News Analysis: The quick turn around in Tanker Shipping Rates bodes well for this industry. For far too long, oversupply of tankers, in conjunction with decreased demand, almost sank the historically, very cyclical business. Hopefully, older vessels [15+ years of age] will be scrapped, encouraged by adequate rates, if enduring over the months. New buildings, when undertaken, will also help yards around the world [who have seen a dearth of Oil Tanker customers recently]. This symbiosis of Industry [Shipping] to Industry [Ship Building] may eventually cascade into better times for both.
Perhaps Non-Traditional Funding Sources will learn about the rate changes and explore Investment opportunities in Ship Construction.
A parallel growth model is in the construction of Liquified Natural Gas [LNG] Vessels. In fact, innovators such as ship owner, John Fredriksen, has been leading the followers where it comes to foresight in types of New Buildings needed in General Shipping and Oil Exploration/Production Vessels.
Reference: http://tinyurl.com/lnv3fpe