Clarksons Research has presented an optimistic outlook for short-term tanker markets, with demand for floating storage more than offsetting shrinking seaborne trade and continued fleet growth.

Crude and product tankers have been the best-performing shipping sectors during the coronavirus pandemic, with their spot earnings boosted by oil firms’ requirements for storing oil at sea.

“The outlook for the tanker market in the short term is positive,” the research unit of brokerage Clarksons said.