Clarksons Research Services believes shipping markets are continuing to move forward, but "wildcards" remain to potentially cloud the outlook.

Managing director Stephen Gordon said in the broker's six-monthly report that bulkers and boxships have made further gains this year, with earnings up 25% and 38% from 2017.

LNG is very positive, while "LPG market conditions have been difficult, but some positive tends are starting to filter through," he added.