Specialised Shipping

Latest opinion: 16 Sep 2025

Project cargo ships face policy, trade shifts and green energy opportunity

Investment growth in global renewable energy remains variable, declining sharply in the US due to policy shifts and regulatory uncertainty while it is accelerating in Europe due to its clean energy transition through major decarbonisation initiatives.

16 Jun 2025: Impact of hypothetical closure of the Strait of Hormuz on multipurpose shipping

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is highly unlikely due to its crucial role in connecting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with global markets. These countries are major exporters of construction materials, oil and petrochemicals and importers of industrial equipment, grains and other breakbulk commodities.

27 May 2025: Potential risks to the MPV market

The MPV market is navigating through choppy waters, driven by a convergence of global short-term shocks and long-term structural transformations. The assessment categorises market risks to understand how they may influence the sector’s future outlook and strategic decisions.

21 Mar 2025: Proposed USTR fees to take MPV freight costs sky high

About 98% Project Carrier (including Deck carriers) calls at US ports in the rolling 12 months would have been impacted by the proposed entrance fees from the USTR, as 76% of these calls are made by China-built ships, while 22% are by non-China-built ships which also face fines since their operators have China-built ships in their fleet. In the General Cargo category, 56% port calls would have been subjected to these fees, since 34% of the vessels are China-built.

Specialised shipping

The specialised shipping sector covers a variety of different niche segments that remain critical to the conduct of world trade.

These include:

• Multipurpose shipping, incorporating both Breakbulk and Heavylift (or project) shipping
• Reefer shipping, involving the movement of refrigerated cargo
• Car Carrier shipping, involving the movement of autos (including PCTC)
• Ferry & Cruise shipping, involving the movement of passenger traffic
• Offshore, involving the support of the offshore oil and gas industry or special project work

Each of these sectors is characterised by very different dynamics and characteristics, requiring highly specialised understanding of these niche trades.

As a trusted, independent voice in the market, our team of specialists are regularly asked to present their research findings into market trends and future predictions for multipurpose and reefer sectors at leading industry conferences around the world.

In addition to detailed market analysis and rigorous forecasting we offer market leading analysis of the trade affecting the principle vessel categories as well as appraisal of shipping finances, including pricing, operating costs and investment returns. We challenge conventional wisdom through our deep understanding of the trade dynamics driving demand for different vessel types in all corners of the world.