TRADE AND COMMODITIES

Chinese ore forecast to hit 1.3bn tonnes

CHINESE annual iron ore imports could peak as high as 1.3bn tonnes a year before 2020 – double last year’s level – and create demand for an additional 584 capesize bulk carriers researchers with DnB NOR bank, one of the world’s largest ship financiers, said.

MOL outlines big LNG fleet growth

CHINA’S insatiable appetite for liquefied natural gas has prompted Mitsui OSK Lines to go on an LNG carrier spending spree.

BHP iron ore boost

REPORTS have emerged that BHP Billiton, one of the largest dry bulk charterers, is selling iron ore on the spot market at prices 40% above the contract price to small steel mills now annual contracts have expired.