Recovery building blocks falling into place, says Clarkson Research

A five-year high in seaborne trade growth coupled with easing oversupply is creating the building blocks for a recovery in the global shipping markets, says Clarkson Research Services managing director Steve Gordon.

The cross-sector ClarkSea Index has climbed by 8% year-on-year — but earnings in the industry remain below the trend seen since the global financial crisis.

“Overall, the shipping markets have started to see some improvements and a reduction in surplus capacity, supported by more positive demand trends and more moderate supply growth,” Gordon said.