In the midst of challenging times for the multipurpose shipping industry, Chinese-Polish carrier Chipolbrok is observing the market developments closely as it discusses the addition of four vessels to its fleet.
At a post-Breakbulk Europe evening reception in Bremen, Chipolbrok’s general director Piotr Mikolajczyk thanked the shipping line’s customers, agents, brokers and supporters. He went on to highlight the challenging times that the multipurpose market is facing. “It is the situation we have to adjust to and we need to look ahead,” he added.
Chipolbrok’s liner services around the globe have been impacted by political developments, such as the conflict between the USA and Iran, which is stirring up negative investment sentiment, particularly within the oil and gas industry. Further still, the trade dispute between the USA and China is affecting the utilisation of the Chipolbrok fleet.
Mikolajczyk added that the technical design behind the four additional vessels is almost clear, but the final decision depends on the market and the potential cargoes that will be carried in the changing landscape.
The shipping line affirmed that, in a market where multipurpose vessels lay idle in Asia, it does not want to inflate the situation even more by adding tonnage. “We are carefully observing the developments in the multipurpose market to place our newbuilding orders at the right time,” said Mikolajczyk.
Chipolbrok’s fleet currently includes 15 owned vessels and two chartered units. The carrier acknowledged that its four older ships – the Orkan-type units that were built in 2003/2004 – will need to be replaced in the near future.
Chipolbrok is also strengthening its position in the South East Asian market through the partnership of its joint venture Chipobal in Singapore with East Sailing Singapore.
