Vehicle carriers: Positivity despite auto parts anxiety
While the vehicle carrier sector is relatively low-profile, except for the occasional spectacular casualty, it is one of the most innovative vessel sectors; but given the age profile of the existing fleet, operators will need to increase investment in new vessels, this during a period of limited newbuilding slots. Meanwhile, war in Ukraine may create headwinds for vehicle supply as delivery of raw materials sourced from Ukraine and Russia for auto parts production is halted
While orders for pure car and truck carrier newbuildings have risen during the first quarter of this year, ordering activity needs to expand as an increasingly high vintage fleet will need replacing during the next few years
