LNG

The LNG market firmed this week across all major routes, driven by tightening vessel availability ahead of early July loadings. Stronger momentum was especially evident in the Atlantic basin, while the Pacific also posted gains amid a thinner tonnage list.

On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, rates rose $800 for 174k cbm vessels to $20,700 per day, and $1,200 for 160k cbm ships to $12,400 per day.

Atlantic activity strengthened more notably. BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent increased by $3,700 for 174k cbm vessels, reaching $32,800 per day, while 160k cbm ships edged up $400 to $15,400. The rally signals tightening availability and growing mid-summer charter interest.

BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan followed a similar trend, climbing $3,700 to $38,200 per day for 174k cbm tonnage, while 160k cbm units gained $800 to $18,500.

Time charter markets remained steady. Six-month TC rates held flat at $38,450 per day, while one-year rates edged up $200 to $40,000. Three-year deals were unchanged at $56,000.

 

LPG

The LPG market held broadly steady this week, with rates fluctuating within a narrow range amid a lack of fresh drivers. While the West–East arbitrage remained constrained, some routes managed minor gains, supported by steady fixture activity.

On the BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route, rates slipped by $1.00 to $69.00 per metric tonne, with TCE earnings easing $1,745 to $53,607 per day. While the downside was limited, there was little in the way of fresh momentum to drive sentiment forward.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route saw modest gains, with rates rising $0.38 to $65.25 and TCE earnings up marginally by $74 to $68,422 per day.

The BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route held flat at $120.83, with TCE earnings softening slightly by $642 to $51,262 per day.

Overall, the week was marked by sluggish activity and sideways sentiment. The lack of volatility reflects a market still adjusting to prior gains, with participants closely watching for potential shifts in trade flows or regional demand to set the tone for the weeks ahead.