Gas report - Week 27
LNG
The LNG market softened across the board this week as prompt demand eased and fresh fixtures slowed. Weaker momentum in the Atlantic basin weighed on rates, while Pacific sentiment also lost ground amid thinning enquiry.
On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, rates slipped by $400 for 174k cbm vessels to $40,000/day, while 160k cbm ships declined $1,000 to $23,400/day.
The Atlantic also saw losses. BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent fell $3,300 for 174k cbm units to $41,900/day, while 160k cbm ships dropped $1,200 to $24,400/day, reflecting softer transatlantic activity and improving vessel availability.
BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan recorded the steepest correction, shedding $5,800 to $53,400/day for 174k cbm vessels. The 160k cbm segment also edged lower by $200 to $35,400/day as long-haul appetite eased.
Timecharter markets echoed the weaker tone. Six-month TC rates fell $400 to $56,500/day, while one-year rates declined by the same amount to $51,100. Three-year charters softened further, down $1,100 to $61,900/day.
LPG
The LPG market posted a mixed performance this week, with gains on Western routes contrasting with softer levels in the Middle East after heightened tensions. On the BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route, rates fell by $4.67 to $75.50 per metric tonne, with TCE earnings declining $5,456 to $60,736/day as chartering slowed and some prior premiums eased.
The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route strengthened, with rates rising $3.13 to $72.63 and TCE returns increasing $3,732 to $77,863/day amid steady demand and tighter vessel availability into late July. The BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route extended its gains, climbing $4.17 to $129.25 per metric tonne. TCE earnings improved $3,103 to $57,732/day, supported by solid transpacific flows and firm sentiment among owners.