OPTIMISM is in short supply as geopolitical turmoil deepens and the Hormuz crisis adds fresh strain to global shipping. Experts warn the fallout will be long‑lasting, compounding the economic damage left by the pandemic.
“Tonne-miles are increasing, but once we get to demand destruction, then the demand destruction will be greater than increasing tonne-mile input.” MSI’s Adam Kent told delegates at the Lloyds List Intelligence seminar in Singapore.
Should the energy transition be reframed as a trade resilience strategy, asks Mariam Tzannatos, decarbonisation analyst at MSI.
The conflict in the Middle East has once again exposed a structural feature of the global energy system: concentration risk. Read more at Splash247.com
MSI has appointed John Moulopoulos as director, North America, with responsibility for business development in the Americas.
The company said Mr Moulopoulos joins from Boston-based maritime intelligence and data delivery service Marsoft Inc, and his role will include working with North American shipowners and maritime investors, while also drawing on his heritage and network to support MSI customers in Greece.
He will bring previous experience in data delivery to MSI’s HORIZON and SEASCAPE platforms.
Mr Moulopoulos studied naval architecture and marine engineering at the University of Michigan and completed a Master’s in financial engineering in 2011.
He has also worked in investment banking, research and consulting roles in New York City, including with teams at Axia Ventures and Seabury Capital on research and analysis, supporting investor access to shipping markets and linking established owners with private equity and credit funds.
MSI managing director Adam Kent said, “John brings MSI considerable experience and a network that can help support our presence in US shipping and investor markets, combining a strong shipping background with skills that can help to shape our delivery of data, research and analysis.”
Mr Kent added, “At a time of considerable volatility and dislocation in markets, John’s background in research and analysis is an important addition to the MSI team and our service provision to clients.”
Mr Moulopoulos said, “Investors in shipping have been facing one black swan event after another. I see my role as helping US investors and owners navigate the conditions that come with the disruption and further expanding the MSI brand within the Greek market.”
He added, “The opportunity to join a leading provider of data and analysis comes at a time when impartial, data-driven insights are more vital than ever.”
Mr Moulopoulos’ family traces its involvement in shipping to 1865 under the Laurel Sea Transport name, with ownership and management of bulkers, crude tankers, cruise ships and ferries in the Mediterranean.
Laurel Sea Transport, originally from the island of Andros, operated an office in London for many years and sold its last ship in 2019.
A report issued by MSI, argues that an optimistic base case scenario would see “naval support for partial passage through the SoH at 70% of the pre-war volume in Q2 before transits normalise in H2.
“In this scenario, we see the near-term disruption and network inefficiencies mirroring, but falling short of, the dynamics seen in the Red Sea.” Read more at The Loadstar.
