New U.S. and Middle East methanol production capacity being added over the next two years will have serious implications for chemical shipping trade flow patterns, according to the latest edition of the Chemical Forecaster, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

LNG shipping freight rates continue to be under pressure from weak Asian demand and a growing fleet. Shipowners are now pinning hopes on a revival in European demand. However, European LNG demand growth will not be sufficient to raise freight rates, according to the newly launched LNG Forecaster report published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.