Forecasting freights in tankers

Master Thesis
Author
Gkekas, Thomas I.
Γκέκας, Θωμάς
Date
2025-07Advisor
Lagoudis, IoannisΛαγούδης, Ιωάννης
View/ Open
Keywords
Tanker freight rates ; Maritime industry ; Market monitoringAbstract
Forecasting tanker freight rates represents a pivotal area of research within the maritime industry, profoundly impacting decisions related to fleet management, investment strategies, and trade operations. This paper meticulously examines the determinants influencing tanker freight rates, including oil supply and demand, geopolitical shifts, weather patterns, and environmental regulations. The study commences with an in-depth analysis of the maritime market and its fundamental characteristics, proceeding to explore a variety of freight rate prediction models, such as statistical methods, machine learning techniques, and artificial intelligence algorithms. Through case studies applying these models to empirical data, the research assesses their effectiveness and accuracy. Additionally, the study proposes strategies to enhance freight rate forecasting, highlighting the necessity of continuous market monitoring and model adaptation to evolving conditions. Mastery in predicting tanker freight rates can yield significant competitive advantages for shipping companies, ultimately contributing to improved financial performance.

