TelestackTBA GroupViganBühler GmbHPort of StocktonVan Aalst
  • TBA Group
  • Telestack
  • Sailors Society
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Van Aalst
  • Cimbria

Healthy bulk market helps Pacific Basin generate record interim results

Healthy bulk market helps Pacific Basin generate record interim results

(Posted on 05/08/22)

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced the results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the six months ended 30 June 2022.

Martin Fruergaard, CEO of Pacific Basin, said: “In the first half of 2022, we generated our best interim results ever, producing an underlying profit of US$457.5 million, a net profit of US$465.1 million and an EBITDA of US$566.9 million. This yielded an exceptionally strong return on equity of 48%, with basic EPS of HK74.5 cents. Our results benefited from significantly higher average TCE earnings compared to the same period last year, strong operating activity results, and a competitive cost structure.

We continued to significantly outperform the market index rates, especially in our Supramax business, which delivered an exceptional performance over the period. Global minor bulk loading volume grew approximately 9% in the first half compared to the same period last year. Construction materials were the main driver, in particular cement, clinker and aggregates where loadings were up 8% year on year. On the other hand, the global dry bulk fleet grew only 1.5% net during the half-year compared to 1.9% in the same period last year mainly due to slowing newbuilding deliveries. The global fleet of Handysize and Supramax vessels grew by 1.6%, which despite slowing global economic growth has helped to support higher rates over the period. Our core business generated average Handysize and Supramax daily time-charter equivalent earnings of US$26,370 and US$33,840 net per day in the first half, representing an increase of 83% and 85% compared to the same period in 2021, respectively. Our performance continues to benefit from our diverse cargo and customer base and the close customer interaction facilitated by our extensive global office network. Our operating activity contributed US$30.7 million, generating a margin of US$3,330 net per day over 9,200 operating days in the first half. While margins varied over the period, they still remain historically high. Our financial position continues to strengthen with available committed liquidity of US$698.6 million and a net cash position of US$68.9 million as at 30 June 2022.

In light of the strong earnings, cash position and our confidence in the longer-term outlook for minor bulk shipping, the Board has declared an interim basic dividend of HK35 cents per share, representing 50% of our net profit for the period, and an additional special dividend of HK17 cents per share, representing 25% of our net profit for the period. The basic dividend and the special dividend together amount to a total dividend of HK52 cents per share.

We remain committed to our long-term strategy to grow our owned fleet of Supramax ships by acquiring high-quality, modern, second-hand vessels, and to sell our older and less-efficient Handysize ships and replace them with younger and larger Handysize vessels. During the period we sold five of our older Handysize ships, while taking delivery of one Ultramax vessel purchased in 2021. This strategy is resulting in an even more efficient fleet with greater longevity, while crystallising value from historically high secondhand prices. We expect our vessel purchasing activity to be less than last year as asset prices have approached historical highs, though we remain opportunistic where we see attractive second-hand acquisition opportunities. We currently own 117 Handysize and Supramax ships and, including chartered ships, we have approximately 240 ships on the water overall. In light of a softening global economy, we expect dry bulk demand in the second half to moderate somewhat from recent highs but remain relatively firm mainly due to seasonal factors in the grain market, elevated coal demand for electricity production and continued investment in global infrastructure.”

Latest News

DNV establishes Tanker and Bulker Expert Team in China

(Posted on 18/03/24)

DNV has established a Tanker and Bulker Expert Team based in Shanghai. With strong global demand and... Read more


ClassNK notation for improvements in living and working environment

(Posted on 18/03/24)

ClassNK has granted its “ELW” (Excellent Living and Working Environment) notation to &ldquo... Read more


Boers: crews' health should not be sacrificed while at out sea

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Leading crew change specialist Boers Crew Services says the industry should be collaborating more to... Read more


Wärtsilä simulator technology for Sharjah Maritime Academy

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Technology group Wärtsilä has supplied its latest simulator technology to the prestigious... Read more


ASL rebrands as Adhira Shipping and Logistics and expands range of logistics services

(Posted on 10/03/24)

Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) has launched an integrated suite of logistics and transportation... Read more


Attack on MV True Confidence – INTERCARGO statement

(Posted on 10/03/24)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) had joined shipping industry associations... Read more


Diverse Algoma fleet contributes to revenue growth

(Posted on 29/02/24)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the year ended December 31, 2023. Algoma reported... Read more


Liberian Registry establishes innovation and Energy Transition Team ??

(Posted on 29/02/24)

The Liberian Registry, the world’s largest shipping registry, has furthered its commitment to... Read more


Swedish Club widens enhanced PEME programme

(Posted on 28/02/24)

It is well known that a healthy crew is a safe crew, and that the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers... Read more


Fleet announces strategic leadership transition in its 30th year

(Posted on 22/02/24)

Fleet Management Limited (FLEET), the world’s largest third-party ship management company, has... Read more


Port of South LouisianaGeneva DrySailors SocietyTMS Awards 2023Cimbria
  • Geneva Dry
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Port of South Louisiana

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping