Japan shipping industry to thank China? Japanese media: China’s environmental protection needs of bulk carriers

Japanese media said Mutsuko Muto, president of the Japan Shipowners Association, said with a smile at the New Year message exchange meeting on the 5th: “Faint sunlight finally shines in.” After the sea shipping market experienced a record downturn from 2015 to 2016, from 2017 Start a slow recovery. Most viewers within the industry believe that the global trade volume will be centered on Asia.

According to Japan’s Nihon Keizai Shimbun on January 19, it is particularly booming for bulk carriers such as iron ore and coal. The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), an indicator of freight rates, averaged 1145 in 2017 and has risen by 70% since 2016, reaching its highest level in four years.

The report said that the increase in load led to excess capacity and the growth of maritime traffic stagnated. In February 2016, BDI dropped back to about one-fortieth of what it was before the crisis and showed a historic downturn. But now the recovery trend is obvious.

It is reported that one favorable factor is that China Logistics increasingly imports high-quality iron ore and coal from Australia, etc. instead of using cheap domestic coal and iron ore, which has led to an increase in the demand for bulk carriers.

According to reports, the circulation of goods for container ships transporting daily necessities, foodstuffs and precision machinery has also become increasingly active. As of November 2017, container ships moving from Asia to North America increased for nine consecutive months.

According to reports, the circulation of goods was very prosperous in 2017, but the freight rate was sluggish due to fierce competition. ONE, a container ship business integration company established by the cooperation of three shipping companies, namely, CKS, MTS Mitsui and Kawasaki Steamship, will open in April 2018, and global mergers and reorganizations are expected to come to an end. ONE on the owner of the price negotiation capabilities will be enhanced.

According to reports, behind the tough stance of the three major maritime shipping companies is the increase in trade volume. “The company had been worried that the trade growth rate would fall below the economic growth rate in early 2017. However, the International Monetary Fund predicts that the growth rate of world trade in 20173 For the first time in years will exceed the economic growth rate.

The three companies will have to account for a final deficit of about 600 billion yen in the last two years because they have to deal with unused vessels. Because of this, the maritime market is very promising to be restored.

Reported that the subject is there. The cost of handling bulk vessels and container ships in regulation is expected to increase. Whether it will be passed on to freight rates is a focus. In 2020, emission limits of sulfides will be strengthened, either using low-sulfur fuels or removing sulfur facilities. The restrictions on ballast water used to maintain the balance of ships will also become more stringent.

Shipping market can really recover? Reported that this year will be an important year to test the strength of the shipping companies.

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