Asia/Pacific News
Dry Bulk Shipper Says Japanese Built Ships Are More Fuel-Efficient
Japanese-built ultramax bulkers use two to five tonnes less fuel per day than vessels built elsewhere, Jens Ismar, chief executive of Western Bulk, told industry news site Tradewinds.
"Some have made the argument that Chinese ships are equal to or better than the Japanese vessels," he said.
"We think that is wrong."
Ismar said the difference was more pronounced when the ships were slow-steaming.
He added that Japanese shipyards continue to improve their designs for greater efficiency, while he sees their Chinese rivals as "static."
Western Bulk reported a profit of $15.8 million in the second quarter of 2014, up from $6.9 million in the same period last year.
Over the quarter, supramaxes in the dry bulk market averaged only $7,000 daily, something Ismar said is unsustainable.
He said there may be improvement this year, citing "pockets" of progress in recent weeks in the North Pacific, the Mediterranean, and on the front haul from the U.S. Gulf.
Chinese shipbuilder Sainty Marine said this week that it is raising funds for the construction of modern and dual-fuel ships.
