Ship Finance

Key Maritime Insights Offered at Shanghai Forum

The International Shipping Strategic Development Forum met in Shanghai for wide-ranging discusion on the shipping industry. With high profile support from the Lord Mayor of London David Wooton who opened the forum, the event was attended by 450 and brought together some of the UK’s leading maritime professionals and China’s shipowners and charterers. Key presentations from the forum included: Economic outlook: Standard Chartered China Chief Economist Shen Lan gave a modest assessment on global economic outlook. She predicts China’s economy will grow 7.7% in 2012 and slightly pick up to 7.8% in 2013, while US’ growth remains soft and European economy’s main risk is to the downside. 
 Containerships: Sinotrans CSC’s Vice President Tao Suyun stated that the containership sector may recover earlier than bulk carrier and oil tanker sectors.
 Financial leasing: Raymond Yu, Vice President of China Merchant Group noted that financial leasing in China has grown 160 times in the last six years, and there is still great potential ahead as penetration rate is still 3.1%. 
 Cruise industry: According to Chris Hayman, chairman of Seatrade Communications, China’s outbound tourism market has more than doubled to 70m in just six years and is on track to become the world’s largest outbound market

SFL Buys Two Car Carriers, Charters Them Out

Ship Finance International Limited (SFL) acquire two car carriers & both have been chartered out. The Japan-built vessels have a capacity of approximately 6,500 car equivalent units (CEU) and were built in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The vessels will be time chartered to an investment grade logistics company, publicly listed in Asia. The charter period will be five years, adding approximately $85 million to our charter backlog

Frontline Ltd. Develops Heavy Lift Activity

In line with the strategy decided by the Board, Frontline Ltd. is currently in the process of establishing a separate entity to develop the company's heavy lift activity. Such a company will include up to six single hull Suezmax vessels. Five of these vessels are on long term leases from Ship Finance International Limited, and a deal is subject to reaching a mutually acceptable solution with Ship Finance International Limited for a purchase of these vessels

Independent Online Shipping Exchange Launched

Shipping finance specialist Tufton Oceanic is reportedly launching an independent web-based shipping chartering exchange with a group of e-commerce and investment companies. The exchange, to be called ShipDesk, aims to become the definitive independent chartering exchange, benefiting all market participants, a spokesperson said. ShipDesk, which will go live later this year, has been developed in conjunction with U.S

Drewry Report Examines Investment in Ships

Drewry research highlights a buoyant industry but aims to prevent over-optimism by pointing to previous shipping cycles “Investment in Ships” examines the crucial factors and shipping sectors but advises caution to maintain current growth rates Drewry Shipping Consultants announced that its latest report, “Investment in Ships” is now available to purchase. This independent assessment of all the shipping markets identified that most of the world’s leading shipbuilders are in possession of

Cyprus Financial Crisis: Effect on Shipping Interests

Cypriot Transport Minister, Tasos Mitsopoulos, states the nation's shipping registry will not be affected by turmoil in banking sector. The Minister downplayed the impact of Cyprus's banking crisis on the local shipping industry, pointing out that none of the island's banks are active in ship financing, reports Tax-News. Despite Mitsopoulos's assurances, many shipping companies' bank deposits in Cyprus are expected to be heavily impacted by the banking sector developments

Background to Shipping Initiative Seminar Scheduled

Just three years after its introduction, the five-day Background to Shipping seminar from leading training provider Lloyd’s Maritime Academy is now established as a major foundation course for both experienced practitioners and industry newcomers. Enrolment is under way for the ninth seminar in the series, which takes place in central London from December 3-7 and, like its predecessors, is attracting staff from some of the world’s best-known shipowners, ship managers

WISTA Ladies Show the Flag in Paris

Twenty WISTA USA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) members travel to Paris for the AGM.  This annual gathering of WISTA members in locations around the world is augmented by industry leaders who participate in the three-day event as both speakers and delegates.  This year a record 283 attended the event from 34 countries.  The conference was kicked off by Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary General for the International Chamber of Shipping.  Mr

China’s Growth Could Boost Shipping

China’s shift towards a domestic consumer demand-oriented economy could provide a significant boost to the global shipping industry, as the world’s second largest economy targets more sustainable growth. “2013 will be another peak year of new vessel deliveries. Oversupply of capacity is still an obstacle for the shipping industry to overcome, but with the improvement of the world economy, the shipping sector is expected to experience moderate growth

Planning Starts on Shiptec China Mega-Expo

Planning now underway for the International Shipbuilding, Marine Equipment & Offshore Engineering Exhibition in Dalian, China This increasingly important event takes place between the 21 and 24 October, 2014 at the Dalian World Expo Center.. The 10 Shiptec took place at the World Expo Center towards the end of 2012 and exceeded all previous events. In total 438 companies from 21 countries took part, showcasing their latest innovations on a gross exhibition area of 23