Page 37 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025
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Consolidation remains


            a constant consideration



            in an industry like shipping


























                                              As the global LPG shipping market faces heightened
                                              volatility and shifting geopolitical dynamics, BW LPG
                                              stands at the forefront of adaptation and strategic
                                              foresight. In this exclusive interview with
                                              Naftika Chronika, BW LPG’s CEO Kristian Sørensen
                                              discusses the company’s recent consolidation with
                                              Avance Gas, its expanding footprint in key markets
                                              like India and the US, and its approach to navigating
                                              the freight market’s unpredictability. From expanding
                                              LPG trading and shipping to the emerging ammonia
                                              trade, Sørensen offers valuable insights into the
                                              opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase
                                              of growth for one of the sector’s leading players.




            Kristian Sørensen,                What does the future hold for BW LPG     water in a healthy market environment
            CEO of BW LPG,                        after the deal with Avance Gas? Can   for VLGCs.
            talks to Giannis Theodoropoulos       we expect further consolidation   In addition to the Avance Gas transaction,
                                                  moves in the segment?         we have also declared two purchase
                                              We are very pleased with the outcome   options over the past year linked to long-
                                              of the Avance Gas transaction, which   term time charters. With these addi-
                                              represented a meaningful step towards   tions, we are satisfied with the current
                                              the consolidation of the VLGC market.   size of the BW LPG fleet. For the time
                                              The deal, which involved the hando-  being, our plan is to let the assets work
                                              ver of 12 modern  VLGCs, expanded    and generate revenue.
                                              our commercial footprint consider-  In general, consolidation remains
                                              ably and strengthened our position    a constant consideration in an indus-
                                              as a larger, more investable company    try like shipping. However, the feasibil-
                                              for shareholders. A major advantage    ity of such moves is heavily influenced
                                              was our ability to take delivery of all 12   by asset prices, which remain elevated
                                              vessels within four months of signing,     at present and continue to pose a chal-
                                              enabling us  to have assets on  the   lenge for further consolidation.

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