Global
Container Services and Shipping Industry News
26th
August 2010
- Carriers with more Capacity
On the Far East to Europe trade routes, some of the major carriers have re-deployed their largest vessels to ensure that the peak season period of 2010 is catered for. Volumes from the Far East this year has been better than 2009 and that of previous predictions. Vessels of up to 14,000 TEU are now operating on this route to meet the expected demand of the industry through this busiest period.
9th
August 2010
- Vessel Collision In Mumbai Harbour
Vessel movements are currently suspended in Mumbai Harbour due to a collision between MSC Chitra and Khaljja III on 7th Aug at around 09.50 am. The damage has affected the navigation channel for all ships to and from both Mumbai and Nhava Sheva terminals. One of the vessels appears to have run aground, losing some of the cargo on board. It is expected that the navigation channel will remain closed for up to 6 days, causing major congestion and delays.
5th
February 2010
- Container Shortages in China
Ahead
of the Chinese New Year, all carriers are facing
problems with a lack of equipment from all load
ports in China. This is especially effecting 40ft
and 40ft high cube containers. The cause of this
problem goes back to the bad weather in January,
when vessel working time was limited to unloading
import containers only, and due to fixed berthing
schedules in Europe, had to cut and run. With carriers
usually loading around 2500 TEU export containers
per vessel, and with increased bookings ahead of
Chinese New Year, this problem is likely to remain
for the next 2 to 3 weeks.
4th
December
2009 - Chinese New Year
The
Chinese New Year commences on 14th February 2010,
and you should be reminded that freight bookings
are likely to be strong up to this date. It is therefore
recommended that you give us as much prior notice
of new bookings as possible.
4th
December
2009 - Carriers Capacity
For
carriers on the Far East to Europe trade, we are
aware of at least two companies who have announced
a slow steaming programme, which will see vessel
speeds reduce from 20 to 14 knots. This will of
course have an effect on transit times, and these
are likely to increase from between 2 and 5 days,
depending upon carrier and origin of your goods.
By doing this, they will also effectively reduce
costs and remove capacity further, ensuring that
current freight rates are held or increased further.
4th
December
2009 - Far East Rates
Since
March 2009, when the ocean freight rates were at
an all-time low, carriers have been making regular
GRI (General Rate Increases) to bring freight rates
to a more realistic level. They have achieved this
with such success, mainly due to their capacity
reduction programmes. Rate increases which were
scheduled to come into force on 1st December, have
been suspended, with all carriers announcing increases
for sailings from 15th December onwards. We are
yet to see whether the proposed increase will stick,
or whether they will reduce this to a more realistic
level. Customers will be informed of any increases
nearer the time, once decisions have been made,
and contracts filed.
