SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Includes an overview of the Report’s aims, as well as a summary of the methodology underlining the analysis. The Section also includes a summary of the most significant points and conclusions emerging from the Report – these are presented in the order of the corresponding Sections for ease of reference.
SECTION 2 ORGANIC CHEMICAL TRADE TO 2015
Chemical carrier employment remains dominated by the movement of organic chemicals, ranging from high volume base chemicals such as methanol through to intermediate feedstocks and downstream speciality products. This Section examines the supply and demand developments for each of the major products in turn, examining production, consumption, imports and exports. Developments of recent trade patterns are examined in depth for each major product. The analyses are extended into the forward period with projections of overall trade volumes and shipping demand through to 2015.
SECTION 3 VEGETABLES OILS & ANIMAL FATS TO 2015
The transport of vegetable oils and animal fats generates the second largest volume of chemical carrier cargoes, led by palm oil and supported by major shipments of soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. Recent changes in production and demand have had a major impact on trade patterns, including China’s increased demand for oilseed imports, strengthening oils import demand in India, and recent poor US soybean crops. Patterns for nearterm supply prospects are examined, together with longer-term factors such as population growth and the effect of rising living standards. This Section examines recent developments in terms of production, consumption, imports and exports for all the major products in turn, prior to analysing forward trade prospects through to 2015.
SECTION 4 INORGANIC CHEMICALS TO 2015
Inorganic chemical trades are characterised by specific intra-regional trade patterns, with the exception of long-haul trades such as the high volume exports of North African phosphoric acid to India. This Section examines demand prospects associated with key downstream markets such as fertiliser manufacture and the alumina industry. Potential sources of supply and emerging markets are analysed. Developments in production, consumption, imports and exports for each of the major products, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid and liquid caustic soda, are examined in terms of recent years and throughout the study period to 2015.
SECTION 5 CHEMICAL CARRIER SHIPPING DEMAND TO 2015
This Section examines the forecast trade developments for each major cargo sector under three distinct scenarios. The Base Case offers OSC’s most likely forecast of events through to 2015, with alternative Low/High Cases detailing the sensitivity of the market with regard to alternative demand prospects. Also examined are the likely developments in trade volume/structure and vessel employment.
SECTION 6 CHEMICAL CARRIER FLEET DEVELOPMENT TO 2015
The world fleet of chemical carriers is examined in detail, with investigation into IMO classification, age profile and recent developments in size and type of vessel. Forecasts of newbuilding activity and scrapping volumes are considered, with a detailed analysis of the likely future profile of the chemical carrier fleet.
SECTION 7 CHEMICAL CARRIER FREIGHT RATES & COSTS TO 2015
A detailed analysis of recent freight market developments precedes forecast freight market profiles under the three forward OSC Cases, taking into account previous analysis on forward supply/demand prospects. An examination of operating costs, both current and forecast, allows comparisons to be made with forecast freight market developments, hence offering a valuable insight into vessel profitability over the forward period.
