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The chemical tanker market is supposed to [ds_preview]see depressed freight rates over the next few years, consultancy Drewry says. Reasons for the damped outlook would be a softening seaborne trade and rising fleet growth.

»Spot rates collapsed in the third quarter as some charterers who usually fix their cargoes on contract took advantage of low spot rates. This situation also weighed on time charter rates and asset values, especially for the larger chemical tankers«, it is stated in the latest edition of Chemical Forecaster, released today.

In more detail, freight rates on major long-haul routes under severe pressure in the third quarter due to a fall in demand for China origin cargo, unexpected plant shutdowns in the Middle East and fierce competition between operators would cause the negative development. Regional markets also weakened due to increasing domestic supply and unexpected plant shutdowns.

Drewry chemical tanker
Changes in chemical tanker supply and demand

»China’s imports of certain products have reduced this year, not only because of the fall in downstream demand but also due to the surge in domestic production. With new projects due to start operating in the next two to four years, demand for imports of some chemical products will decline further«, Drewry adds. In the long term, it is expected that this will put downward pressure on freight rates to the Far East. On the other hand, it would be »good news« for China’s domestic chemical tanker market as it will increase demand for domestic shipping.

The sharp decline in spot rates and bunker prices this year has affected contractual shipping movements and resulted in early contract of affreightment (COA) renewals. However, renewal rates vary. »While freight rates on some routes are forecast to reduce substantially, other routes may see roll-overs or minor increases. Shipowners’ earnings will remain depressed for the next two years, especially those covered mainly by COAs,« commented Hu Qing, Drewry’s lead analyst for chemical shipping.

Hu Qing expects time charter rates in the smaller size categories to remain stable in the next two years, but rates for the larger sizes, especially MRs, are expected to decline steeply because of surplus supply and intense competition.