Chemical tankers in demand as shale-driven US exports soar

[LONDON] After four years in the doldrums, the specialised chemical tankers that ply the seas between the US and Asia are set to generate bumper profits for the handful of companies that own and operate them.

A surge in US chemical production, fuelled by cheap natural gas, is beginning to outpace capacity aboard a limited global fleet - a shortage that analysts expect to peak in 2015.

With chemical tankers in scarce supply, companies such as Ardmore Shipping Corp and Norwegian peers Stolt-Nielsen Ltd and Odfjell SE will be able to command higher rates.