LNG

The LNG market surged this week across all major routes, as prompt vessel availability tightened significantly ahead of early July loadings. Gains were led by a spike in Atlantic activity, while the Pacific also posted strong advances amid a limited tonnage list.

On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, rates jumped $10,400 for 174k cbm vessels to $33,000 per day, while 160k cbm ships rose $8,200 to $21,000 per day.

Atlantic basin routes posted the strongest gains. BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent climbed $11,500 for 174k cbm units to $49,300 per day, and $10,000 for 160k cbm ships, settling at $26,900 per day. The sharp rise reflects a tightening list and heightened interest in mid-summer coverage.

BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan posted the largest increases of the week, surging $18,900 to $60,500 per day for 174k cbm vessels. Smaller 160k cbm units rose $17,000 to $36,400 per day, as long-haul demand accelerated.

Time charter markets also firmed. Six-month TC rates added $300 to reach $38,750 per day, and one-year rates gained $500 to $40,500. Three-year charters held flat at $56,000 per day.

 

LPG

The LPG market surged across all major routes this week, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which sparked a significant jump in freight levels and sharply tightened sentiment.

On the BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route, rates jumped by $8.42 to $85.83 per metric tonne, with TCE earnings gaining $8,356 to $71,244 per day.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route also rallied, with rates climbing $4.50 to $70.25 and TCE returns rising $5,098 to $74,232 per day.

The BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route followed suit, gaining $4.33 to $125.67 per metric tonne. TCE earnings increased $2,265 to $53,756 per day, underpinned by healthy trans Pacific demand and tightening positions heading into July.

Overall, the market firmed significantly, with sentiment shifting higher on the back of mounting uncertainty and limited prompt availability.