Global shipping outlook 'stable' as trade tensions offset higher earnings, Moody's says

Outlook on tanker segment revised to stable from negative as oversupply issues subside

Moody's says the outlook for global shipping in 2020 remains stable.  AFP.

The outlook for global shipping in 2020 will remain stable as expected higher earnings are offset by US-China trade tensions and increasing regulations, Moody's Investor Services said.

Driving the stable outlook is a combination of 16 to 18 per cent projected growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amoritization (ebitda) next year and balanced growth in demand and supply, Moody's said in a report. These positives are offset by downside risks from protectionist trade policies and increasing regulation.

"The global shipping industry is facing a number of challenges into 2020, including the effects of IMO 2020 [International Maritime Organisation's regulation for a 0.5 per cent global sulphur cap for marine fuels] which will likely lead to rising fuel costs, as well as geopolitical uncertainties, such as trade conflicts, especially the US-China trade dispute," said Maria Maslovsky, a Moody's vice president and senior analyst, said.

The outlook comes amid mounting geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US in the Arabian Gulf, a region that is responsible for about a third of all seaborne petroleum. The cost of insuring Middle East oil shipments rose as war risk premiums soared after the US blamed Iran for attacks on six oil tankers and the downing of its drone in international airspace. The two tanker strikes in the Gulf of Oman have prompted insurer Lloyd's of London to declare the area a war risk zone.

"The outlook on the tanker segment has turned stable from negative with charter rates rising as demand improves and oversupply becoming less of an issue as a result of reduced ordering and increased idling," Moody's said.