Number of lay-ups mount as idle ships make up 2.9pc of world box fleet

THE amount of idle containership capacity worldwide has increased to 439,000 TEU, accounting for 2.9 per cent of the world box fleet as of November 7, according to Alphaliner.

It said the number of idle ships dropped from 185 units a fortnight earlier to 180 units, but there was an increase in the number of larger ships that were out of commission.


"A number of ships above 5,000 TEU including four 7,500-TEU units have been idled as a result of winter service rationalisations, on carriers` account. The larger ships are expected to return to service by the end of December as carriers expect a year-end and pre-Lunar New Year cargo rush," said Alphaliner.


"By contrast, the idle fleet remained stable for ships under 5,000 TEU as chartering-in compensates for re-deliveries."


It noted that MSC and Maersk have fixed 4,000- to 5,000-TEU spot ships from non-operating owners at discounted rates. It said such ships command rates as low as US$8,000 per day over the winter.


During the reporting period the carrier-controlled idle fleet (owned and chartered) rose to 56 units with a combined capacity of 214,000 TEU. The report added that at present APL has the most idle ships, after the carrier recently chartered four 8,400-TEU ships, making smaller units redundant.