The piece examines shipping market volatility throughout 2021, highlighting dramatic swings across multiple vessel segments.
Key Market Movements:
- Container shipping rates reached their zenith in early October before stabilizing without significant decline
- Dry bulk vessels experienced a sharp rally, hitting thirteen-year peaks in September-October, followed by pronounced corrections, particularly in Cape-sized tonnage
- LNG carrier period rates surged substantially during the third quarter
Key Data Points:
- Container rates peaked in early October 2021
- Dry bulk rates achieved their highest levels in 13 years before declining
- LNG carrier period charter rates experienced significant gains in Q3 2021
Shipping markets have taken owners on a wild ride in 2021, with potential reversals expected in 2022.
