THERE may be storm clouds gathering over shipping, but for now at least the party is still in full swing for containers and dry bulk.

Container line profits continue to soar as a resolution to supply chain chaos moves ever further into the future. Yes, things are cooling off slightly, and the lines are paying hugely inflated sums now for vessels that were being scrapped three years ago on the basis that they were uneconomical and technologically obsolete. But with freight rates still eight to 10 times above the long-term average, the party is not over yet.

Dry bulk is still positioned for a very positive year, particularly the nicely positioned geared tonnage. Regardless of minor fluctuations in demand, the limited supply and lack of deliveries mean that the stars are still aligned for this year at least.

And tankers… well tanker remain cursed to suffer successive failed recoveries and after 18 months of losses rising bunker prices are causing even more problems for operators. The only mystery remains how so many VLCC operators have avoided going under and why so many people are ordering.

In this week’s edition of the podcast we offer up some highlights from the latest Lloyd’s List Outlook via our team of market experts.

Joining Lloyd’s List editor and regular podcast host, Richard Meade this week:

• Michele Wiese Bockmann, Lloyd’s List Markets Editor

• James Baker, Lloyd’s List Containers Editor

• Nidaa Bakhsh, Lloyd’s List Senior Reporter

• Robert Wilmington, Lloyd’s List Data Reporter

• Declan Bush, Lloyd’s List Sustainability Editor