FLEETS Last year HCB reported ‘cautious optimism’ in the LPG trade. That caution extends to newbuilding activity, which once more has allowed the sector to out-perform other bulk liquids trades. That performance is encouraging interest from new owners
MARKETS The buoyant rates commanded by the larger LPG carrier segments, which first appeared in April, have kept up their momentum as the market moves into high summer in the northern hemisphere, as Julian Macqueen reports
FLEETS While not quite qualifying for saviour status, LPG is nevertheless becoming something of a beacon to the beleaguered shipping industry as executives and investors pile in to the sector. Certainly, the number of shipping companies eyeing expansion – either through beefing up existing fleets or diving into the sector anew - is on the up
PROFILE Life is not easy for a chemical tanker operator right now, with volatile demand, high costs and an over-supply of vessels. South Korea’s KSS Line is expanding into LPG shipping and looking at customer service to help it through the downturn
FLEETS As one established liquefied petroleum gas operator considers a move into new territory – liquefied natural gas – an existing LNG shipowner could be about to make the reverse move into LPG.
FLEETS As bunker price hikes, bankruptcy and buy-outs beset the chemical tanker market, operators are finding it tough. Some have already given it up as a bad job
FLEETS Last month witnesses a spate of restructuring as chemical and product tanker owners attempt to stay the course. For many, a mis-match between capital expenditure and freight income has put a strain on their balance sheets
