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16 September 2025 - Year XXIX
Independent journal on economy and transport policy
10:49 GMT+2
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FORUM of Shipping
and Logistics



The Liquefied Petroleum Gas shipping market
in 2003

A disappointing market overall despite some promising signs


Significant events 
Situation by ship size: 
   - VLGC
   - LGC
   - Mid-size
    - 8 000/22 000 cbm
    - 8 000 cbm and less
Perceptions
The second-hand market


Significant events

At the start of 2003 conditions in the LPG shipping market were still full of uncertainty and showed little prospect of improving in the months to come. This view however was quickly dispelled soon after the beginning of the year. The market caught a breeze and started moving within all sectors, irrespective of ship's sizes, while the price of LPG and derivatives was also on the rise. We seemed at last to be leaving the bad times and the year showed signs of a promising and happier climate'

Unfortunately, this wind of hope began to lose strength at soon as February and March saw the disturbing news of the Iraqi invasion. We were back to uncertainty, punctuated by short but strong variations up until the beginning of the summer, before the market was able to settle down and reach a cruising speed at first restrained then slightly more robust at the end of the year.

Certainly the high degree of volatility which came in short spells opened up arbitrage possibilities and inter-continental product movements, but overall within the different categories of ship sizes the year was disappointing and did not afford the recovery which was eagerly awaited by the various market players, of which 'some' owners are confined to LPG carriers (excepting LNG which has different criteria).

By 'some' we are referring to those specifically involved only in LPG trade and who have and continue to operate their fleet with rock-bottom returns now for a number of years. Others owners who are active in different sectors such as oil or dry bulk have at least had better luck, provided they did not cover all their positions under long term charters: here 2003 seems to have been a bonanza year.

One of the most striking events in the shipping market during the year 2003 is perhaps the clean break between the evolution of the different markets, with the scintillating performance of the oil and dry bulk sectors compared to the continuing lacklustre situation in the petrochemical and more particularly the LPG markets.

These few figures well illustrate the picture:


 
 A monthly variation of $ 20,000 to $ 50,000 with a LPG gas carrier on time charter or equivalent time charter, often leads to a feeling of uncertainty and concern from both sides (long term co-operation, uncertainty as regards losing their position and market share, etc.) whilst in the oil and bulk sector the same variations in amounts are realised but on daily rates! Business as usual!

The unstoppable surge forward in China and the skyrocketing of raw material imports has been a primary reason for the strong rise in rates. But other reasons which are more fundamental can be given to explain the gap that divides movements within the various sectors, some of which are:

  • LPG markets and movements are much more restricted and specialised thus less fluid and volatile than the other sectors of shipping,

  • a greater sensitivity and reaction to the variations in product prices,

  • increased production in closer proximity to consuming areas, such as the proliferation of petrochemical crackers in the Far East and S.E. Asia, etc.

Some other trends can be detected over the last twelve months:

  • Tonnage: a reduction in the number of ships going for scrap, which is the logical consequence of the strong increase in numbers last year when 26 units were demolished. By the end of November 2003 we have registered 18 units with a capacity of near half a million cbm, of which one 29,000 cbm built in 1968 was resold by the demolition yard to an operator in the Middle East, and the recent sale of a 25 years old 75,500 cbm! The strong rise in the scrap price, which went from $ 150/ldt in November 2002 to more than $ 250/ldt in November 2003, is obviously a consideration when contemplating whether to scrap! At the same time 29 newbuildings with a total capacity of 1,076 million cbm came into service during the year.

  • Mergers, de-mergers, and take-overs: on April 7th 2003, Oslo and the shipping world learnt that Bergesen DY was being taken over by World Nordic an affiliate of World-Wide Shipping, which is controlled by the Sohmen family and already strongly present in oil tankers. The same month the team of Stargas and Montanari in the 'Medgas Pool' broke up and the pool was restructured without Stargas who were facing financial difficulties. September saw the launching of MNGC (Maersk Norgas Gas Carriers), a new joint-venture between Norgas (IM Skaugen) and Maersk for the commercial management of their ships with a capacity between 5,000 and 12,000 cbm (37 units). This fleet is due to be operated in conjunction with the biggest ships between 15,000 and 20,000 cbm run by Scandigas / AP Moller. Also to be noted was the withdrawal by Tsakos from the joint venture set up in 2002 with Lauritzen Kosan on four 4,400 / 6,300 cbm, all now run by the latter.

  • Prices: the continuation of the upward movement in oil prices and derivatives followed an erratic but continuous trend. Although with less of an impact than China on the oil and bulk sectors, the US also exerted a significant pressure on the LPG and ammonia markets, with the strong surge in imports resulting from the hike in the price of natural gas. This price is now close to $ 7/mmbtu, a level which highly affects the price of propane and ammonia which are extracted from natural gas.

Our annual table with the evolution of prices over the last three years gives the following:


 

Together with the gas price, the freight market was rather disappointing throughout the year 2003, despite the progress seen in the larger size sectors of VLGC (78 / 84,000 cbm), LGC (52 / 59,000 cbm) and Mid-size (24 / 35,000 cbm) during the second half.

Some figures which illustrate this point:


 

It is always important to remember that the average rates exclude all eventual idle time of a ship due to inactive periods between voyages and are neither an indication of an owner's gross margin on the spot market nor representative of the level of transactions over period business (two years and more).
 


 

Situation by ship size

The average spot rates on the reference voyage Middle East Gulf / Japan for the year was higher than the previous year, despite some much more pronounced variations both higher and lower. Starting from a level of close to $ 30 per ton at the beginning of the year, the market then fluctuated between $ 23-30 per ton before reaching a peak of $ 40 in June.

These rates represent a time charter equivalent fluctuating between $ 550,000 and $ 900,000 per month, and an annual average of nearly $ 600,000 per month, from which figure a number of short and long term time charters were concluded at slightly higher levels.

Naphtha demand again largely contributed to keeping the VLGCs fully employed and nearly a third of the Bergesen fleet is employed on the naphtha market (7 to 10 VLGCs) with an average revenue which is very close to the LPG rates depending on the spot fluctuations of the naphtha market.

The price of scrapping, which was higher and well sustained at $ 250 per ton, attracted four VLGCs, including one 75,000 cbm of 26 years-old which is an unusual occurrence in this respect, whereas eight newbuildings were delivered in 2003. By end November 10 VLGC newbuildings were on order for which deliveries spread out between 2004 and 2007.

Some studies and statistics indicate that there will be an important deficit of VLGCs in the next years given the age profile of this sector and the foreseen growth in LPG production. If current growth were in fact to follow these estimates it is likely that a shortage could occur as from 2005 / 2006, but one must be careful of a possible reversal in the situation should the pace of new orders become too intense.

Despite the current buoyant climate and the important number of multiple orders placed with the main shipyards, some of them are still able to offer newbuildings of VLGCs before 2006!
 

This segment is going through a transitional phase due to the first deliveries of the new orders placed two years ago, but currently still strongly influenced by the age profile of the fleet. Of the 24 units which comprise this category and currently in service, eight are over 25 years-old and sixteen more than 20 years-old, whilst 7 new units are due to be delivered over the next two years.

Such a marked division in ages and ships' specifications has resulted in a freight differential being paid by the market to ships of the older generation, primarily engaged in the ammonia trade where the terminals are able to avoid the restrictions imposed by the oil Majors, compared to higher rates obtained by more modern ships.

Despite the very small change in demand compared to the previous year and an idle period which is still considerable, the average level of short term time-charter rates (6 to 18 months) rose very slightly, moving up from a monthly rate of $ 500,000 to $ 550,000 at the beginning of the year to $ 600,000 to $ 625,000 in the last quarter of 2003 for the older units, whereas the more modern vessels were able to achieve $ 700,000 to $ 750,000 per month.

Some Majors have become owners in this segment size such as Sonatrach with three carriers to be delivered 2004 / 2005 and Hydro for two 60 000 cbm due 2005 / 2006, but the category remains relatively fragile and has to depend on the scrapping of the oldest units, which in all likelihood should occur imminently.
 

This category of vessel stands out from the other sectors by producing the best results and by their more consistent and regular performance, thanks to a demand which is shared between ammonia for a large part and LPG to a lesser extent.

As is the case for the VLGCs and the LGCs which have been reviewed above and which is dominated by one operator Bergesen, in the Midsize sector Exmar has the majority control.

Although still affected by an important idle time (11% in 2003, slightly below last year's level), the average revenues have increased over the year thanks to a more sustained demand for longer voyage movements (trans-Atlantic towards the US, cross Europe and East Med towards India for ammonia).

The flexibility in the size of these ships allows them to play between the two main markets of LPG and ammoniac, despite the additional costs of changing grades. The monthly level of 12 to 18 months time-charters for a 35,000 cbm vessel in January was roughly $ 585,000, whereas the current rate is $ 650,000 per month, and spot demand remains firm. That of a 24,000 cbm refrigerated was around $ 550,000 during the last quarter 2003.

As we somewhat suspected last year, this sector has seen an important rush of new orders: five 39,000 cbm shared between Bergesen, APMoller, and Exmar for delivery between 2005 and 2006, and one 39 000 cbm for Bibby, still associated with Exmar in the Midsize pool and which should be delivered early 2005. Still under construction for delivery during 2004, is the 35,000 cbm for Mitsubishi and two Qatari 23,000 cbm.

The current market is not really conducive to new orders, but the various players, already heavily involved in the quality regulations required by the LPG industry and probably also in ammonia in the near future, are doing their best to maintain their positions within their size categories and to respond to the quality improvements being exacted by the majority of oil Majors.
 


 

The recovery in petrochemicals has not allowed this sector to take off. What is even worse is that the results of the chemical industry overall are fairly negative with everyone looking to improve productivity. This shipping category is also affected by the weakness of this industry and has had to fall back and seek out business in other markets such as LPG and ammonia.

The results of the first three quarters were extremely disappointing without any real improvement over the previous year, situated within a bracket of $ 275,000 to $ 325,000 for the smaller sizes and $ 375,000 to $ 475,000 for the larger ones.

Only as from October there was a growth in demand, often supported by an increase in the volume of LPG and ammonia movements (inter North Europe, Middle East Gulf / Asia, trans-Atlantic) indirectly influenced by imports into the US and a sporadic demand from the Asian zone for chemical gas. This area in turn was highly affected by inter Asian movements to the detriment of inter-continental traffic.

A very wide East/West geographical dispersal of ships and an increase in the volume of COAs suddenly generated a rise in demand and consequently freight rates, both on the spot as well as the short and medium term time-charter contracts, with the level of $ 575,000 being broken for the 20,000 cbm sector during the last quarter.

This sector was marked by the concentration move between the fleet of the Scandigas pool operated by AP Moller and that of Norgas, which became official with the creation of the new pool 'MNGC' as previously stated.

No new order for refrigerated vessels in this size category has been announced up till now, whereas in 2003 there was the delivery of three 8,500 cbm and two 10,200 cbm ethylene carriers for Norgas by the Chinese shipbuilders Zhonghua, as well as two 9,000 cbm ethylene carriers for Italian account and two 11,000 cbm pressurised taken on long term time-charter by Vitol. Still to be delivered is the 'Gaschem Baltic', 8 600 cbm ethylene carrier, for Gaschem.

And China? Are we going to witness the after-affects of the explosion in consumption already under way in this country, brought about by the 150 million Chinese who are already catching up with same level of consumption as among the western world? Without counting the numerous other millions that will follow in the coming years.

The phenomenal rise in strength of this part of the world should have repercussions on LPG demand and derivatives in the East of Suez, even taking into account the volumes and foreseen expansions on the various production sites being established in Asia these past few years.
 


 

Another very disappointing year for owners, more numerous in this sector. The efforts to concentrate operations which were made two years ago (breaking up of the Tarquin fleet, and the merger between Exmar and Lauritzen on the smaller pressurised vessels), has not produced any significant increases and levels have remained 'under pressure' during a large part of the year to average out on a monthly time-charter rate between $ 130,000 for the small 3,200 cbm and $ 275,000 for the larger size of 6,000 to 8,000 cbm, and a little bit more for the 8,000 cbm ethylene carriers. 

The petrochemical sector has nonetheless prevented a worsening of idle time and of rates obtained on the LPG market, with the development of some long haul movements from Europe to the US or S.E. Asia for propylene and ethylene. 

This sector has always suffered from an excess capacity of tonnage, but this should begin to rectify itself given the lack of orders for any newbuildings. A situation which is totally logical given the very low return on investment which owners are experiencing in this category. 

Most of the shipyards are in fact fully booked up until the end of 2006 and the other shipping sectors (oil, bulk, and LNG) should continue to keep them busy with new orders. 

This new situation risks to upset the balance between the supply and demand of ships of the refrigerated and semi-pressurised class, at a time when the need for new orders can no longer been satisfied with deliveries in one year and despite the existence of the smaller Japanese shipyards, which have always been specialised in this sector at competitive prices. 

The orderbook is limited to two 3,000 cbm semi-pressurised / refrigerated for Italian account for delivery at the beginning of 2004, two 4,000 cbm also semi-pressurised / refrigerated for Geogas with Japanese shipyards for delivery in 2005, and three other 7,200 cbm pressurised of which two are for Brazil and the other Japan with during delivery in 2004.
 


 

Prospects

As we have seen, the biggest carriers (VLGC down to Midsize) have survived during the course of the year slightly better with marginally higher results as compared to last year, but the other sectors have suffered again with still too long idle times and a decline in demand on certain trades.

In short, another unsatisfactory year for LPG and its derivatives in a feverish condition compared to the healthy excitements seen in the other markets, and in an economic environment which has been badly shaken by the drop in the dollar against the euro.

Nonetheless there are a few indications that could lead to an improvement in the situation:

The order book for newbuildings, especially of ships less than 30,000 cbm, has never been so slim and close to the critical level needed to replace the oldest ships. These latter are being more and more scrutinised by the new safety regulations of the oil Majors, as well as the new political measures being adopted by some countries with regards to the safety and age of ships. The vessels are classified as 'LPG tankers' and improperly being subjected to the same conditions as oil tankers. An immediate consequence of this development is that a ship's depreciation should be calculated on the basis of a shorter life-span. It is not unreasonable to think that the combined effect of a growing number of candidates for scrapping together with a reduced number of new orders will lead to a mini-shortage of tonnage by 2006.

At the same time we have recently seen that some owners who are already involved in other shipping sectors, are beginning to show a disinterest in gas carriers, especially within the smaller sizes. Given the poor returns on investment that they have been experiencing for a long time, some owners are now beginning to question any new investments in gas and preferring to look at other shipping sectors. We have here the possibility of a change in the market structure, together with a likely problem of renewing the fleet in a couple of years, which is perhaps more serious than the often quoted risk of the saturation of shipyards due to an overflow of orders.

The strong surge in American imports linked to the price of natural gas should continue, as long as the different LNG projects do not become operational. The energy 'bonanza' on the Asian continent, lead by China, is in full force and new requirements for gas and petrochemicals are to be expected. India, Japan, and China are all likely to see an increase in the import and export of products with other geographical zones.

The most serious forecasts sometimes miss their target due to some small unexpected elements, which nobody had foreseen but which changes the outlook (disease, terrorism, etc.). We only hope however that some of these new trends can develop in a calm and orderly mood so as to allow the market to steer and set sail towards a brighter horizon.
 
  


 


  

LPG carriers second-hand market

  • Carriers over 50,000 cbm

Nine sales were reported this year, of which four for scrapping at a rate between $ 200 and $ 260 per lightweight ton (which represents about $4 to 5 million per ship).

Four other sales concerned ships between 20 and 25 years old and were finalised at prices from $ 3.0 up to $ 8.5 million for the most recent (built in 1982).

Two modern candidates for sale came onto the market at the beginning and at the end of the year, but obtained similar prices. At the start to the year Naftomar bought the 'Gas Roman', 78,000 cbm, built in 1990 for around $ 32 million. Later in the year Bergesen purchased the 'Flanders Gloria', built in 1991, for $ 33 million. For reference the latter had been acquired by Exmar five years ago for $50 million.

  • Carriers between 20,000 - 50,000 cbm

No transaction for further trading has been reported this year. The episode of the 'Navigator' has still not come to an end and the story is still an open book.

  • Carriers between 10,000 - 20,000 cbm

 Three sales for scrapping have been concluded this year. As to sales for further trading, the London owner Zodiac has continued to strengthen his position in this category with the purchase of the 'Nelly Maersk', 14,700 cbm, built in 1990, for about $ 15.5 million in June. This vessel will join the five other ships of similar size acquired in 2001 and which remain employed in the 'Maersk NGC' pool.

  • Carriers between 3,000 and 10,000 cbm

Small pressurised ships remained at the low levels of last year. Most of the sales have been made between Far Eastern buyers and sellers, with the notable exception of 'Chemgas Mango' and 'Chemgas Durian', 3,200 cbm, built in 1997, and which were bought for $ 5.2 million each by Dorian Hellas, who continues to built up its position in the small size LPG market, after having purchased last year two ships of similar type and same age at comparable terms.

As to the semi-refrigerated market, only the oldest and cheapest ships were able to find a buyer other than for scrap. We can cite the 'Galp Faro', 5,000 cbm, built in 1982, and sold for $ 2.5 million.



Shipping and Shipbuilding Markets in 2003

I N D E X

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FROM THE HOME PAGE
The Venice Marghera station has been equipped with a track compliant with European TEN-T standards
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A 740-meter freight track has been opened.
World Shipping Council introduces Cargo Safety Program to prevent ship fires
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Rheinmetall to enter naval shipbuilding sector by acquiring Naval Vessels Lürssen
Bremen
Lürssen Group to focus on megayacht production
The British government is investing half a billion pounds to reduce shipping emissions.
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It is worth around $310 million.
The Campania Port Authority reaches an agreement with UNIPORT and Assiterminal
Naples
The regional tax - highlights the port authority - risks undermining the competitiveness of ports
IAPH and WCO publish updated guidelines on cooperation between customs and port authorities
Tokyo/Brussels
Contributed by the World Shipping Council
ABB and Blykalla collaborate on nuclear marine propulsion
Stockholm
The agreement focuses on small modular fast reactors developed by the Swedish company
Saipem wins new offshore contract worth approximately $1.5 billion in Türkiye
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Milan
It is related to the third phase of the Sakarya gas field development project.
In the second quarter, freight traffic in the port of Civitavecchia grew by +5.7%
Civitavecchia
Record for cruise passengers this period
Uniport and Assiterminal oppose the additional fees demanded of port operators by the Campania Region.
Rome
Amount between 10% and 25% of the annual state fee
The first train from Belgium under the FS Logistix-Lineas agreement has arrived in Segrate.
Milan
Five return connections per week to Antwerp are scheduled
Modernization works are underway at the passenger terminal at the port of Igoumenitsa.
Naples
Grimaldi takes delivery of the PCTC "Grand Auckland"
Damage to submarine cables in the Red Sea
Portsmouth
According to the International Cable Protection Committee, the cause could be ship traffic
Dutch company Damen to build 24 naval vessels for British company Serco
Gorinchem/Amsterdam
Green light for a €270 million bridging loan to the shipbuilding company.
DP World to build and operate container terminal at Montreal's new Contrecœur port
Dubai/Montreal
It will become operational in 2030
Expansion work has begun at the Vienna South intermodal terminal.
Vienna
Annual traffic capacity expected to increase by 44%
In July, ship traffic in the Suez Canal increased by +0.8%
In July, freight traffic in the ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado decreased by -3.0%
Genoa
The decline was limited by increased oil traffic in the Vado harbor. Ferry traffic dropped 9.9%.
Trump nominates Laura DiBella as chair of the Federal Maritime Commission.
Washington
The nomination of Robert Harvey as commissioner of the federal agency has also been forwarded to the Senate.
Genoa's new dam: a modification has been approved to allow for completion of work by the end of 2027.
Genoa
Phase A and Phase B works will be carried out rather than sequentially
Assiterminal, simplify and standardize dredging procedures to restore the operational competitiveness of ports.
Taranto Recommends: The Regasification Plant Would Promote the Port's Revitalization
Taranto
Melucci: a lifeline for the entire port system and for our city's economic growth.
Cargo and cruise traffic in eastern Sicily ports is on the rise
Catania
In the container segment, an increase of +27.9% was recorded
FS Logistix and Lineas form joint venture to manage the Antwerp Mainhub Terminal
Antwerp
Rail services between Antwerp and Milan expected to increase
Attack on a product tanker in the Red Sea
Southampton
A missile fell near the ship which suffered no damage
Sea trials have been completed for the new GNV Virgo ro-pax vessel.
Genoa
It will be GNV's first liquefied natural gas ship
Companies inform
Accelleron and Geislinger: An Evolving Technical Collaboration
In the first half of the year, Singamas' container sales decreased by -10%.
Hong Kong
The average selling price dropped by -3.8%
COSCO Shipping Holdings Group's revenues fell by -3.4% in the second quarter of 2025.
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Shanghai
Sharp decline in economic performance in the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe markets
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Genoa
Falteri: it can become the artery of an economic and social body that has been underdeveloped to date
SBB CFF FFS Cargo's half-year performance was negative.
Bern
The Swiss company announced a drop in volumes in both domestic and transit traffic.
COSCO Shipping Ports reports record quarterly revenue
Hong Kong
In the April-June period, net profit was 122.4 million dollars (+32.4%)
Cargo traffic at Chinese seaports hit a new record high in July
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Beijing
Foreign traffic amounted to 427.6 million tonnes (+6.1%)
South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and HD Hyundai Mipo Co. to merge
Seoul
The completion of the operation is expected for next December 1st.
Filt Cgil, priority should be given to valorizing AdSP workers rather than assigning positions
Rome
The union denounces the failure to comply with the National Collective Labour Agreement
In the second quarter of this year, freight traffic in the port of Venice grew by +4.1%
Venice
There were 228 thousand cruise passengers (+12.8%)
COSCO Shipping International's revenues increased by 10.3% in the first half of the year.
Hong Kong
Net profit was HK$494.6 million (+26.0%)
G20 nations' merchandise trade showed modest growth in the second quarter
Geneva
The increase in trade in services was more pronounced
South Korea's HD Hyundai announces multibillion-dollar investment program to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
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Seongnam
Agreements with the US investment firm Cerberus Capital and the Korea Development Bank
MSC World Europa cruise ship crashes off the coast of Ponza
Rome
The Coast Guard reports that the situation on board, where there are 8,585 people, is calm and under control.
MSC World Europa has resumed autonomous sailing
Rome
Electrical problem solved, the cruise ship is headed for the port of Naples
PostEurop warns that from August 29, shipments of goods to the USA could be limited or suspended
Brussels
Last month, Trump eliminated tariff exemptions for low-cost goods.
Chinese oil company OOIL sees growth in its half-year financial results.
Hong Kong
In the first six months of this year, revenues increased by +5.0%
Premier Alliance to split Mediterranean Pendulum 2 service next month
Seoul/Singapore/Keelung
Investment firm CVC Capital Partners exits Boluda Maritime Terminals and TTI Algeciras
Schiphol
The two terminal companies manage a total of nine Spanish port terminals
ZIM's quarterly economic and operating performance declines
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Haifa
In the period April-June the average value of freight rates fell by -11.6%
Interferry's Entry/Exit System risks delaying ferry operations at European ports.
Victoria
The system will come into force on October 12th
DFDS closes second quarter with a loss
Copenhagen
In the period April-June 2025 the fleet transported 10.6 million linear meters of rolling stock (-0.4%)
Ammonia and methanol are ready to decarbonize shipping, but some obstacles to their use must be removed.
New record quarterly results for the American cruise group Viking
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Los Angeles
The April-June period closed with a net profit of 439.2 million dollars (+182.2%)
Container traffic in the port of Barcelona grew by 1.8% last month.
Barcelona
202,321 TEUs handled at loading and unloading (+10.4%) and 142,492 TEUs in transit (-8.3%)
In the second quarter of 2025, freight traffic in the Port of Hamburg grew by +4%
In the second quarter of 2025, freight traffic in the Port of Hamburg grew by +4%
Hamburg
Sharp increase in transshipment container volumes (+26%)
Norway's Xeneta has bought Denmark's eeSea
Oslo
Both companies provide data and information for the optimization of containerized maritime transport
In the April-June quarter, freight traffic in Tunisian ports decreased by -3.8%
La Goulette
In the first six months of 2025, 13.8 million tonnes were handled (-3.2%)
Port of Koper sets new quarterly records for containers and rolling stock
Ljubljana
In the period April-June, 5.6 million tons of goods were moved (-4.1%)
Port of Los Angeles hits record monthly container traffic
Los Angeles
Over one million TEUs were handled in July (+8.5%)
Hapag-Lloyd reports second quarter increases of +2.0% in revenues and +12.4% in containers transported by the fleet
Hapag-Lloyd reports second quarter increases of +2.0% in revenues and +12.4% in containers transported by the fleet
Hamburg
Net profit fell by -39.4%
Evergreen reports an 18.7% drop in quarterly revenues
Taipei
The April-June period closed with a net profit decrease of -62.9%
South Korean company HMM's revenues fell by 1.5% in the second quarter.
Seoul
Trump announces rejection of IMO's shipping decarbonization program
Washington
The proposed framework - it is denounced - is in effect a global carbon tax that affects Americans and is imposed by an irresponsible United Nations organization.
Taiwanese companies Yang Ming and Wan Hai Lines reported negative results in the second quarter.
Taiwanese companies Yang Ming and Wan Hai Lines reported negative results in the second quarter.
Keelung/Taipei
In the period April-June, revenues decreased by -26.5% and -8.7% respectively
Cruise traffic at Global Ports Holding terminals grew by 6.0% in the second quarter
Istanbul
In the first six months of 2025, an increase of +16.7% was recorded
In the period April-June, cargo traffic in Croatian ports decreased by -4.0%
Zagreb
Cruise passengers grow by +5.4%
Container traffic at US ports is expected to plummet in the second half of this year.
Washington/Long Beach
In July, the Port of Long Beach handled 944,000 TEUs (+7.0%)
ThyssenKrupp shareholders approve spin-off of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems
Eat
The company will be listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
WTO: Measured responses have cushioned the impact of tariffs in 2025, but risks remain high for 2026.
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Geneva
Global trade in goods is expected to grow by 0.9% this year
Hupac will increase the number of weekly rotations between Busto Arsizio and Basel from five to eight
Noise
Increase in attendance from September 1st
From January 1st, new bunkering regulations will apply in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Rotterdam
The barges must be equipped with flow meters
Maersk reports higher quarterly revenue, lower earnings
Maersk reports higher quarterly revenue, lower earnings
Copenhagen
Terminals and logistics have made a positive contribution. Container shipping benefits from demurrage revenues.
The CIPESS has approved the final project for the bridge over the Strait of Messina.
Rome
Construction will begin this year and the project will be completed in 2032.
Container traffic at the Port of Long Beach decreased by 1.3% last month.
Long Beach
Empty containers are increasing. Full ones are decreasing.
Assoporti, the Italian ports' cruise offerings presented at the Seatrade Europe fair.
Hamburg
Giampieri: We are leaders in the Mediterranean area and in Europe
Commander Claudio Tomei, USCLAC president from 2012 to 2024, has passed away.
Viareggio
His strong commitment to improving the working conditions of Italian seafarers
In the first quarter of 2025, cargo traffic in Greek ports grew by +1.4%
Piraeus
Passengers down by -1.1%
HD Hyundai Samho Orders Four New Container Ships
Seoul
Order worth approximately 468 million dollars
Trieste: Fraudulent bankruptcy in the shipbuilding sector
Trieste
Investigation into a company based in Palermo
Container traffic in the port of Hong Kong fell by 7.4% in August.
Hong Kong
In the first eight months of 2025 the decline was -3.8%
Container traffic at the port of Singapore continued to decline in August
Singapore
Total volume of goods increased by +1.1%
BigLift Shipping and CY Shipping order two additional heavy lift vessels
Amsterdam
Order placed at Chinese shipyard Jing Jiang Nanyang Shipbuilding Co.
The Charthage ferry was placed under administrative detention in the port of Genoa
Genoa
A Coast Guard inspection found numerous deficiencies
Disney Cruise Line's largest ship's debut delayed by three months
Lake Buena Vista
Construction delays force the maiden voyage to be postponed until March 10th.
Shell to supply liquefied biomethane to Hapag-Lloyd containerships
Hamburg
Agreement effective immediately
Andrea Zoratti has been appointed general manager of Hub Telematica
Genoa
The company is controlled by Assagenti and Spediporto
Jotun and Messina sign agreement to improve the environmental and commercial performance of ships.
Genoa
The "Jolly Rosa" vessel will use the Hull Skating Solutions solution
PSA Genova Pra' announces the hiring of 25 people dedicated to container handling.
Genoa
Ferrari: International markets have changed profoundly
CMA CGM will not apply surcharges for new US taxes on Chinese vessels and Chinese services
Marseille
The rates announced by the USTR in April will apply from October 14th.
South Korean HJ Shipbuilding wins orders for four 8,850 TEU containerships
Busan
Orders with a total value of approximately 461 million dollars
Conference: "Waiting and Delays in Road Transport: Logistics in Check"
Genoa
Organized by Trasportounito, it will be held on September 26th in Genoa
GNV has inaugurated a new office in Barcelona
Barcelona
The company currently has 52 employees throughout Spain.
Port of Trieste: EU funding for two new projects
Trieste
Resources with a total value of 1.7 million euros
Filt Cgil, the Flotilla incident is serious. Dockworkers are ready to mobilize.
Rome
Union announces action if aid is not allowed to reach Gaza
SAILING LIST
Visual Sailing List
Departure ports
Arrival ports by:
- alphabetical order
- country
- geographical areas
In the first eight months of 2025, container traffic in the port of Gioia Tauro grew by +10.6%
Gioia Tauro
2,912,943 TEUs were handled
Stena Line to buy Latvian port operator Terrabalt
Gothenburg
It handles rolling stock, bulk cargo, and general cargo traffic in the port of Liepaja.
Meyer Turku begins construction of Royal Caribbean's fourth "Icon"-class cruise ship
Miami/Turku
It will be delivered in 2027
More than one in ten maritime shipments has shortages
Washington
This is what a report by the World Shipping Council has revealed, highlighting the safety risks
Last July, traffic in the port of Ravenna increased by +3.8%
Ravenna
In the first seven months of 2025, growth was +5.4%
In the first quarter of 2025, freight traffic in Belgian ports fell by -3.2%.
Brussels
Landings down 1.3% and embarkations down 5.4%
Product tanker High Fidelity rescues 38 migrants on a drifting dinghy
Rome
Intervention in the south of the island of Crete
GES and RINA sign agreement to develop a prototype of a new hydrogen battery
Rovereto/Genoa
PSA's second phase of container terminal at Mumbai Port inaugurated
Singapore
Annual traffic capacity will increase to 4.8 million TEUs
The conference "EU ETS - Perspectives and Opportunities for Decarbonization in the Maritime Sector" will be held in Palermo.
Rome
It will be held on September 18th and 19th
Fincantieri and PGZ sign an agreement to support the modernization of the Polish Navy
Trieste
The third LSS section for Chantiers de l'Atlantique was launched in Castellammare di Stabia.
In the US, funding for wind energy development projects in ports is being cut.
Washington
Resources worth $679 million will be reallocated for port infrastructure upgrades
From January 1st, Kombiverkehr will operate the PKV intermodal terminal in the port of Duisburg.
Frankfurt am Main
It has a traffic capacity of approximately 200 thousand intermodal units per year.
Wallenius Marine and ABB form Overseas joint venture
Stockholm
The aim is to accelerate the launch of the platform of the same name for improving fleet performance.
DHL eCommerce has acquired a minority stake in Saudi Arabia's AJEX Logistics Services.
Bonn/Riyadh
The Middle Eastern company has two thousand employees
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has asked the Region to agree on the appointment of Bagalà as president of the Sardinian Port Authority.
Rome
He is currently the extraordinary commissioner of the same body
CMPort's port terminals handled record container traffic in the second quarter
Hong Kong
In the first six months of 2025 the total was 78.8 million TEUs (+4.3%)
Confitarma approves the decree on advanced training for tanker seafarers.
Rome
Applause to the General Command of the Port Authority Corps
Quarterly freight traffic in Moroccan ports increases
Tangier/Casablanca
In Tanger Med the growth was +17%
The board of directors of the Genoa-based Ente Bacini has been renewed.
Genoa
President Alessandro Arvigo and CEO Maurizio Anselmo
In the second quarter, sales of dry containers produced by CIMC fell by -33%.
Hong Kong
Reefer boats increase by 57%
The Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of the Grande Shanghai
Naples
It will be used for the transport of vehicles between East Asia and Northern Europe
Chinese automaker FAW ships components to Europe by train
Changchun
Transit time reduced to 18 days compared to 45 days for maritime transport
The ART urges to verify that the investment plan and the related amortization period are consistent with the duration of the port concessions.
Turin
Opinions regarding the concession extensions requested by the Neapolitan companies So.Te.Co. and Co.Na.Te.Co.
The assets and fleet of the Spanish Armas Trasmediterránea will be sold to Baleària and DFDS
Las Palmas/Dénia/Copenhagen
Two agreements worth €215 million and €40 million respectively have been signed.
Italian State Railways (FS), investing €70 million to install the ERTMS system.
Rome
Work has been completed on 382 Trenitalia trains, while the retrofitting of 60 locomotives from Mercitalia Rail, an FS Logistix company, is underway.
MPC Container Ships' quarterly revenue returns to growth
The second quarter of 2025 was closed with a net profit of 78.1 million dollars (+20.5%)
Plans to build two container customs areas north and south of the Suez Canal
Cairo
Fourteen of the 48 abandoned shipwrecks in Catania port have been removed.
Catania
The activity will be replicated in the port of Augusta
The Regional Administrative Court (TAR) has confirmed the validity of the tender for the new Ravano Terminal in the port of La Spezia.
La Spezia
DP World's port terminals handled record quarterly container traffic
Dubai
Revenues grew by 22.2% in the first half of 2025
In the quarter April-June the volume of rolling stock transported by Höegh Autoliners increased by +9.0%
Oslo
Sharp increase (+46.6%) of vehicles from Asia
South Korea's HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering acquires Vietnam's Doosan Enerbility
Seongnam
It manages an industrial area with its own port facility
Container traffic in the port of Algeciras grew by 6.6% in July
Algeciras
In the first seven months of 2025, a decrease of -2.9% was recorded
In July, the port of Valencia handled 488,000 containers (+6.7%)
Valencia
Increase driven by growth in empty containers
Salvini has appointed Annalisa Tardino as extraordinary commissioner of the Western Sicilian Sea Port Authority.
Rome/Palermo
The President of the Sicilian Region announces the appeal against the provision
The materials dredged in the ports of La Spezia and Carrara will be used for the construction of the new breakwater in Genoa.
Genoa/La Spezia
Agreement between the two Ligurian Port System Authorities
X-Press Feeders denounces authorities' failure to acknowledge responsibility in the X-Press Pearl accident
Singapore
According to the company, the Supreme Court ruling ignores international maritime law
Cargo traffic in Russian ports remained stable in July
St. Petersburg
In the first seven months of 2025, loads decreased by -4.6%
Container traffic in the port of Hong Kong decreased by -6.5% in July
Hong Kong
A decline of -3.7% was recorded in the first seven months of 2025
In July, the Port of Singapore set a new all-time record for monthly container traffic with 3.9 million TEUs.
Singapore
In terms of weight, containerized cargo decreased by -3.6%
Compensation to be paid by the Civitavecchia Port Authority in the Fincosit case has been set at €1.5 million.
Civitavecchia
Latrofa: The ruling allows the release of set-aside sums that have frozen the budget for years.
Germany's HHLA posts record quarterly revenue
Hamburg
In the second quarter, the group's port terminals handled 3.2 million containers (+7.9%)
In the first half of 2025, CK Hutchison's port terminals handled 44 million containers (+4.0%)
Hong Kong
In the quarter April-June the Wallenius Wilhelmsen fleet transported 14.8 million cubic meters of rolling stock (-0.5%)
Lysaker
Revenues down by -0.7%
In the second quarter, Montenegro's ports handled 670 thousand tons of goods (+0.6%)
Podgorica
Volumes with Italy amounted to 154 thousand tons (+53.1%)
PORTS
Italian Ports:
Ancona Genoa Ravenna
Augusta Gioia Tauro Salerno
Bari La Spezia Savona
Brindisi Leghorn Taranto
Cagliari Naples Trapani
Carrara Palermo Trieste
Civitavecchia Piombino Venice
Italian Interports: list World Ports: map
DATABASE
ShipownersShipbuilding and Shiprepairing Yards
ForwardersShip Suppliers
Shipping AgentsTruckers
MEETINGS
Conference: "Waiting and Delays in Road Transport: Logistics in Check"
Genoa
Organized by Trasportounito, it will be held on September 26th in Genoa
The conference "EU ETS - Perspectives and Opportunities for Decarbonization in the Maritime Sector" will be held in Palermo.
Rome
It will be held on September 18th and 19th
››› Meetings File
PRESS REVIEW
Korean Firms Reassess U.S. Investments After Mass Immigration Raid
(The Korea Bizwire)
Russia's infrastructure development plan aims to build 17 marine terminals by 2036
(Interfax)
››› Press Review File
FORUM of Shipping
and Logistics
Intervento del presidente Tomaso Cognolato
Roma, 19 giugno 2025
››› File
With the arrival of the first container ship, the testing of operational procedures at the Rijeka Gateway begins.
The Hague
The first commercial ship is expected on September 12th
A proposal to bring the port of Taranto back onto global container routes? Start a discussion table.
Taranto
Meeting on the status of freight traffic
Port of Ancona: Tender for demolition of fire-damaged Tubimar warehouses
Ancona
The expected duration of the works is four and a half months
Merger of the German MACS and Hugo Stinnes, both active in the MPP vessel segment
Hamburg/Rostock
Stinnes headquarters in Rostock to close by December 31
In the second quarter, freight traffic in Albanian ports grew by +2.9%
Tirana
There were 331 thousand passengers (+13.6%)
A.SPE.DO, operationalizing the Smart Terminal to increase the competitiveness of the port of La Spezia.
La Spezia
ING loans to Premuda for over 100 million dollars
Milan
Funds for the management buyout and the purchase of two product tankers
Sallaum Lines has taken delivery of the first of six Ocean-class dual-fuel PCTCs
Rotterdam
The ship was completed four months ahead of schedule
First meeting of the new Management Committee of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority
Genoa
Several measures approved, including those for CULMV and CULP staff
Euroports to operate a new liquid bulk terminal in the French port of Port-La Nouvelle
Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht
It is expected to become operational in 2026
In the second quarter, freight traffic in the port of Ravenna increased by +2.6%
Ravenna
Growth of 0.6% was recorded in June. An increase of 4.8% is expected in July.
OsserMare presents five reports on the marine economy
Rome
They focus on a specific sector supply chain or aspect of it
Port of Naples: Road haulage operations resume
Naples
Resolution meeting between institutions, operators and trade associations
ICTSI again reports record quarterly financial and operating results
Manila
Global Ship Lease Reports Record Quarterly Revenue
Athens
In the April-June period, net profit was 95.4 million dollars (+8.4%)
Vard receives new order from North Star for two hybrid SOVs
Trieste
Contract worth between 100 and 200 million euros
The Panama Shipping Registry will no longer accept the registration of oil tankers and bulk carriers over 15 years old.
Panama
Measure to counter the use of the shadow fleet
Danaos Corporation reports record quarterly revenue
Athens
The April-June period closed with a net profit of 130.9 million (-7.3%)
New customs fast corridor between the port of La Spezia and Interporto Padova
Padua
It adds to the other three already active on the same route
ICTSI to operate Indonesia's Batu Ampar Container Terminal
Manila
It is located on Batam Island
Pino Musolino has been appointed CEO of the Alilauro shipping company.
Naples
He replaces the resigning Eliseo Cuccaro
In the second quarter, DIS' time charter revenues fell by -37.1%.
Luxembourg
Net income was $19.6 million (-70.5%)
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