Clarksons sees "solid maritime conditions"
Maritime analyst Clarksons Research is comparably optimistic in its recent edition of its Shipping Review & Outlook report.
The Clark Sea Index, the company's index for ship revenue, witnessed a small setback in September, but remains averaging USD 38,880 per day so far in 2022. These levels not been seen since its introduction in 2008, and the analyst considers conditions in the maritime transport market to be "exceptionally solid".
In total, Clarksons forecasts a growth of 0.9% in global seaborne trade by 2022, to 12.1 billion t, compared to the 3.5% forecast at the beginning of the year. In addition, container freight rates are falling from their all-time highs, posting a 60% decline since the start of 2020, although still double the level of 2019.
Meanwhile, time charter rates in this segment of the market are down 40%. With a fleet growth of around 7% forecast for 2023, possible port decongestion and weakening demand, greater pressure on the markets is foreseeable.
Decarbonisation remains in the spotlight, with the IMO measures on ship energy efficiency (EEXI) and carbon intensity (CII) coming into force in 2023 and possibly the EU ETS. Vessels with the capacity to use alternative fuels already represent 4.8% of the GT of the world fleet and 43% of the order book. (sh)