LNG Shipping Remained Under Pressure Last Week

The LNG market experienced pressure during the week, according to the Baltic Exchange. Atlantic rates faced challenges as vessel availability grew while the number of cargo opportunities remained limited. Some new requirements surfaced, but overall activity remained subdued. On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, rates decreased by $12,800 week-on-week, settling at $49,800/day.

A declining sentiment emerged due to ample tonnage. The BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent route saw a modest increase of $2,100, closing at $13,100/day. However, weak Atlantic fundamentals persisted, as fewer cargoes, shorter sailing distances, and many available vessels continued to impact freight earnings. The BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan route rose by $1,900 week-on-week, settling at $29,800/day, supported by a slight boost near the end of the week; however, overall sentiment remained subdued due to limited long-haul opportunities.

In the time charter market, sentiment weakened across all periods, with the six-month rate falling by $6,200 to $54,800/day and the one-year term declining by $4,700 to $54,967/day. Further out, the three-year period eased by $2,000 to $71,500/day. The LPG market was quieter during the week, with limited activity reported. The BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route settled at $217.75, with TCE earnings closing at $210,291/day.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route decreased by $9.00 week-on-week, settling at $148.75, while TCE earnings fell by $11,341 to $170,149/day. The BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route fell $9.17 to close at $263.33, with TCE returns decreasing by $4,604 to $154,458/day. Overall, the LPG market was slower than usual, with only a few fixtures concluded and freight rates easing modestly across the routes.