Sharp rise in Vessel speeds indicates a gradual recovery of the sector from the COVID19 crisis, says an article published in Ship & Bunker.
Containership
According to shipping intelligence, Panamax container ship speeds climbed for a third month in August. Average laden Panamax speeds were 14.42 knots in August, up by 2.2% from a month earlier.
Impact on bunker demand
Ship operators changing speeds according to strength or weakness in freight markets and bunker prices can have a significant impact on bunker demand.
According to analyst’s, the change suggests that trading is recovering as lockdowns ease and increased numbers of vessels become fixed.
“This positive trend in speed correlates with an improvement in rates over the last few months.”
Tankers
In the tanker segment, Post Panamax dirty tankers have seen a sharp rise in speeds.
- The average speed for laden Post Panamaxes was 12.11 knots in August, 9.9% higher on the month.
- The laden speed overtook the pace on ballast, which lost 2.3% on the month to 11.8 knots.
According to shipping intelligence, the laden increase was “off the back of a sharp decrease seen in July.”
“Average laden speed during this downturn reached close to 11 knots but has now recovered close to levels seen this time last year, which is a sign that these larger vessels are resuming normal trading patterns.”
Dry Bulk
Dry bulk has also seen an increase in speed for some ships, with Ultramax vessels gaining steadily.
The average speed for laden Ultramax bulkers was 11.6 knots in August, up by 0.6% on the month and by 2.3% on the year.
According to shipping intelligence, “Despite a slight dip between May and June, average speed has been increasing since a low in February this year, and Ultramax speeds are now exceeding figures seen this time last year.”
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Source: Ship & Bunker
