
Market survives with minor rise amid Geopolitical Chaos and Coronavirus “challenged…”
The BDI clinched 11 points and now stands at 1,230 points which is also 82 points plus since last week’s (20/11) 1,148. Geopolitically, looks likely that Joe Biden might occupy the Oval Office in the most prestigious and powerful house all over Planet Ocean. Coronavirus is about to be …“challenged”; John Faraclas’ daily and weekly recaps:
Capes’ BCI lead the way with a 24 plus points minor surge and now stands at 1,533; on a weekly basis the BCI was up 98 points – up from 1,435 last week… As we mentioned yesterday, the 1,500 threshold has been conquered… and that’s a cause for celebration in light of what happens elsewhere…
The Panamaxes’ BPI followed but with a minimal rise of just three points, now reading 1,429; the weekly gains were 76 points – up from 1,353 on 20/11…
The Supras’ BSI just managed seven points plus and now reads 1,018 points; the weekly gains 88 points – from 930 but the most important issue was that of surpassing the 1,000 points threshold…
Eight points plus for the Handies’ BHSI now at 649. The weekly gains a good plus 47 points – up from 602 last week…
All in all a slightly better Dry Market which managed to remain above the 1,000 points, although at a point we were very much concerned when same dived close to the 1,100 points. Moreover, we can see lack of steam… Wonder what’s next… CAUTION and brace for fundamental changes “assisted” b the era of new tonnage – super ecological ships…
The Wets still low and with mixed feelings; the last published BDTI (Dirties) and BCTI (Cleans) stood at 455 – minus two and 360 – no change respectively. On a weekly basis the Dirties gained 17 points – up from 438 and the cleans lost eight – down from 368 last week respectively.
The WTI was up 64 cents from yesterday and now stands at US45.54. On a weekly basis it was up US$ 3.12 from US$ 42.42. CAUTION as we need to see the WTI below the US$ 40.00 mark.
The Shipping industry is going through one of its most strange and indeed “adventurous” periods and must successfully tackle a multiple of issues; Environmental – how do we lower the carbon footprint, Existential – how many owners will survive as in our humble view Shipping becomes Shipping for the very, very, very few, Financial – normal Shipfinance is dead.., Human Resources coupled with Training, Managerial, Operational, Technical and Trade ones will make a big difference in the ears to come… Mentorship can save the day. Invest in Virtual Reality too – this will help maritime education and reduce accidents at sea, even to ports and terminals…
Following the collapse of the Markets in 2008 and the continuation of bad economic patterns to save the Global Economy the only thing that happened was to increase the World Debt to US$ 280 trillion. Add the unfortunate, but expected pandemia “factor”, this time being the Coronavirus (COVID-19) one, and brace for despicable events to come. Very simply: Coronavirus (COVID-19) will remain and at best will be contained. Adaptability is the name of the game.-
Now, you know that a certain sector in Shipping, that of Maritime Tourism suffers; I am talking about the Cruise-ships now in need of billions of Dollars to go back …in service…. They all need a conversion too so as to be able to serve the meals and all other functions as per the new protocols… CAUTION and proper planning is advised. The big Question is: Who will offer a cash cushion?
Containerships move a bit better but do not count your eggs before they are thatched…
A Newbuilding spree is to be expected soon and those capable do please go ahead… For some it will be a profitable investment for others a disaster; it is who gets the funding! Expect bankruptcies… I love to see wind rotor power dominate the seven oceans; the ANEMOI project is the best and most pragmatic, above all: full supporting the Environment! By the way, how is the Shipping World doing with scrubbers, eh? Remote is the buzzword for shipping operations, a very delicate though process requiring ultra-precision in all moves and actions; it is like landing on another planet…
Finally, the Trade Wars and AI will greatly affect Shipping…
The Geopolitical situ gets very serious, least to say more than perplexed:
Looks likely Joe Biden will occupy the Oval Office, but as said recently, he has a Herculean task…
Domestics and Foreign Policy issues will all go back to the drawing board; there is no other way out. Europe must in a way unite with the USA to tackle China and Russia. Donald Trump has distanced himself from Europe leaving the Mighty Continent go it alone… Watch this space…
MIGRANTS make waves not just in the Med and Aegean Seas but also in the Straits of Dover… What a mess eh! Once again, we invite those in power to form a Naval Blockade with a Mandate and Rules of Engagement wherever and where same is necessary; all other “methods” are invalid…
The faulty line from Med to Afghanistan and from the Caucuses to the Horn of Africa continue to give Tsunamis and earthquakes with Erdogan Turks leading the way together with his backers in putting Peace at risk. What takes place in the region around Turkey’s borders and beyond is at best despicable thanks primarily to Mrs Merkel and then NATO.
BREXIT still a thorny issue… CAUTION.
In the European Union, things are not rosy… Too many divides in all fronts. The Mighty Continent MUST get its act together asap…
In France troubles; financial ones as for twenty years taxpayers have to offset COVID’s damages…
Nothing changed in Latin Central / South America… the mess continues…
Africa one way or another MUST be saved, as I am afraid somebody might ignite mess…
The Subcontinent is also a bit shaking and both Indian and Pakistani governments will try to steer away from an military conflict as both might use as a last resort nukes… it is not just an option, but a possibility…
With China, upsetting the USA in South China Sea, things might get sour…
North Korea looks quiet, but to the contrary… CAUTION…
Japan is closely watching the situ there and will be ready to defend its vested interests in the region…
Nothing has changed in Putin’s agenda… Same is design to protect at an cost Russia’s interest on global scale…
Rising temperatures in Australia… CAUTION…as China might impose higher taxes on Australian wine beginning tomorrow Saturday… Meantime make sure you follow China’s ambitious trip to the Moon; let us see what its astronauts bring back…
Finally ensure you become more Disciplined and Responsible vis-à-vis this Coronavirus Anathema, as same makes waves “thanks” to the moron politicians who opened the markets for a fistful of Dollars. Let us see the aftermath of Thanksgiving in the USA. The Vaccine must unite people and not exploit them. Do we really have promising test results? Keeping an optimistic staunch I believe that by the end of 2022 and subject successful vaccinations, we might curb Coronavirus but I am worried that same will end up alike another flu – every year or so changes and mutations rule the day… We must insist to have mass tests as this will help contain this anathema, but other things should also be in place to support this move, such as incentives making it simple for all of us; ensure you have a proper test and do not rely on rapid tests. Tough border controls and governments to stop hiding the real figures… Lockdowns are good to save the population and the economy; it is an oxymoron about me saying on the economy but if you wish, I can entertain you further… and go live in any A1 TV station… Finally, let’s see if we are hunting the next virus before same taking us by “surprise”. Wake up as otherwise; we will continue life in tiers…!
Ensure remote working is well managed as otherwise, it might cause issues. Indeed letting the workforce work flexibly can make them happier and more productive but as said above ensure this operation is well managed!!!!
Good to see many of our viewers participates in many Virtual Reality Conferences and Chats!!!
How was your Black Friday? We must support when feasible the shops in the high street as internet buying kills them. When this is over, go for a physical buying spree… if you have the money though…
On another tone and note ensure you get involved with the GIWA awards. Let’s see what the full moon brings on Monday…
Have a nice evening and weekend ensuring you continue to remain on guard from actions emanating from Pirates, Terrorists, Criminals and any Business Hooligans whatsoever wherever you are on Planet Ocean. Once again a big THANK YOU to all who really care for all humans – Doctors, Nurses, Seafarers, Dockers, Port Authorities et al during this Coronavirus disaster!! We repeat: Do please invest in Hospitals including Equipment, Doctors, Nurses and any useful means to avoid further disasters! Become more disciplined and care for the Environment too. Lastly: Education and Training for all to be able to tackle these disasters. Let us work collectively together and NOT opt for a fistful of Dollars to restart the already collapsed global economy… which is in red US$ 280 (twohundredandseventy) trillion…