LNG

It has been another subdued week in the LNG market, although sentiment edged slightly firmer on key routes. Spot earnings improved for 174k vessels, while 160k ships saw a mixed performance and time charter activity was equally varied.

On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, 174k cbm rates gained $500 to $35,100/day, while 160k cbm vessels also improved $200 to $20,900/day as Pacific demand provided modest support.

The BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent route strengthened, with 174k cbm earnings rising $600 to $36,900/day. In contrast, 160k cbm vessels slipped $200 to $21,800/day as Atlantic shorter-haul demand remained uneven.

The BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan route saw modest momentum, with 174k cbm rates climbing $900 to $44,100/day and 160k cbm tonnage adding $200 to $25,900/day, underpinned by steady US export flows.

Time charter activity was mixed. The six-month TC rate eased $1,450 to $44,150/day, reflecting near-term softness. The one-year TC edged up $50 to $45,750, while the three-year term rose by $850 to $56,800.

 

LPG

It has been a quiet week in the LPG market, with softer sentiment prevailing as the arbitrage began to move and activity slowed. Rates drifted lower across all key routes.

On the BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route, rates slipped $2.08 to $87.67 per metric tonne, with TCE earnings falling $2,110 to $75,741/day, as Middle East activity eased and prompt availability improved.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route edged down $1.25 to $82.00 per metric tonne, while TCE returns dropped $1,750 to $93,235/day. Softer Atlantic demand and more balanced vessel supply contributed to the decline.

The BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route weakened $1.83 to $151.17 per metric tonne, with TCE earnings retreating $1,256 to $76,537/day. Narrowing arbitrage opportunities capped fresh enquiry, weighing on long-haul sentiment.