Shipping sector analyst Esgian’s August 2025 ro-ro market report indicates a continued softening in rates for large PCTCs.
The average daily time charter rate for a large PCTC stood at USD47,500, down from USD50,000 in May 2025. The decline has been attributed to a wave of newbuild deliveries and weaker market sentiment stemming from economic and trade headwinds, including new tariffs.
Esgian noted that while long-term demand remains supported by global vehicle flows, particularly electric vehicles, short-term volatility continues to be driven by shifting policy measures worldwide.
In August, COSCO took delivery of newbuildings to be deployed on Asia-Europe-Africa-Middle East routes, with Singapore as a central hub. Esgian highlighted that its absence from US trades reflects a strategic focus on non-US markets, insulating the vessels from recent tariffs and wider geopolitical pressures.
Wallenius SOL, meanwhile, received South Enabler from Visentini Shipyard. The methanol-ready vessel is maintaining a structured North Sea–Baltic rotation linking Tilbury, Zeebrugge, Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven with ports including Turku and Paldiski.
On August 27, Grimaldi took delivery of Grande Shanghai—the first of 10 PCTCs ordered from CMHI Jiangsu. Classed with an ammonia-ready notation by RINA, the ship has joined the group’s new East Asia–East Africa service, launched in June. Grande Shanghai departed Nantong on August 27 and arrived in Taicang on September 2.
Esgian also reported a rise in Suez Canal transits. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and rerouting, August saw 24 ro-ro vessel transits—the highest monthly total in the past 12 months. Samjoo and Grimaldi are leading the year-to-date figures, with SAIC Anji recording six and Grimaldi five transits in August.
