How world shipping has transformed in the two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Saturday marks two years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a war that has dramatically changed the global seaborne map, some argue irrevocably.

“Even if there were to be an overnight resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, we would not anticipate trade routes and volumes reverting to pre-invasion levels. Many importers are now seeking friendly jurisdictions with which to conclude business to reduce geopolitical risk and ongoing supply chain uncertainty,” stated MSI’s Adam Kent. Read more at Splash247.com

The competition for a place in the shipyards is getting tougher

The slots in China and South Korea for 2026 are “counted on the fingers of the hand”, while those with scheduled delivery in 2027 are now drying up at high speed.

“The situation regarding the availability of slots is always complicated until the orders are confirmed. “Orderbook data shows significant yard space for 2027 (about 75% of global production), but brokers report that some ship types are close to being sold out,” Stuart Nicoll, Director of MSI points out. Read more at Naftemporiki.

Clean ammonia trade boom to swell VLAC fleet to 400 ships

Demand to be transformed by increasing move from fertiliser production to bunkers.

A surge in demand for clean energy is set to boost the ranks of very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) as the ammonia trade is transformed.

MSI predicts the next 25 years are likely to see requirements for green and blue ammonia providing the impetus for owners to order close to 400 VLACs compared with a current fleet of 375 VLGCs focused on carrying LPG. Read more at TradeWinds.