The latest Alphaliner update shows continued easing in the idle container shipping fleet, even as freight rates decline for a third consecutive week. The return of several post-Panamax vessels to service remains the main driver of the drop.
The number of container ships logged as commercially idle contracted once again in the last fortnight, despite a continued softening in rates and a persistent amount of new tonnage coming into the market.
As per latest Alphaliner data, 0.8% of the total container fleet was reported to have no commercial activity, equivalent to 87 ships of 273,058 teu.
This marks a slight decline from the 94 ships of 298,538 teu a fortnight ago, when the idle fleet reached a temporary “high” of 0.9%. At these levels, vessel idling is essentially a non-factor in the industry, and the traditional end of year lull in activity seems to have had little impact on the fleet.
The main driver behind the latest drop was the return to service of two post-Panamax units, leaving just two vessels idle in this segment.
A sole “Megamax” remains without activity. However, the temporary unemployment of this “Megamax” appears purely operational following its earlier stay at yard for conversion and upgrade.
Source: Alphaliner
