June 1983 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News

Surge In Demand Forseen For Chemical Tankers

A growth in the demand for chemical tankers is possible dur- ing the next few years if the large number of export-oriented petrochemical projects now under construction come on stream as expected.

A report from Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd., of London, notes that 22 petrochemical complexes have start-ups scheduled during the next four years with an estimated total export capacity of 9.3 million tons, of which 4 million tons will originate in the Middle East.

These could generate an additional 57 billion ton-miles of chemical tanker demand — an increase of 38 percent on the 1980 demand level, Drewry estimated.

The estimate represents the maximum possible impact of the new petrochemical projects. It is likely, Drewry noted, that the figure will be considerably less as completion dates are pushed back and export targets scaled down.

Drewry has published a study entitled "The Chemical Carrier Trades" that examines the present state of the world's chemical carrier fleet and assesses the outlook.

The study can be obtained from Drewry Shipping Consultants, 34 Brook Street, London W1Y2LL, England. The cost is $125.

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