The shipping industry faced two critical issues in 2020: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2020 0.5% sulfur fuel norms, also known as IMO 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic. IMO 2020 led to operational challenges related to very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) or 0.5% sulfur fuel usage for shipping companies. COVID-19 also led to some unique operational and economic challenges, including reduced on-board and onshore support and closed ports, plus a decline in international trade. Lastly, upcoming regulations related to maritime decarbonization present new challenges to the shipping industry.
Category Archives: Energy
Increased OEM Attention May Drive Greater PCMO Demand to the Franchised Workshop Channel Globally
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) franchised workshop (FWS) channel accounted for nearly a quarter of global PCMO demand in 2020 and is projected to grow at a faster pace than the overall PCMO market. Asia-Pacific leads in volume, while Europe leads in channel market share. The growth in the OEM FWS channel compared to others―such as the independent workshop (IWS) and local garage channel―is due to greater investment by OEMs and their dealers in retaining customers for after–sales service, as well as changing consumer preferences. Continue reading
Factors Impacting HDMO Demand
The launch of the newly redesigned, on-highway Model 579, class 8 tractor by Peterbilt Motors Company inspired Kline to make some observations about the HDMO market, and we would like to share them in our new series, Kline Energy Reflections Under a Minute. In it, we’ll offer our reflections on the most current news and what’s been trending around the world in our industry. Continue reading
How LubesNet Evolved into the Data Tool of Tomorrow
The latest release of Kline’s LubesNet database, on January 27, 2021, marked a significant milestone in its history: 15 consecutive years of offering market data and insight into the global finished automotive and industrial lubricants industry. LubesNet presents, through a user–friendly and intuitive platform, global, regional, country market, market segment, product type, and viscosity grade lubricants demand data featuring a five–year historical view, 2020 base year view, and two forecast year views. This latest release includes Kline’s assessment of the impact of COVID-19 by country market with a comparison to 2019 demand, plus Kline’s forecast for recovery as markets emerge from lockdowns and economic activity returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Rubber Process Oil Market Growth Expected to Recover to Pre-COVID-19 Levels by 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global demand for rubber process oil (RPO) in 2020. It is estimated that RPO demand declined approximately 15%, reaching about 2,750 KT in 2020. This represents a considerable improvement compared with earlier forecasts.
In mid-2020, RPO demand was estimated to decline approximately 20%-25% – better than expected. This was due to the strong recovery in rubber and tire production in Asia during the second half of 2020, especially in China, where tire production declined only 3% in 2020. Moreover, the slight growth in rubber demand in China – which is the largest market for the product globally – was spurred by the healthcare industry in 2020.
Recovery in Chinese HDMO Market to be Accompanied by Changes in the Sales Channel Landscape
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, heavy-duty motor oil (HDMO) demand in the truck and construction vehicles categories was growing due to the booming logistics industry and significant investments in the construction industry. However, the 2020 COVID-19–induced lockdown in China has severely affected demand for HDMO in the trucks category due to restrictions in the movement of goods as well as reduced demand. Despite a significant drop in demand for China’s service-fill HDMO in the truck category, demand for engine oils is expected to recover, albeit partially, driven by growth in truck sales and population.
A Trend a Day This December — Enjoy Kline’s 2020 Countdown Calendar
During 2020, virtually every industry and every aspect of how we live, work, and communicate was thrown into disarray due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The necessity to respond to the global crisis with tech-savvy, relevant, and timely solutions was a catalyst that sparked the rapid development and implementation of evolutionary trends on a scale we’ve never seen before.
With 2020 almost over, we want to part with it on a positive note by reflecting on these progressive, dynamic trends and how they will come together to help us “rebuild better” post-COVID-19.Continue reading
Regional Video Summary of Your Choice
This year we have published nearly 50 lubricants country market reports! With the purchase of three and more markets we now offer a free VIDEO summary presentation for the region of your choice. The video includes the impact of Covid-19 on markets, products, and end-use industries.Continue reading
Chinese PCMO Market: Post-COVID-19 Recovery Insights
Join our industry expert, David Tsui, to gain deeper insights into Chinese PCMO markets and post-COVID-19 recovery.
The Chinese PCMO market remains a major, dynamic market projected to recover and grow over the next five years. While traditional lubricants marketing channels will still be the mainstay in China, new alternative channels are offering opportunities for greater growth as people adapt to a post-COVID-19 world.Continue reading
Chinese PCMO Market to Recover Faster and with More Alternative Sales Channels
Globally, China’s passenger car motor oil (PCMO) market ranks second in terms of volume, accounting for approximately 17% of demand. COVID-19 has slowed growth, with new vehicle sales declining by nearly 20% in the first half of 2020. This drop, along with reduced annual mileage due to lockdowns, has brought PCMO demand to under 1,000 kilotonnes in 2020, a slip of more than 15% from 2019. Contributing to this slowdown is the growing penetration of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which are expected to expand to nearly 20% of annual sales by 2025.