LNG

The LNG spot market saw a strong week, with the Atlantic firming and the Pacific remaining flat. With a few uncovered cargoes in the West and a tightening tonnage list at the front end of the fixing window, it led to an upward correction in rates.

On the BLNG1 Australia–Japan route, 174k cbm vessels slipped $400 to $27,400/day. The Pacific market remained relatively balanced, due to most players being away for the Lunar New Year holidays.

In contrast, the BLNG2 US Gulf–Continent route jumped $12,200 to $35,000/day. A few prompt cargoes and a shrinking Atlantic position list forced charterers back into the market. Similarly, the BLNG3 US Gulf–Japan route surged $11,802 to $35,802/day.

In the time-charter market, sentiment improved slightly. The six-month rate rose $2,250 to $26,150/day, the one-year term increased $1,050 to $39,125/day, and the three-year period firmed $500 to $60,500/day.

 

LPG

The LPG market regained momentum this week as participants gradually returned following the Lunar New Year holidays in the East. Improved enquiry and a pickup in fixing activity lent firmer undertones across all major routes, particularly toward the end of the week.

On the BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route, rates rose $3.00 to $96.33, with TCE earnings increasing $3,450 to $85,692/day. After a relatively subdued start, renewed Asian interest helped push levels higher into the close.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route edged up $0.75 to $84.50, while TCE returns improved $821 to $88,465/day. The Atlantic market remained comparatively steady, but stronger sentiment from the East and incremental cargo activity provided support.

Similarly, the BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route gained $2.50 to $151.67. TCE earnings climbed $2,084 to $77,874/day, reflecting improved long-haul economics as charterers re-engaged and tonnage availability tightened slightly.