Despite many adversities for the maritime sector over the last year, seaborne perishable reefer trade increased in 2015 -- and is forecast to grow further still in 2016. By 2020, seaborne reefer cargo will reach a staggering 120 million tonnes, increasing by an average of 2.5 percent per annum, according to the latest edition of the Reefer Shipping Market Review and Forecast 2016/17, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

Following markedly slow growth of just 3.5 percent in 2015 due to decreased rental demand, the global leased container equipment operating fleet is forecast to increase by little more than 1 percent in 2016, according to the latest edition of the Container Leasing Industry Annual Report 2016, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

A wave of cargo cancellations from the U.S. is putting additional pressure on Very Large Gas Carrier rates, according to the latest edition of the LPG Forecaster, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

Increasing trade and contracting supply will support a recovery in charter rates on major dry bulk shipping routes, with the prospect of China importing more coal and iron ore to combat pollution and poor quality, according to the latest edition of the Dry Bulk Forecaster, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.