict is a long-standing and complex geopolitical struggle, largely defined by deep ideological, strategic, and regional rivalries. Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated sharply following an Israeli airstrike on Iran. The strike was a deliberate attempt to neutralize Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities. June 13, 2025 – Israel carried […]
