LNG

The LNG freight market saw mixed movements this week, with modest gains in the Pacific contrasting with sharper losses across Atlantic routes. A softening of charter demand in the West weighed on sentiment, while Pacific basin routes showed some resilience.

On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, rates for 174k cbm vessels rose by $500 to $39,600/day, while 160k cbm units climbed by $1,800 to $24,600, buoyed by firmer Pacific demand and reduced availability.

Conversely, Atlantic basin routes weakened notably. The BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent route fell by $6,200 for 174k cbm vessels to $32,300/day, and dropped $2,200 to $20,200 for 160k cbm ships. Meanwhile, the BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan route slid $8,800 to $41,200 for 174k cbm units, while 160k cbm vessels declined $4,000 to $28,000.

Time charter markets were similarly softer. Six-month and one-year deals both dipped by $1,000 to $55,500 and $50,100/day, respectively, while three-year terms held steady at $61,900.

 

LPG

The LPG market was broadly steady this week, with rates trading within a tight band across all major routes. A lack of fresh drivers and a balanced tonnage list kept sentiment flat, although modest gains were seen on key long-haul routes.

On the BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route, rates edged up by $0.50 to $79.33 per metric tonne, with TCE earnings rising slightly by $427 to $64,883/day.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route softened marginally, with rates easing $0.25 to $72.50, and TCE earnings dipping $482 to $77,323/day.

The BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route posted a modest gain of $0.67 to $130.25 per metric tonne. TCE earnings improved by $388 to $58,348/day.

Overall, the market maintained a stable footing, with little volatility and limited upside catalysts. Attention now turns to the second half of July, where shifts in US and Middle East exports could provide firmer direction.