Coal shipments to Japan, South Korea and the European Union rose 27% year-on-year in April as tight gas supplies and disruption to LNG shipments prompted buyers to seek alternative fuel sources for
Coal shipments to Japan, South Korea and the European Union rose 27% year-on-year in April as tight gas supplies and disruption to LNG shipments prompted buyers to seek alternative fuel sources for electricity generation, shipping association BIMCO said.
The increase came as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted LNG exports from the Persian Gulf and contributed to an 8% decline in global seaborne LNG shipments in April, BIMCO said.
“In April 2026, coal shipments to Japan, South Korea and the EU jumped 27% y/y as these countries seek alternative energy supplies to gas to meet their electricity demand. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted LNG shipments out of the Persian Gulf and has contributed to an 8% y/y drop in global seaborne LNG shipments in April,” said Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.
Coal imports into the three markets typically decline in April and May as heating demand eases, but shipments rose 1% month-on-month this year despite lower seasonal demand, BIMCO said.
Japan, South Korea and the EU account for about 25% of global coal cargo volumes and 31% of tonne-mile demand for coal shipping, according to the association.
“The rise in coal shipments
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
