Hong Kong: Transport Trackers, the Hong Kong research outfit led by Charles de Trenck (pictured), is reporting that the container shipping industry is rapidly bringing a slew of container ships out of lay up to cope with strong demand, even after Chinese New Year. The company noted that 'reports of cargo rolling are numerous'. French box watchers Alphaliner have just reported too that the number of containerships laid up has dropped below 10%. Maersk and other big names in the industry are actively seeking charter deals with mid-sized ships being the hardest and comparatively priciest to secure. Transport Trackers applauded the liner industry for slashing its orderbook to just 35% of the extant fleet (4.6m teu over 13m teu), as opposed to bulk's precipitous 60% orderbook overhang. Nevertheless, the consultancy cautioned containerlines against bringing too much tonnage back onto the market too soon, a move that 'could come back to cause pain relapses very quickly.' [26/02/10]
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