Shipping consultancy Drewry is cautiously optimistic over prospects for the once-ailing multipurpose (MPP) fleet.

It said surging growth in renewable energy generation around the world and a construction boom in South East Asia that is expected to run for the next 10 years bode well for the sector.

"Multipurpose vessels benefit from the growth in demand for both breakbulk and project cargo and, while it is clear that both are effected by modal competition and trade tariffs, the latter has seen some renewal in certain sectors," Drewry added.