THE world's inactive containership fleet remains at a very low capacity below 200,000 TEU, representing 0.6 per cent of the world's total of 31 million TEU, according to Alphaliner, reports Milan's Transporto Europa.
A key factor influencing this trend is the increase in average sailing distances due to the Red Sea crisis, which has diverted ships around the Cape of Good Hope.
The extended routes led to a rise in freight rates in 2024, encouraging shipping companies to minimise idle vessels. The break for the Chinese New Year and the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas have so far had no significant impact on global maritime trade, said Alphaliner.
While the Paris-based consultancy recorded an increase of six idle vessels in the two-week period covered by the report, bringing the total to 71, the rise in capacity was marginal, amounting to just 5,228 TEU.
This confirms the trend observed over the past year, during which the inactive fleet has consistently remained below one per cent of total capacity.
At the same time, the number of ships undergoing repairs in shipyards is increasing, reaching 170 vessels with a combined capacity of 731,872 TEU.
This is the highest level in the past three and a half months, though it is not considered unusual, as many carriers take advantage of the traditional post-Chinese New Year slowdown to carry out maintenance.
If the Gaza truce holds, containerships could resume transiting the Suez Canal, reducing journey times and thus lowering the demand for capacity. Additionally, new vessels are expected to enter service this year, prompting companies to retire older or smaller ships.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9250300000306
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