Near Term Outlook Mixed for Shipping
Shipping services company Clarkson PLC warned that the outlook for the industry remains mixed in the short term and dry bulk and offshore in particular present challenges.
"The near term industry outlook remains mixed and the challenges in some of our markets continue. The delivery profile of our activities in broking and financial will result in a weighting in performance towards the second half of the year. We do however anticipate further growth in activity levels in a number of key areas of our business," Chairman James Hughes-Hallett said.
Clarkson's broking division saw pressure in dry bulk markets, while low oil prices mean Clarkson is expecting activity in the offshore markets to move into the second half of 2015.
The tanker and specialized products team of the broking unit have seen "increased" activity levels, according to Clarkson, while the sale and purchase team "remains active across the sectors and we continue to develop our already strong position in the container market where we see long term opportunities".
Dry Bulk markets remain severely under pressure with the Baltic Dry Index down 56% and reaching a 30 year low in February 2015. In the offshore markets, the depressed oil price has forced operators to review their strategies for the year and we anticipate this will result in a slippage in activity into the second half of 2015.
"Our Tanker and Specialized products teams have seen increased activity levels, our S&P team remains active across the sectors and we continue to develop our already strong position in the container market where we see long term opportunities," says a press statement.
