Container imports on both the US East Coast (USEC) and West Coast (USWC) had a strong year in 2018, growing 3.7% and 8% respectively in the first 11 months of the year compared to the same period in 2017.
Starting a trade war is bad for everyone, and shipping is right in the eye of the storm. Adding a new sanctions regime involving the US and Iran is putting another layer of stress on a shipping industry that is struggling to generate profits. Not surprisingly, the IMF’s estimate for world trade volumes was adjusted downwards for both 2018 and 2019 in July.
Oil prices had been on an upward trajectory since July last year, with Brent values briefly climbing above $85/bbl in early October. However, more recently prices have moved down to just over $70/bbl. Nonetheless, so far in 2018 Brent has averaged some 34% higher than it did back in 2017. Such an impact is starting to make an impact on global consumption levels. The weekly tanker market report by Gibson Shipbrokers features an overview of the crude oil and oil product tanker market.
The IMDG Code 2016 Edition enters into force 1 January 2018 for two years. Please note that the The IMDG Code Supplement, 2014 Edition remains valid until further notice.
BIMCO is pleased to confirm the decision taken by the EU Council to formally extend the mandate of the EUNAVFOR Operation ‘ATALANTA’ to deter, disrupt and repress acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia until 31 December 2018.
2018 has been a horrible year for product tanker owners, with sale and leasebacks being necessary for many to provide a financial bridge to better times. Many are pinning their hopes on 2020; which, as we have written in the past is expected to be supportive for product tankers. However, many are also hoping that new refinery developments will offer a further boost to tonne mile demand, similar to what was seen from 2014-2016. The weekly tanker market report by Gibson Shipbrokers features an overview of the crude oil and oil product tanker market.
The current dynamics in the oil markets are very different to the conditions seen just a year ago. Back in June 2017, OECD crude stocks were firmly stuck at their record high level for this time of year. By April 2018 inventories declined below the five year seasonal average, providing clear evidence that the cutbacks in OPEC/non-OPEC production have proved effective in clearing the overhang of crude oil supply. The weekly tanker market report by Gibson Shipbrokers features an overview of the crude oil and oil product tanker market.