LOOKING solely at the immediate fundamentals for 2022, a positive year lies ahead for the shipping markets.

The stellar profits may have peaked along with supply chain disruption, but earnings will continue to be considerably higher than pre-coronavirus levels and demand and supply are set to be broadly in balance for the global shipping industry next year.

Sure, those prepared to look a little longer-term and accept a more objective, clear-eyed assessment of the long list of risk factors that lie ahead may want to moderate their new year cheer — but, before we get into this week’s podcast I just wanted to get it on record that it’s not all doom and gloom.

As we recorded this final edition of the podcast for the year there are one or two menacing storm clouds gathering.

The Omicron variant is spreading at an alarmingly rapid rate, inflation is pushing 6% or more in Europe and the US while central banks continue quantitative easing and supply chains remain clogged with delivery times and transport costs near all-time highs.

But what’s Christmas without a little political turmoil, some climactic tempests, and the usual geopolitical storms looming overhead.

So with all that in mind we thought it would be a good opportunity to let Lloyd’s List’s crack squad of analysts and editorial sharp shooters off the leash and do away with any notion of objectivity and ask them to offer up a speculative view of what they think will happen next.

In this final edition of 2021 the Lloyd’s List editorial team give you their 10 predictions for 2022, covering everything from the core box, bulk and tanker markets to our view of regulatory inertia and marine insurance. 

You’re welcome.

Merry Christmas form the Lloyd’s List Podcast team who will be taking a festive break for a few weeks and wil be back with our regular weekly insights in January.