John Faraclas
The back and forth (ups and downs) on a plus / minus basis of the BDI (Baltic Dry Index) never happened before at such a pace of a week nor same was expected at this particular time sawing the volatility as well as the unexpected uncertainty and conditions prevailing in the chartering Markets, particularly the Dry ones. Geopolitics remain as ever in jeopardy particularly the Geopolitics of Trade. John Faraclas’ brief daily recap:
The BDI gained eight valuable points thanks to the up and coming Supras!
The Capes’ BCI lost another eight points and now read 570 points; tough times ahead?
The Panamaxes’ BPI gained eight points and now stand at 657!
Another good 37 points for the Supras’ BSI now reading 686 points; the best dry market rebound so far!
Eight points – the norm today… (given the BDI, the BCI and the BHSI) for the Handies’ now reading 353 points…
The Wets are settling a bit with its minor ups and downs… The last published BDTI (Dirties) and BCTI (Cleans) stood at 831 – plus three and 605 – minus two points respectively… CAUTION as we might experience soon few hiccups…
The WTI stood close to US$57.00 at US$ 56.95 Caution!
Eyebrows still for the Container (Box) Trade… Another big CAUTION here; a sector which needs to be shaken up yet again…
The Geopolitical aspects remain crucial and in particular all those we report over the last two years:
The Migrants; the Wars – both on the platoon as well as the Trade Wars; The faulty line between Gib to Afghanistan and from the Caucuses to the Horn of Africa with the two epicentres: The Balkans and the entire East Med with its periphery of 1,500 miles; The messy EU (European Union) with the BREXIT is full swing and the Skeletons in Brussels’ cupboards… In the United Kingdom the BREXIT saga continues and there are defectors who might bring change. It’s either Mrs. May or the big change!
The Venezuelan mess; what is president Trumps plans? Brazil is determined to act… The Cubans are also there to get involved at a time very bad for “revolutionaries”; our Man in Habana has gone, the world has changed, wake up!
And a bit north, in the USA: what will the Rump-Russia Mueller inquiry look like?
Nigeria: a country to watch… Wonder when elections will finally take place…
More news tomorrow with the weekly recap.
From the opening
On another note, the 2nd Isalos.net Maritime Conference in London attracted nearly 200 attendees (including the moderators and speakers) – a full house at the Quilter Cheviot auditoriums! The theme was a catalyst: “Why go Maritime in an era of changes?” Ilias Bissias and his team did well with the collaboration of the GSCC; we note the point: under the auspices with Intercargo and the HESGB as well as with: Tototheo Maritime (lead sponsor), the support of ABS, the participation of the City University in London, The Henley Business School, the Costas Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade & Finance and ALBA Graduate Business School.
l to r: Alexandros C. Kedros, Despina Panayiotou – Theodosiou, Helen Polychronopoulou, Prof. John Carlton and moderator Dimitris Monioudis
Following the opening Thanks by Ilias Bissias and the opening remarks by Theodoros Chatzigkaidas, Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou and Tim Childe there were four panels with experienced moderators and eloquent speakers too.
The tanker sector – Opportunities and Threats; 20220: A critical juncture for the shipping industry; The Dry Cargo Sector: Opportunities and Threats and lastly The Availability of finance for family-run shipping companies all attracted, equally, a good number of attendees with many standing! We will bring you a full write up soon.
The Dry Cargo sector panel with moderator Dr. Kostas Gkonis, Haralambos J. Fafalios, Brian Nixon and Mike Salthouse
Good to see a great number of students, particularly those coming from Greece’s ALBA!
Quite a few interesting questions were aired!
That’s all for tonight and remain on guard from actions emanating by Pirates, Terrorists, Criminals and Business Hooligans whatsoever wherever you are on Planet Ocean!
