There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic had a severe humanitarian and economic impact globally.
It will take years before normality is restored and for the damage sustained to various sectors of the world economy to be reversed.
As far as shipping is concerned, our industry proved to be very resilient once again, as the transportation of raw materials and commodities continued to operate uninterruptedly.
After a year like no other, TradeWinds asked 40 shipping industry stakeholders what they see for 2021 after a year beset by the coronavirus, and how the pandemic will shape shipping's future.
Specifically, for the capesize trade, the strong recovery of the Chinese economy in the second half of the year drove demand for iron ore and coal to historically high levels, thus increasing the utilisation of the ships.
Regarding our operations, we were all forced to adapt to the new realities not only in the daily office life but most importantly onboard our ships, for our seafarers.
Seanergy’s top priority has always been the health and well-being of all our employees and crew members. Moreover, we spared no effort and cost to make the necessary crew changes and improve the quality of life onboard the ships.
With the recent announcements of the progress made in the development of several reliable vaccines, we all hope that the pandemic will be contained soon. However, the "day after tomorrow" will not look the same.
Across the developed economies, especially in urban areas, people cannot continue living in cramped areas and overcrowded city blocks. We expect massive infrastructure projects to be developed globally, that will be supported by the announced economic stimuli.
I am very optimistic that the capesize trade will thrive in the post-Covid-19 era.
