Container ships in short supply

Business Times 31 January 2005

Ship operators seeking extra tonnage to handle increasing volumes over the next two years have been warned not to rely on the charter market as there are no ships above 4,000 TEU available for the whole of 2005, according to a BRS-Alphaliner forecast.
 
In addition, the newsletter predicted that there are only 15 4,000-5,000 TEU ships which are still potentially available for delivery in 2006, including five newbuildings.
 
However, the newsletter stated that it cannot be ruled out that some operators will sublet ships, or hire out their own ships to other lines.
 
In addition, it was stated that several other operators cannot develop their networks as they wish due to pauses in their newbuilding deliveries.
 
Meanwhile, the newsletter pointed out that it remains possible to charter slots on third-party services, but those slots will be expensive.
 
There is still an estimated 23 3,000-4,000 TEU ships available for hire this year, according to BRS-Alphaliner.
 
But, many of them are expected to be rehired by their current charterers. 

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