Global shipping equities posted strong weekly gains across multiple sectors in early August, with port operators, container lines, and LPG carriers leading the charge, according to the latest Drewry Maritime Financial Research report.
For the week ending 8 August 2025, the Drewry Port Equity Index (DPEI) rose 5.2% week-on-week (WoW), rebounding from prior losses. Global Terminal Operators outperformed their regional counterparts, with ICTSI surging 8.9%, followed by Liaoning Port at 6.1% and CM Ports at 4.9%. All index constituents saw gains, although Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG registered the smallest uptick at 0.5%. The DPEI is now up 14.3% year-to-date (YTD) and has risen 116.7% since January 2019.
The Drewry Container Shipping Equity Index (DCEI) climbed 3.9% WoW, outperforming the S&P 500’s 2.4% gain. The rally came after Maersk raised its global container volume forecast and China’s July exports grew 7.2% year-on-year. Despite a 3.0% drop in the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) due to falling transpacific freight rates, container shipping equities remain up 11.9% YTD, well ahead of the broader market.
Dry bulk carriers also performed strongly, with the Drewry Dry Bulk Equity Index advancing 2.7% WoW on higher time charter equivalent (TCE) rates. The index has gained 15.5% YTD, outpacing the S&P 500’s 8.6% increase.
Tanker markets showed mixed results. The Drewry Crude Tanker Equity Index rose 1.4% WoW as VLCC and Suezmax spot rates strengthened, driven by geopolitical tensions that continue to boost long-haul trades. The index has gained 17.5% in 2025, compared with a 0.5% drop in the Russell 2000. Product tankers, however, remain under pressure despite a 2.6% weekly rise, with the Drewry Product Tanker Equity Index still down 0.1% YTD due to persistently weak spot rates.
The LNG sector saw modest movement, with the Drewry LNG Shipping Equity Index up 0.6% WoW. Spot LNG shipping rates have remained soft this year, but a strong 16.8% YTD rise in Nakilat shares has helped the index gain 8.7% so far in 2025.
The standout performer of the week was LPG shipping. The Drewry LPG Shipping Equity Index jumped 9.8% WoW, supported by a surge in Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) spot rates. The index is now up 24.2% YTD and has surged 265% since January 2019, far outpacing the Russell 2000.
The data highlights a broad-based recovery in maritime equities, with the strongest momentum seen in sectors tied to high freight rates and resilient global trade flows. Analysts note that while container freight rates are easing on key lanes, equity performance in the sector remains robust due to improved demand forecasts and strong investor sentiment.
Source: drewry
