Lomar Shipping, a maritime subsidiary of Libra Group, has acquired the Bremen, Germany-based Carl Büttner Holding GmbH & Co. KG (Carl Büttner or "CB"). The acquisition of the 166-year-old shipowner and manager — known for its technical management expertise and strong maritime legacy — is Lomar's most recent step to further diversify and grow its fleet.
Lomar entered into preliminary discussions with CB in Q4 2021, and the final agreement between the groups was reached in early 2022. After obtaining final regulatory approvals, the transaction closed last week at an enterprise value of close to $160 million. Transport Capital provided advisory services and negotiated on behalf of the sellers.
Established in 1856, CB has been owned and managed by five generations of the Büttner family. Through this acquisition, CB will become a subsidiary of Lomar, a leading ship-owning and management group established in 1976 with a diversified fleet of container vessels, bulk carriers, and chemical/product tankers. Lomar's extensive experience in maritime includes ownership, commercial management, and technical management working with many leading organizations around the world. Lomar is also itself a maritime subsidiary of the family-owned Libra Group, a global business group whose subsidiaries are predominately in six key sectors, including transportation, with assets and operations in nearly 60 countries.
"We are pleased to see the acquisition of Carl Büttner successfully completed and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and their vast tanker management expertise as Lomar enhances its presence in the sector," said Nicholas Georgiou, CEO of Lomar Shipping. "Our organizations' cultures share many fundamental similarities, from our long-standing family values to a commitment to developing future talent within the maritime industry. We have a deep understanding of the maritime history in Bremen and are committed to strengthening our presence in the area by welcoming CB into the Lomar family."
George M. Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group, said, "This deal reflects the ethos and family values shared across our business group. We are pleased that as the Carl Büttner group joins Lomar, a proven maritime leader, it will also benefit from the strength of Libra Group's network around the world." He continued, "This is an exciting time for Lomar, and we look forward to many innovative and future-thinking announcements to come."
In 2017, long-time managing director of the CB Group, Thorsten Mackenthun, launched the most extensive newbuilding program in the company's history, which was successfully implemented with the delivery of four state-of-the-art ECO/fuel-efficient handy size chemical/oil-product tankers in 2019 and 2020, advancing the company despite the challenging market environment caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. He has decided to retire following the successful acquisition, noting that "after more than 42 years in shipping, this result is a wonderful conclusion, and it is time to pass the wheel into younger hands." He continued, "CB has had a strong track record in shipping for 166 years, and this deal is a new chapter as part of a trusted company in the space."
Among their shared values, Lomar and CB are both dedicated to growing the next generation of maritime leaders. Former CEO of Lomar, Bremen-born Achim Boehme, passed away at 56 in 2020 following a courageous battle with cancer. In his memory, Lomar launched the Achim Boehme Scholarship program to support the next generation of seafarers and shipping professionals. This program is currently supporting shipping students at Hochschule Bremen - City University of Applied Sciences that are taking degree programs in International Ship Management - Nautical Sciences B.Sc. (ISMN) and International Shipping and Chartering B.A. (ISSC).
Lomar has long had a presence in Bremen, a vibrant port city and economic hub with a historic seafaring tradition. Under the final terms of the acquisition, CB's foundation will support the Achim Boehme Scholarship program, providing approximately $500,000 in additional program funding for German maritime students. All funding from the family and foundation will be used to support the next generation of German seafarers.

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Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK provider of Rotor Sails to the shipping industry, has reached an agreement with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co (CHI), one of China’s major shipbuilding organisations. CHI has nine yards capable of up to 7.5m dwt annual production across all major vessel segments and a significant global customer base. 
CHI customers will now have the option to install Anemoi's award-winning Rotor Sails on newbuild vessels or retrofit during dry dock. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies can offer a turnkey installation solution to customers.
Rotor Sails, also known as Flettner Rotors, are an energy saving technology. The mechanical sails are comprised of tall cylinders which, when driven to spin, harness the renewable power of the wind to provide auxiliary propulsion to vessels which significantly reduces fuel consumption and lowers harmful emissions entering the atmosphere by 5-30%.
Nick Contopoulos, COO of Anemoi Marine Technologies, said: “This is another exciting landmark for Anemoi and will accelerate the take-up of our emission reduction technology. We are proud to have secured the commitment of a top Chinese yard group. CHI shares our long-term vision of the role that wind assisted technology can provide in delivering carbon reduction today. We are looking forward to a highly successful co-operation in the years to come and we are currently lining up the first installation opportunities with CHI." 
Guo ZhiQiang, Assistant general manager at CHQ of CHI said: “As an integrated group of shipbuilding and marine engineering enterprises we are committed to supporting the shipping industry’s decarbonisation drive. Our pool of 3000 professional designers and 10,000 highly qualified technicians allows us to integrate the latest and most advanced solutions into the ships we build as well as retrofit in dry dock. We are delighted to be working with Anemoi Marine Technologies and have been impressed by their solution which can be combined with a range of other fuel saving measures.” 
Anemoi already has over 170 staff at its production and assembly facilities in Jiangsu Province, China and is currently scaling up production capacity to meet the continued increase in demand. 

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Ilias Tsakiris, managing director of Hellenic Hull Management, managers of American Club Europe, has been elected the new Chair of the Ocean Hull Committee of the International Union of Marine Insurance at its annual conference in Chicago.
It is the first time that an insurance executive from the Greek or Cypriot markets will lead IUMI’s Ocean Hull Committee and is another reflection of the prominence of the Greek and Cypriot shipping industries.
“I am honoured to take on this role,” Mr Tsakiris says. “I am committed to continuing the exceptional work of my predecessor Rama Chandran, and to support the initiatives of the newly-elected President of IUMI, Frédéric Denèfle.”
Mr Tsakiris has over 30 years of professional experience in the marine insurance sector. He initially trained as a Master Mariner at the Hydra Merchant Marine Academy, Europe’s oldest marine academy, and he holds a degree in Maritime Studies from Liverpool John Moores University.
He started his career at sea as an apprentice Deck Officer and moved up the ranks, before coming ashore to work in London as an average adjuster.
In 1995 he joined Hellenic Hull Management, then-managers of a predecessor insurer Hellenic Hull Mutual Association Plc., becoming Chief Executive Officer of Hellenic Hull Management in 2005.
In 2015-2016, on behalf of the American P&I Club, he launched American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company, now renamed American Club (Europe).
Mr Tsakiris has been a strong advocate for IUMI’s increasing focus on sustainability in marine underwriting and educational issues. 
Hellenic Hull Management has been an early mover in the sector and was among the first marine companies to become a member of UNEPFI’s Principles for Sustainable Insurance, the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative, the Net Zero Insurance Alliance, the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative, the UN Global Compact and the Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance.
He is a visiting lecturer in various academic institutions, including the World Maritime University and University of Piraeus.

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TURBOMED SA, located in Piraeus at Schisto Industrial Park, will be a proud Green Award Incentive Provider. At the ceremony in Piraeus on 22 September 2022, Green Award handed over the Green Award flag and recently re-designed plaque to TURBOMED SA. This means ships and companies certified by Green Award will be able to redeem advantageous discounts when using their services.
Green Award certified Ships and Companies (existing and prospective members) can receive:
·  15% discount to Pre-Survey Services & Assessments
·  7% discount on all TURBOMED SA services provided on-board such as Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, Overhauling, Upgrade, Retrofit, Dynamic Balancing in the total range of turbocharger’s requirements of Main & Auxiliary engines.
·  10% discount on all TURBOMED SA services provided in-situ, i.e. Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, Overhauling, Upgrade, Retrofit, Dynamic Balancing in the total range of turbocharger’s requirements of Main & Auxiliary engines.
·  The Loyal repeat TURBOMED SA customers that are Green Award certified ships and companies are eligible for:
-  an additional 5% discount during the second year
-  an additional 2% discount from the third year and onwards
The CEO of Turbomed, Mr Ioannis Paraskevopoulos in his welcome note pointed out: “We are proud and happy to be a Green Award Incentive Provider. Our company's accession to the international Green Award community is fully aligned with our company's policy and business practices of promoting the environmental awareness and supporting the sustainable development. Besides, our latest technologically innovative services aim to enhance vessels' environmental and safety performance, securing at the same time the highest quality standards.”
Mr. Jan Fransen (Green Award, Executive Director) emphasizes “that involvement of organizations like TurboMed is extremely important as their services involve technical expertise to improve safety of shipping. This is a very critical part of the Green Award program as well, and therefore I am very enthusiastic about our future collaboration by welcoming them onboard.”
About TURBOMED SA: TURBOMED SA as an independent family business with 46 years of presence, specialises in construction, repair, maintenance, dynamic balancing, upgrade, retrofit of engine’s turbochargers for Marine & Navy, Oil & Gas, Power Plant and Auto & truck throughout Greece and worldwide. The company supplies turbocharger complete units and spare parts for all types and manufacturers.
TURBOMED SA has been authorised service agent for KBB Turbochargers in Greece since 1995 and provides service for the full range of KBB turbochargers. Service stations and affiliate offices of the company are established in various locations around the world, so that promptly cover a wide range of engineering works.
About Green Award Foundation: Together with sea-going ship operators, inland navigation operators, ports, governments, suppliers and service providers, Green Award is successfully committed for almost 30 years to the recognition and stimulation of sustainable and safe shipping. Green Award does this on a non-profit basis with a challenging programme of requirements, combined with a system of inspiration, audit/inspection, certification, and reward. Meanwhile, there are over 160 parties that give ships with a Green Award certificate a (financial) advantage. Green Award started in 1994 with a programme for sea-going vessels, in 2011 a programme for inland shipping was launched.
The program is consistent to 12 UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) supporting the ESG policies (Environmental, Social and Governance) of organisations across the globe.
The Foundation is governed by industry representatives
Image:(l-r) Mr Ioannis Paraskevopoulos (CEO, Turbomed) and Mr Jan Fransen (Executive Director, Green Award Foundation)

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Malaga, Spain, has been the capital of the cruise industry for a week, hosting on the 14th and 15th of September the first Seatrade Cruise Med after the pandemic. The event has been organised in collaboration with Seatrade Cruise and Malaga Port Authority, Malaga City Council, Costa Del Sol and Andalusia Regional Government, with MedCruise as the principal supporter.
More than 150 registered to Seatrade Cruise Med as exhibitors, and thousands of visitors finally came together for the leading exhibition, bringing all the cruise industry professionals in the Mediterranean region and confirming the high professional level of the participants.
MedCruise, the largest cruise ports association in the world, had a strong presence in that strategic gathering with a pavilion of more than 570 square meters offering to all its members and associated members the possibility to be promoted during the exhibition.
MedCruise port and associate members shared their valuable inputs upon insightful conferences or networking events to give a more sustainable approach to the cruise industry. The importance of sharing experiences, best practices, new projects for the future in order to demonstrate how to achieve the complete resumption of the sector and in a more sustainable way were key elements of the discussions
Adrijo project - a great example of collaboration within Ancona, Ravenna, Venice, Trieste, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik ports- presented during a special event hosted in MedCruise stand. The project describes a sea – the Adriatic – that unites two cultural identities as well as two shores and includes the Cultural Network that was established to preserve and promote their common cultural and maritime heritage, a heritage of monuments and of tangible and intangible skills, of the eight Italian and Croatian ports –– by means of an interactive digital portal.
Seatrade Cruise Med has had an intense program of conferences, focusing on specific topics such as the state of the Mediterranean industry, sustainability and the future of the industry involving more than 20 members among the speakers. In addition, several dedicated presentations have been organised by MedCruise members in addition to the several B2B meetings.
MedCruise presented the two major pillars of its strategy for the next years:
I. Sustainability: Sustainability is approached in a holistic, human manner. Collaboration-innovation-implementation of different actions define the #MedCruise4OurPlanet vision and
II. Data governance: MedCruise is currently developing a data governance project, which not only visualises data but implements a data governance structure that will help the organisation tackle a no-man’s-land head-on and assist in taking micro and macro decisions based on accurate and updated data.
During the prestigious ceremony of the Seatrade Cruise Awards, the first MedCruise Special Award was dedicated to the Black Sea Ports. Ms Julia Strikh, External Relations department from Odesa Seaport Authority, kindly accepted the invitation of MedCruise and was exceptionally present to receive the award on behalf of the Black Sea region.
MedCruise President Figen Ayan also participated in the Cruise and Destination Dialogue organised by CLIA association where she emphasised and reconfirm the necessity to work all together towards a more sustainable future.
As a bi-annual key event, within the occasion of the Seatrade Cruise Med, the MedCruise 61st General Assembly was hosted by the Malaga Port Authority. An important moment to discuss and update the members about the many activities of the association and the key 12 tasks held by the board of directors, which will shape the cruise industry.
As President of the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority I would like to take the chance of this Assembly to tell you what a great opportunity joining the MedCruise family represents for us this year: we are really convinced that to overcome this challenging moment for our sector in Venice, now more than ever, we need to share experiences and possible solutions, we need to learn the one from the others, we need to make comparisons with ports facing the same challenges. Joining forces and working together is the only way to design a new model of cruising the Med! We are also confident that finding the right balance in a complex port system such as the one of the Venice Lagoon will be proof that it will be possible everywhere! We will do more than our best to bring our contribution to the team!, stated Fulvio Lino Di Blasio, President of North Adriatic Sea Port Authority.
Furthermore, it was the occasion to welcome one new port member, Port of Ravenna and new associate members, Turklim, the port operators association of Turkey and the Wilehmesen group, which have officially joined the strong MedCruise family.
After the GA in Malaga MedCruise, the largest cruise ports association in the world, is currently representing +145 port and 47 associated members.
We want to thank the Malaga team for the huge work done during the last period to permit the organisation of this important event for the professional of the Med and adjoining sea. After 4 years it will be an emotion to be in Malaga working again side by side together. - Has said Figen Ayan, President of MedCruise.
"I have always loved history and archaeology, so knowing that Malaga, this beautiful southern Spanish port town is one of the oldest cities in the world makes me shiver. While walking in its streets, you literally feel like travelling back in time.
“It takes a long time to become young,” Pablo Picasso once said. He was talking about the kind of art he wanted to create, but he may as well have been speaking of his birthplace, Malaga.
So, Seatrade Cruise Med 2022 was in a very inspiring port city, where we discussed key matters where we are redefining the word sustainability to make sure that the ships are welcomed by the local community and that our ports are ready technically."

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On Sunday, the 11th of September 2022, the Ambassador and General Consul of Panama in Greece, H.E. Mrs. Julie Lymberopulos hosted in Her Residence the WISTA Hellas Members annual meeting.
We wish to thank all WISTA Hellas Members for attending the event organized by WISTA Hellas Board of Directors and Administrative team.
Taking this opportunity, we wish also to thank the President of WISTA Hellas, Mrs. Elpi Petraki, the President of WISTA Portugal, Carla Olival, and the President of WISTA Panama, Guadalupe Concepcion for their presence.
It was a great opportunity to discuss and get together with interesting female figures of the Greek Shipping Community. 
Within this opportunity, we wish to highlight the invaluable work that WISTA Hellas offers to its members and Community by: empowering women. building a strong inclusive community, addressing the issue of gender gap in leadership positions and in seafaring careers, facilitating the exchange of information and experiences, promoting business relationships and business activities, supporting continuing education as a means for professional development of the members and the young people, addressing current topics in the industry, promoting the Greek Maritime sector, in Greece and abroad.
WISTA Hellas’ membership base currently exceeds 350 members, all holding key positions in their organizations and being influential decision makers within the Greek maritime industry.
 

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At the recent SMM trade fair in Hamburg, MAN Energy Solutions and ABB – the  leading global technology company – signed a Decarbonisation Cooperation agreement regarding the development of a next-generation, Dual-Fuel, Electric+ (DFE+) propulsion concept for LNG carriers.
The DFE+ concept features the MAN 49/60DF engine – itself launched at SMM 2022 – and ABB’s Dynamic AC (DAC) technology and aims to deliver the operational flexibility shipowners need to cut carbon footprints as well as fuel bills for liquefied natural gas carriers. The scope of the collaboration covers a joint concept study between the partners sharing technical data, and discussing interfaces and system integration. MAN Energy Solutions and ABB intend to jointly promote the concept to customers.
Rune Lysebo, Global Head of Sales, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “Progressive regulations on emissions have called for continuous innovation in marine propulsion. To be truly future-proof, ships that are being built today need to be able to rely on flexibility in energy sourcing. The new power and propulsion system will be optimised for efficiency and compliance, and have the flexibility needed to achieve best performance.”
Elvis Ettenhofer, Head of Marine Four-Stroke – Region Asia Pacific, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “Two names like MAN Energy Solutions and ABB coming together to develop an innovative, decarbonising marine solution sends a strong signal to the market. Customers demand efficient and flexible propulsion concepts so they can react quickly to changing market conditions through the best use of their assets.
He added: “This cooperation with ABB will deliver the technology necessary to provide a new propulsion concept. In turn, this will help our customers to reduce their CO₂ footprint and fuel costs, and will provide the flexibility, for example, in operation for different trades or retrofits from an LNG carrier to floating storage units or floating storage regasification units. This concept can reduce methane slip and fuel costs compared to conventional diesle electric propulsion systems. ABB’s DAC and global presence are an ideal match for our new four-stroke engine.”
The DFE+ concept
Whereas the conventional DFDE concept is characterised by: 
·constant-speed operating engines (gensets) over the entire engine load
·optimised for high load, for example, the 85% load point
·in part- and low-load have high methane slip and less efficiency;
the new MAN/ABB DFE+ concept comprises:
·variable-speed operating engines (gensets) over the entire engine load
·better efficiency with significant reduction of methane slip over the entire engine map.
While variable-speed applications are well established for liquid-fuel systems up to 10mW_e, torque requirements and the low efficiency of first-generation dual-fuel engines – including limitations in the e-systems design for diesel-electric propulsion systems over 10 mW_e – killed variable speed for propulsion systems over 10mW_e.
ABB’s Dynamic AC technology enables the operation of propulsion systems above 10 mW_e at variable speed with all the accompanying benefits. In combination with the second-generation, high-efficiency MAN 49/60DF engine (with ALSi – Air Lubrication System interface, as an add-on), this DFE+ concept will provide customers with next-level efficiency and flexibility.
Pictured at SMM, Stig Leira, Transformation Program Manager, ABB Marine & Ports; Rune Lysebo, Global Head of Sales, ABB Marine & Ports; Vice President, Marita Krems, Head of Four-Stroke Marine & License, MAN Energy Solutions; and Elvis Ettenhofer, Head of Marine Four-Stroke – Region Asia Pacific, MAN Energy Solutions

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Marlink, the smart network solutions company, is helping to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans by supporting the global Plastic Odyssey expedition with smart connectivity solutions.
Plastic Odyssey is the world’s first floating laboratory vessel dedicated to plastic waste recycling. The ship will use recycling solutions, including pyrolysis, to convert plastic to fuel as well as acting as local recycling unit, showcasing waste reduction initiatives and promoting new thinking around plastic use.
Marlink will provide a free hybrid solution that combines Sealink's VSAT connectivity with global 4G roaming and a package of innovative solutions, including the use of the XChange platform for smart connectivity management. The Plastic Odyssey will be equipped with a 1-metre VSAT antenna and an L-band backup solution. For crew safety, the Telemed service will be provided for remote healthcare care.
Marlink chose to support this global initiative for environmental sustainability as it closely aligns with its own company-wide targets to improve efficiency, reduce emissions and pollution on land and at sea. Its connectivity solutions enable owners to optimise voyages to manage fuel consumption and report emissions data for regulatory compliance.
Plastic Odyssey’s vessel was acquired in October 2019 and underwent complete overhaul including asbestos removal and hull strengthening before its scheduled departure on October 1. Its three-year global journey will call at 30 main ports covering 40,000 nautical miles along the coasts of Africa, South America and Asia-Pacific. The project will also encourage coastal cities to use plastic waste as a raw material in into local micro-factories, transforming it into building materials and fuel with low-tech and easily transferable technologies.
“Plastic Odyssey is truly grateful to Marlink for its support of this project and its commitment to helping us reduce, reuse and recycle plastic around the world,” said Simon Bernard, CEO, Plastic Odyssey. “Its innovative solutions will keep the ship connected, enabling us to share updates and video with supporters - and keeping us in touch with shore in case assistance is required.”
“At Marlink we share the aims and objectives of the Plastic Odyssey team. Pollution is not just a threat to the oceans on which our customers depend; it threatens the future health of our planet’s ecosystem, said Erik Ceuppens, CEO of Marlink. “As a shipping industry stakeholder, we have a responsibility to work towards the minimising and ultimately the removal of marine pollution of all kinds.”

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Leading maritime catering management provider MCTC is celebrating its first decade of improving catering standards onboard ships by focusing on healthy and nutritious meals.
MCTC has been celebrating its milestone year with a special anniversary party and events throughout the year.
The company launched in 2012 with the aim of improving catering standards in the galley, serving healthy and nutritious meals and improving crews’ overall health, while reducing diet-related illnesses in crew members that are caused through consumption of fatty and high-calories foods.
MCTC started with offering training courses in catering and health and nutrition, with its flagship programme being the Catering Competency Development Programme. This offered the full training programme, as well as access to an experienced team of consultants, regular vessel visits, trade tests and weekly practical evaluations.
Over the years, the company evolved to offer full catering management services along with its training packages, taking care of the full spectrum of a vessels’ needs from budget planning, creating recipes and ordering supplies. MCTC is now on target to soon have 1,000 vessels under its service.
CEO of MCTC, Christian Ioannou said: “We are delighted to have reached our tenth anniversary and have enjoyed celebrating with numerous events throughout this year. The business has evolved significantly over the last decade and we are immensely proud to have gone from offering training to now offering a full scope of catering management services, along with our training programmes.
“MCTC started with the aim and vision to improve standards in the galley and there has certainly been a big shift in vessel managers and owners’ mindsets when it comes to health and nutrition over the last few years, particularly following the Covid pandemic. The new generation of seafarers are heavily invested in their physical and mental health and it is important that as an industry we are ensuring we are meeting this new set of needs.”
Alongside its training and catering management packages, MCTC has a team of experts who are on hand 24/7 with advice and support. All galley staff under its management has access to a fully interactive digital platform where they can receive nutrition advice, recipe ideas, communicate with the team, or access any of their training modules.
It also places focus on keeping fit and promoting a positive mindset to ensure seafarers are looking after both their physical and mental health.

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Container volumes in head-haul and regional trades are the key drivers of container vessel demand, average container rates, liner operator profits, and, since 2020, port congestion. According to Container Trade Statistics, combined head-haul and regional trade volumes fell 0.4% y/y in the first half of 2022. Head-haul volumes were 1.3% lower than a year ago while regional volumes were 0.6% higher.  Under normal market circumstances the peak season in key head-haul trades should lift Q3n volumes. However, recently released volume statistics indicate that there may be no peak season in 2022 but it is very likely that volumes will slow in Q4.
In July, the combined head-haul and regional trade volumes fell 1.5% m/m but were up 1.5% y/y. While this initially seems to be a relative improvement in volumes, compared to first half results, the figure appears in a different light when historical seasonality is considered.
As an example, in the Far East to North America trade lane, volumes in July have historically been on average 7.0% higher than June volumes due to the beginning of the peak season. However, this year volumes were 3.3% lower in July than in June. Applying historical seasonality, volumes should have been nearly 200,000 TEU and 10.6% higher than actual volumes.
Using the same principle for all head-haul and regional trade lanes, the combined July volumes should under normal circumstances have been 3.3% higher; 4.3% higher in head-haul trades and 1.9% in regional trades. Overall, volumes would then have been 4.9% higher than July 2021 instead of 1.5%. This is partly because it in 2021 was the first time in recent years that volumes in July were lower than in June.
Applying the same seasonality-based calculation to the rest of 2022, the full year volume estimate ends at 77.8 million TEU and 63.7 million TEU for head-haul and regional trades respectively. In total, that would leave the combined volumes at 141.5 million TEU and 1.3 million TEU lower than in 2021 (a reduction of 0.9%). Head-haul volumes would be down 3.3% y/y while regional volumes would be up 2.3% y/y.
Focusing on the rest-of-year period from August to December, the calculation indicates that combined head-haul and regional trade volumes will be down by 1.9% y/y. From a congestion perspective it is interesting to note a 10.7% y/y and 8.2% y/y fall in import volumes to the Europe and Mediterranean region and North America respectively.
“Considering the risk of energy shortages in Europe during winter and that conditions for consumers and businesses are likely to get worse before they get better as the year progresses, it is possible that volumes could end even lower,” says BIMCO’s Chief Shipping Analyst, Niels Rasmussen.
“Though we appreciate that this approach to forecasting rest-of-year volumes may be somewhat simplistic, the overall forecast does tally with the economy-based forecasts in our recently published Container Market Overview and Outlook report. The prediction will most likely not end up 100% accurate, but we do believe the overall trend will end up correct, confirming a very muted peak season in key head-haul trades and lower Q4 volumes in line with normal seasonality,” Rasmussen says.

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