Our in-house research team delivers the market intelligence that informs better decisions across the vessel lifecycle.
Optima's Research & Intelligence division provides data-driven analysis, independent of broking-side mandates, to shipowners, operators, investors, and financial institutions. Our team of dedicated analysts monitors global shipping markets daily, delivering insight that goes beyond publicly available data.
We combine proprietary databases, decades of combined broker-floor experience, and deep sector expertise to produce analysis that our clients use to time purchases, plan fleet renewals, evaluate market entry, and benchmark performance.
Five offices across the major maritime hubs (Athens, Istanbul, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore) give us real-time visibility into dry bulk, tanker, and ME-Asia trade flows.
Unlike third-party research houses, our intelligence is informed by live deal flow. We see the market from the inside.
Our analysts contribute regularly to Bloomberg, TradeWinds, Lloyd's List, and Riviera Maritime Media, and present at industry forums worldwide. Visibility in tier-1 maritime and financial media is part of how we stay close to the market and how the market stays close to us.
Cadenced reports are the floor. Bespoke studies, sustained dialogue, and capital-raise support are where the desk earns its place. Four lanes, one analyst bench.
Weekly market reports plus bi-annual and annual sector reviews, alongside flash research notes triggered by major market or regulatory events. Coverage spans freight rates, asset values, newbuilding prices, demolition markets, and orderbook analysis across all major vessel segments.
Bespoke research on specific sectors, routes, or market dynamics. Feasibility studies for fleet expansion, market entry, or investment thesis development.
Fleet optimisation advisory. Market entry strategy. Asset timing recommendations. Competitive benchmarking. Board-level presentations and supporting materials.
Business plans, strategic research, and investor documentation for shipowners, funds, and platforms raising capital. Financial modelling, scenario analysis, and pitch materials backed by live market intelligence.
Every report we produce is written by analysts with direct market access. Not aggregated from public sources, not licensed from third parties. Written from inside an active brokerage, where the deals happen.
Published every Monday.
Mid-year and year-end.
Published at the start of each year.
Published within 24 to 72 hours of major market or regulatory events.
On demand.
Our research process is built on four pillars that differentiate us from third-party research providers.
Recent examples of the work the research team delivers. Rapid reads on market events, and the longer mandates that follow.
When the Strait of Hormuz situation escalated, our clients had a sector read on tonne-mile impact and rate exposure within 48 hours.
Ahead of the UAE's OPEC exit, we published a tanker-market read separating Hormuz rerouting strength from the structural ME-Asia trade story.
On request from a family office considering a feeder containership investment, we delivered a full investment memorandum within ten working days.
Our weekly and monthly reports are distributed to a subscriber base of shipowners, operators, investors, banks, and legal firms involved in maritime commerce. The reports are available at no cost to qualified industry participants. Contact us to request access.
Yes. Our research team regularly produces tailored analysis on client-defined topics. Typical engagements include feasibility studies, market entry assessments, fleet optimisation reviews, and due diligence support. Scope, timeline, and fees are agreed on a project basis.
Our analysts sit within an active brokerage operation with five global offices. This means our research is informed by live deal flow, direct market access, and real-time broker intelligence, not just publicly available data. We see transactions as they happen and understand the context behind market movements.
We cover all major segments including dry bulk (Capesize, Panamax, Supramax, Handysize), tankers (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, MR, chemical), container, gas (LNG, LPG), and offshore. Our quarterly outlook also covers cross-sector macro themes.
Yes. We regularly prepare custom presentations for board-level audiences, investor roadshows, and industry conferences. These can be delivered in person by our senior analysts or provided as presentation materials for your team to use.