LNG

LNG carrier rates strengthened throughout the week, with all three Baltic LNG benchmark routes ending higher as improving chartering activity and seasonal demand expectations supported sentiment.

The strongest gains were recorded on the US Gulf export routes, reflecting firmer freight demand and tightening vessel availability. BLNG1 increased from $28,050/day at the start of the week to $33,200/day by Friday, while BLNG2 rose from $24,700/day to $32,400/day. BLNG3 posted the largest gain, climbing from $51,900/day to $66,000/day over the same period.

Market sentiment improved with activity most noticeable in the Atlantic Basin. Winter gas demand continues to provide support as Europe and Asia compete for LNG supplies ahead of the heating season. Strong US flows and healthy production levels from alternative export regions are also helping to maintain cargo availability and trading opportunities.

Period assessments were mixed. The six-month assessment softened to $42,500/day, suggesting some caution over short-term market prospects, while the one-year and three-year assessments increased to $55,167/day and $73,000/day, respectively, reflecting continued confidence in longer-term LNG shipping fundamentals.

LPG

The LPG market strengthened this week, with freight rates most notably in the US Gulf climbing as available tonnage was reported to be thinning out, bolstered by short-term charters proving lucrative in the Middle East region keeping vessels there.

On the BLPG1 Ras Tanura–Chiba route, rate remained stable this week at $242, with corresponding TCE earnings rising from $231,500/day to $234,700/day.

The BLPG2 Houston–Flushing route increased by $2.17 week-on-week to settle at $174.00. The corresponding TCE increased by $5,300/day to $202,700/day.

The BLPG3 Houston–Chiba route increased by $3.29 to close at $324.00, while TCE returns rose by $5,700/day to $199,200/day.