China’s aim of 7.5% GDP growth for 2014 is positive news for the shipping market – in particular, dry bulk 06 March 2014 “The importance of China to the shipping market is second to none. This goes for all major shipping segments. In spite of leaving the double-digit growth rates behind us in the previous decade, the sheer size of the world’s second-largest economy now gives so much impetus to our industry that we have become addicted to China.” Market analysis
Container Shipping - The increased demand from “Advanced economies” should increase the utilisation of containerships 12 February 2014 On a global scale, containerised export data from CTS, shows that activity improved in May following a weak start to 2013. Since then, the pace has picked up, and November and December saw 5-7% growth rates from same months of last year. Market analysis Container
Dry Bulk Shipping - Reality bites as 2014 dawns, but the demand base is stronger than ever 12 February 2014 The arrival of January also meant that Capesize freight rates once again touched the ground following three extraordinary months of flying high. Q4-2013 represents the strongest quarter in demand ever, and the seasonal weakness of Q1 simply had to affect the level of freight rates negatively. Market analysis Dry cargo
Shipowners and traders urgently need a credit strategy 09 May 2019 Shipowners, charterers and bunker traders will need extended credit for 1 January 2020 as the price of low-sulphur fuel will rise – perhaps significantly. Engaging with bunker suppliers and credit agencies to prepare a credit strategy is a must. Environment 2020 sulphur cap
FONAR: The expensive tool shipowners should avoid 07 October 2019 The Fuel Oil Non-availability Report (FONAR) is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. What is meant as a useful last resort for a ship arriving with non-compliant fuel at a port could come with an expensive price tag. Environment 2020 sulphur cap
Three out of five converted VLOCs are no longer operating 30 April 2020 Converted Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC) are increasingly becoming a thing of the past with the long-term freight contracts coming to an end as newer and more reliable ships replace them in the market. Market analysis
IMO issues fuel oil safety recommendations ahead of 2020 19 June 2019 The 101st session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 101) has held initial discussions in London on how to address the safety of ships when using fuel oil. News story Safety
Preventing pest container contamination 16 June 2017 Preventing pest container contamination was one of the many items discussed at IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 98). Cyber risk management, autonomous ships, security and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments were also on the agenda. News story Safety Cargo Security
BIMCO calls for anti-piracy action off Nigeria at IMO 12 June 2019 At the IMO’s 101st meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee, BIMCO’s Head of Maritime Security – Jakob P. Larsen – spoke in a direct fashion about the serious situation posed by piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and especially off the coast of Nigeria. News story Security Piracy Nigeria Gulf of Guinea Africa - West Coast
