The global fleet of idle containerships has seen its lowest level since 2011, according to the figures reported by analyst Alphaliner.
The idle fleet stands at 119 vessels over 500 teu, totalling 230,900 teu as of 28 July and at 85 units in 500 – 2,000 teu range over the last two weeks.
The plunge has been attributed to tonnage demand increase triggered by port congestion in the Philippines and Tunisia. “The fall is mostly caused by the extra ships needed to cater for severe port congestion at Manila and in Tunisia, where ships have to wait between two and four weeks for a berth,” Alphaliner’s weekly newsletter reads.
According to Alphaliner, “ these idlings for carriers’ accounts have led to a reduction of the non-operating owners’ share of the idle fleet from 90% to 81%”.
The idle fleet is expected to remain low until October, when it should start rising again concurrently to the end of the peak season, as carriers are expected to suspend some loops and skip sailings on certain other services.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, August 5, 2014