Lloyd’s List: China Crude Imports to Hit 350m Tonnes

“China’s crude imports are forecast to reach 350m tonnes, equivalent to 6m barrels per day, by 2015 — benefiting very large crude carriers serving long haul trades from the Middle East, West Africa and South America, writes Michelle Wiese Bockmann. Poten & Partner’s annual report on the tanker sector forecast that China’s domestic crude production would remain flat at 200m tonnes during 2011-2015, driving export growth from key oil producing regions. China’s crude and fuel imports from the Middle East Gulf could “increase in excess of 60% from 2009 levels reaching over 140m tonnes by 2015”, the report from the New York-based tanker broker and energy shipping consultant said.”