Tanker shipping

Floating storage: a ticking time bomb for the crude tanker market
There is no denying that a sudden plunge in oil demand on account of COVID-19 proved to be a blessing in disguise for the oversupplied crude tanker market in 2Q20, which led to a surge in onshore and offshore storage of crude in March-April.  While an increase in onshore storage of cheap oil by refineries boosted tonnage demand, a rise in floating storage of crude oil squeezed tonnage supply in the crude tanker market. Consequently, freight rates in the crude tanker market climbed to record highs in March-April 2020, when oil demand was at multi-year lows.

21 Aug 2020: Chinese port inventories flooded with US MEG supply
US cargoes are getting discharged at Chinese ports with heavy MEG volume. The trade pattern has the potential to support freight rates on long-haul routes and increase spot activity in 2H20.

29 Jul 2020: Short-term impact on the chemical shipping market if the India-China dispute escalates
Due to the India-China dispute, the threat of deteriorating trade relations between the two countries has become real. Meanwhile, we expect freight rates to decline in 3Q20 on routes from the Middle East/India to China.

From product tankers to VLCCs we have the market covered

Our tanker shipping practice is highly respected in the industry and is regularly followed and referenced in both industry and mainstream media. The team is responsible for maintaining extensive information resources and conducting weekly, monthly and annual analysis on the sector and assessing the impact of macroeconomic as well as regulatory and environmental change on the sector.

In addition to detailed market analysis and rigorous forecasting, we offer market leading analysis of crude oil, products and chemical shipping markets, covering all the principle vessel categories, as well as appraisals of shipping finances, including pricing, operating costs, vessel values 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.

Our consultants typically provide charterers in industrial and utility sectors with seafreight procurement advice, shipowners with market entry strategies and commercial and operational due diligence for investors and lenders. Meanwhile, our team of financial research specialists provides actionable insight on the leading tanker shipowners. 

An elite and diverse group of industry stakeholders from shipowners, to charterers, port authorities, investors and financial intermediaries rely on our range of weekly, monthly and annual market research, sector expertise and commercial experience to help inform decisions, reduce costs and drive performance improvement.