Global Maritime Hub

By Shefali Shokeen, Senior Research Analyst, Drewry Maritime Research Low prices, abundant supply and an aggressive shift towards cleaner gas for energy generation are creating strong demand for LNG, not just from large buyers, but also from small importers. Small-scale LNG projects (production and regasification capacity of less than 500,000 tonnes per annum) have reduced capex and are suitable for countries...

Looking for engineering and construction opportunities? Look no further than ports! Investment in America’s ports is accelerating significantly and port spending will increase again in 2019. Because of the neo-Panamax megaships, ports throughout the country are expanding shipping channels and harbors. They are also expanding rail lines and constructing new facilities or significantly expanding older ones. No port in America...

Is there a big difference between NVOCCs and Freight Forwarders? We do often hear this question, thats why we look into this question with the following article. Read everything about NVOCCs tasks, licensing and the differences to Freight Forwarders below. Anything we forgot? Let us know and we’ll add it to the article. What does a NVOCC do? NVOCC (= non-vessel...

Future Trends in Commercial Shipping The world is changing rapidly, as is the shipping industry. There is an increased focus on boosting the green image of shipping, as well as improving efficiency through emerging technologies. The commercial shipping industry has constantly been evolving with a lot of pushes for innovations. Even the past few years have been particularly interesting. Trends such...

The fall in light crude exports from the United States to the far east has led to buyers seeking replacement barrels. One of the most natural sources of similar oil is west Africa. Indeed, the total ton mile demand for VLCCs in region has shot upwards, while Suezmax exports, used for Atlantic Basin trades have been moving downwards (See...

By Mary Scott Nabers Strange as it might seem, the threat of administration-imposed tariffs has not slowed investment in America’s ports. The extremely large megaships coming through the Suez Canal headed to America and U.S. ports will be ready. Most are already engaged in making upgrades, performing maintenance, expanding to facilitate the larger ships and constructing new storage facilities. Many...

Source: Will Tooth of MSI Regional regulation and national policies are putting competing pressures on the scrapping market just as demand is set to rise. By December 31 2018, all vessels flying the flag of an EU member state (around 12% of the current global merchant fleet) will need to comply with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR); the rule that brought...

Until May 2016, ton mile demand was rising and rates were structurally higher (in the green shaded area). Since then, ton mile demand has been choppy, but almost flat when shown as a trend line (in the red shaded region). Rates have been much softer during this period of stagnant demand. The number of available ships in this size range...

Source: GIBSONS Much attention has been given in recent months to continued activity in newbuild VLCC tonnage. Shipbrokers Gibson’s, are not an exception to that, warning repeatedly about the risk of over-ordering if investment in VLCCs continues at such a relentless pace. However, what has gone largely unreported is the fact that the pattern of ordering activity has been completely...

Japanese Yards Remain Solid Contenders in the Clean Tanker Markets Japanese yards remain an important hub for clean product tanker orders, and are currently booked for 57 orders through the end of 2021. Domestic owners and trading houses make up a significant portion of these orders, but interest from foreign owners continues, as the yards remain competitive with other top...