Customs tariffs and political upheavals remain a concern for the future.
The PCTC (Pure Car, Truck Carrier) market continues to show positive growth, with an increase in vehicle production and exports in key regions. In Japan, both production and exports rose in January, driven by strong demand, particularly from North America. China also saw a rise in production, supported by robust domestic sales and stable export volumes. However, European exports from Japan have declined, reflecting shifts in trade patterns. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainty remains, as President Trump has renewed his threats to impose a 25% tariff on European car imports, which could impact future trade flows.
Steel cutting at the shipyard: the construction of the ECO-Star is progressing as planned!
On the construction front, we are thrilled to share exciting news from the shipyard — the steel cutting for the third of our four PCTCs, the ECO-Star, took place on February 28, 2025. This marks a crucial milestone in the construction of the ECO-Star (hull number H580) and confirms that the project is progressing according to schedule. With this step completed, the ships now move to the next phase of their construction, bringing us closer to delivery.
Source: Clarksons