Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could hit bulker markets in the short term, but tonne-miles could rise over a longer period.

This is according to Danish handysize specialist Lauritzen Bulkers’ chief executive Niels Josefsen.

Speaking to TradeWinds hours before Russia began bombing Ukrainian cities, the boss said there had already been a slow-down in commodity markets.

“As always when there’s a crisis everybody is holding back,” he said.