LNG

The LNG spot market saw a mixed week, with the East remaining active and rates holding at a premium to the Atlantic. In the Atlantic, activity picked up across the US Gulf and West Africa, but extensive vessel availability and subdued cargo liquidity continue to limit upside.

On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, 174k cbm vessels edged up $200 week-on-week to settle at $54,600/day, supported by continued enquiry and a tighter tonnage list, especially for 2-Stroke vessels.

The BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent route weakened by $5,200 to settle at $29,900/day. Similarly, the BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan route saw a larger correction, falling $8,200 to close at $56,000/day. Although fixing activity has improved from the quieter levels, extensive tonnage availability and subdued liquidity continue to weigh on Atlantic sentiment.

In the time-charter market, the six-month rate held steady at $44,200/day, while the one-year term eased $1,167 to $52,900/day. Further out the curve, the three-year period edged up $500 to $71,000/day.

 

LPG

The LPG market came under pressure this week, with narrowing arbitrage economics and a lengthening tonnage list weighing on sentiment across the board. Reduced cargo economics and softer fixing interest contributed to a general downward correction in freight rates.

The BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route settled at $251.20/tonne, with TCE earnings closing at $245,894/day.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route weakened by $6.33 week-on-week to settle at $174.50/tonne, with TCE earnings falling $8,401 to $205,311/day. Growing vessel availability contributed to the downward pressure.

Similarly, the BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route declined by $11.86 to close at $310.86/tonne, while TCE returns dropped $8,172 to settle at $190,386/day, reflecting the weakening sentiment in the Atlantic market.