Baltic Exchange introduces cost tracking tool
The Baltic Exchange, which is located in London (UK) and which belongs to the Singapore Exchange, has launched a new assessment tool to track the cost of operating vessels. Initially covering a range of dry bulk vessels, the service will also be expanded to tankers and other sectors.
The Baltic Operating Expense Index (BOI) will be published quarterly and based on assessments from three independent third-party ship management companies: Anglo-Eastern, Columbia Shipmanagement and Fleet Management. Collectively, they manage a fleet of over 1,800 vessels. More companies are expected to join the panel in the future and a residual price calculation added later this year.
Baltic Exchange chief executive Mark Jackson said: "The Baltic Operating Expense Index is intended to provide transparency to the fluctuations in running costs. Daily operating costs are one of the variables used by shipping investors to calculate the profitability and residual value of their assets." (fd)