Sadly as the year draws to a close yet another COVID shadow has been cast over us, something we least needed. Despite that, the resilience of our members and their continued ability to offer commercial services to the global shipping industry will be essential. Whether working remotely or in a reduced office environment, each of you will be contributing to the trade flows that feed and power the world. I very much hope that younger staff continue to be mentored by their experienced colleagues in the way business can be conducted and operate outside the office. We are also very conscious of the pressures on seafarers, many of whom have already had a difficult period. We hope they will be treated with respect by port and government authorities everywhere.

I want to thank our Baltic member panellists for their daily submissions as well as the Baltic Exchange team who ensure the indices are totally reliable for the international trade and commercial transactions they support.

On behalf of the Baltic Exchange, I would like to wish our members and their families warmest Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year.


Denis Petropolous