Clarksons’ latest Shipping Intelligence Weekly reports multi-sector strength as IMO vote delay and US – China port fees raise uncertainty
The pulse of global shipping earnings, the ClarkSea Index, closed at US$30,461 per day, up 5% week-on-week and more than 50% above its 10-year trend, the first break above US$30,000 per day since late 2022, according to Clarksons.
Strength was broad-based: crude tankers advanced, dry bulk carriers improved on heavier Capesize activity, and container ship benchmarks firmed, while LNG carrier spot rates posted their first weekly gain in two months.
Policy signals turned markedly more complex.
An extraordinary MEPC session deferred adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework for one year after a contentious vote: 57 states backed delay (including the US, China, Panama and Liberia) and 49 opposed (including most EU nations).
Clarksons notes the outcome entrenches divisions and raises the likelihood of more regionalised emissions rules, increasing compliance complexity for owners and charterers.
