Shipping Fleet Transformation is a Compelling Investment Opportunity for the Next Decade
The worst seems to have passed with respect to the commercial shipping decline, ongoing since 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis that saw a pronounced decrease in dry cargo volumes and excess capacity. With 80 to 90 percent of global trade seaborne, the long-term growth trend is strong. Globalization will continue apace and shipping will remain the dominant mode of transport for goods. Shipping fleet transformation, wherein new and existing vessels undergo technology upgrades to enhance performance and reduce fuel consumption, is a compelling investment opportunity given the payback periods (under three years in many cases) and strong fundamentals for the shipping market. Emissions regulations for ships burning bunker fuel are increasingly likely, and demand for cleaner ships already exists and is growing. The shipping industry is poised for technology adoption and investment.