MSI FMV Launches Online Tool Providing Forward Assessments

Leading independent research and consultancy firm launches unique online tool providing forward assessments for all major ship types

Maritime Strategies International (MSI), a leading independent research and consultancy firm, has launched MSI Forecast Marine eValuator (FMV), the first web-based tool to provide historical and forecast earnings, costs and asset values across the deep-sea shipping fleet.

MSI FMV offers unique insight into future values and cash flows for specific ship types. Recent history and a near-term perspective are provided via quarterly forecasts; the long view is provided by 15 years of annual average forecast data.

MSI Managing Director Michael Payne said “Today’s shipping market is characterized by increased uncertainty. More and more industry players require access to a view of future earnings and values and the evolution among ship finance providers is feeding demand for independent, structured and reliable forward analysis. This data is used to meet compliance requirements, underpin financial restructuring and as the basis of strategic investments. “MSI provides information and data directly and indirectly to more than half of the top 40 banks ranked by size of shipping portfolio. FMV is designed to enhance and broaden access to this unique resource.”

MSI price forecasts are among the industry’s most accurate, drawing on its fundamental forward view, under-pinned by our proprietary econometric models. Analytical and methodological support is available to give context to the data provided.

Howe Robinson Partners Chairman and MSI Board Member Peter Kerr-Dineen added: “MSI’s underlying market models bring clarity and discipline to its analysis and forecasts which remain ‘on the record’ and can be analyzed against outcomes. Its independence and business model have always given considerable protection from the cynical use of market commentary to promote self-advantage. The challenges of today’s market make its forecasting methodology and its soundly-based, yet intuitive insights more valuable than ever.”

MSI FMV output includes newbuilding prices, asset values, earnings and operating costs data for ships accounting for over 90% of the global deep-sea shipping fleet. Vessels available for analysis include Dry Bulk Carriers, Oil Tankers (Crude and Product), Containerships, Chemical Tankers, LPG/LNG Carriers, Pure Car/Truck Carriers, Multi-Purpose Ships.

The service is available at two levels. Registered users can benchmark the evolution of variables for individual vessels or a pre-defined pool of ships simply by entering their credit card details. Subscription packages are available for high volume users. Output is downloadable as an Excel spreadsheet.