Moody's: Stable outlook for shipping on back of dry bulk and container improvements
(Posted on 21/06/18)
The outlook for the global shipping sector for the next 12 months remains stable on the back of expected supply-demand improvements in the dry bulk and container shipping segments and overall sector earnings growth of 4%-5%, says Moody's Investors Service in a report published this week. However, the outlook for the tanker segment is negative as supply remains high and charter rates low.
"Demand will slightly outstrip supply in the dry bulk segment, while supply and demand are likely to be pretty evenly matched in the container shipping segment. This combined with our expectation of 4%-5% organic earnings growth in the next 12 months underpin our stable outlook on the global shipping sector, despite continued oversupply in the tanker segment," says Maria Maslovsky, Vice President - Senior Analyst at Moody's.
"Recent US tariff announcements targeting steel and aluminium imports from certain countries and potential retaliatory action pose downside risks to the global shipping sector," adds Ms. Maslovsky.
In the dry bulk segment, over the last 12-months to April 2018, the size of the global dry-bulk fleet grew by just 1%, a positive for the segment. Moody's expects that demand will outstrip supply by about 1% in 2018. Charter rates have improved, but the rating agency expects them to remain volatile. In the container shipping segment, broad macroeconomic growth coupled with trade growth will support demand. However, high supply growth, especially in the first half of 2018, will likely prevent material further increases in freight rates.
Moody's report, "Shipping -- Global: Dry bulk, containers keep outlook stable amid moderate overall EBITDA growth," is available on www.moodys.com and to Moody's subscribers. The rating agency's report is an update to the markets and does not constitute a rating action.
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
