Weekly Report of China Export Container Transport Market
(CCFI Commentary in Issue 50, 2010)
This week, China’s containerized transport market witnessed a modest upswing, where a conventional export rush before the Spring Festival was seen in most services, pulling up the cargo volume substantially. On December 17th, the China Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1058.11 points; while the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index nailed at 1086.38 points, both of which down 1.4% from last week.
In Europe service, cargo volume obviously ascended with the slot utilization for most voyages climbing to 95% and laden for some. The figure for the Mediterranean service showed no less than 90%. Downward trajectory this week was alleviated as the market improved. On December 17th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Europe and Mediterranean fixed at USD 1333/TEU and USD 1236/TEU, respectively down 0.3% and 0.9% from last week. The drop narrowed by 1.2% and 1.1% respectively compared with the last week. Pundits believe the boom in December was mainly triggered by the manufacturers’ export impulse for fulfilling their annual plans, combined with the constant appreciation of the Euros. The demand for capacity will keep mounting while the conventional peak season before the Spring Festival is approaching, which will lead to a market equilibrium and subsequently the rally of the freight rate. Several carriers are understood to up shift the freight rate on January 1st , 2011 by about USD 300/TEU, yet still whether the rate rise would be fully achieved remains to be seen.
Quite similar with the Europe service, cargo volume rebounded for the North America service this week as the coming shipment rush before the end of the year. Carriers were keen on adding capacity, with the statistics showing that the number of the voyages from Shanghai to North America reported 183 in December, up by 9 from November. As a result, the expanding capacity offset the profit brought by the thriving shipment. On December 17th, the freight indices of the US west coast and US east coast issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange were 1002.21 points and 1199.71 points, respectively down 2.0% and 0.5%.
In South America EAST COAST service, cargo volume revealed sluggish this week, causing slot utilization on most of the voyages at a lower level, and freight rate slumped. On December 17th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in South America showed USD 1521/TEU, slipped 4.0% from last week.
In Australia and Singapore service this week the cargo volume went up slightly, yet the slot utilization only averaged at 70%, pressing the freight rate going down. On December 17th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Australia and Singapore quoted USD 918/TEU, down 5.1% from last week. Cargoes loaded on the vessels next week will be scheduled to arrive at the acceptance places when Christmas holiday ends in most ports, which will encourage the exports. Considering the rally of the capacity demand, carriers were poised to restore the freight rate on January 15th , 2011 with its range depending on market circumstances.
viernes, 31 de diciembre de 2010
lunes, 20 de diciembre de 2010
China's foreign trade to hit new high, but exports environment worsens
Dec 17 -- China's foreign trade is expected to hit a historic high this year, yet the nation's exporters are likely to come up against more trade barriers as the world economy struggles to stage a bullish recovery.
The total value of China's imports and exports are projected to exceed 2.9 trillion U.S. dollars in 2010, Vice Commerce Minister Zhong Shan told a press conference Friday.
The nation's foreign trade rebounded sharply this year from the recession level in 2009, when foreign trade contracted to 2.21 trillion U.S. dollars, down 13.9 percent from 2008.
China's foreign trade jumped 36.3 percent year on year to 2.67728 trillion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of the year, with exports up 34 percent from one year ago, according to the latest customs figures.
However, this year is the most complicated year for Chinese exporters, as China was frequently pressed in issues ranging from the renminbi exchange rate, independent innovation, new energy policies to intellectual property rights, investment environment, and rare earth exports.
China was the subject of 56 trade remedy investigations launched by 19 countries and regions in the first 11 months, with a total involved value of about 7 billion U.S. dollars, statistics from the MOC Bureau of Fair Trade for Imports and Exports show.
In addition, the United States launched 19 investigations into alleged intellectual property rights infringements by Chinese companies over the period, and one into China's clean energy sector, claiming government support gave Chinese producers unfair advantages, according to the MOC bureau.
Trade frictions against China have increased as emerging economies have joined developed nations in their wariness of trade imbalances, and now energy and electronic products are being targeted as well as labor-intensive products such as textile and chemical products, said Zhong.
In the first half of the year, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) launched a total of 69 anti-dumping probes and five anti-subsidy investigations worldwide, down 29 percent and 44 percent year on year, respectively, said Yang Yi, director with the MOC Bureau of Industry Injury Investigation.
Despite a decline in the number of global trade remedy probes amid a worldwide economic recovery, China's exporters still face a challenging external environment. Trade investigations have remained frequent this year and trade frictions regarding intellectual property rights and fair spread of technology have increased, said a report issued by the ministry Friday.
The report said China has become a major target of trade remedy investigations this year because trade protectionism has gained momentum as European countries and the United States attempt to narrow their trade deficits.
The report also forecast that frequent trade frictions will last for sometime, as major economies are inclined to be more inward looking given the uncertain global economic outlook.
The report suggested China more frequently resort to WTO dispute settlement mechanisms. The nation had filed six WTO complaints by the end of 2009 since it joined the organization in November 2001, according to the report.
The government will increase its efforts to establish systems to better safeguard the country's industrial security and the legitimate rights of the domestic enterprises, and it will also promote industrial communications, in an effort to iron out trade conflicts between domestic and their overseas counterparts, said Zhong.
(Source:Xinhua)
The total value of China's imports and exports are projected to exceed 2.9 trillion U.S. dollars in 2010, Vice Commerce Minister Zhong Shan told a press conference Friday.
The nation's foreign trade rebounded sharply this year from the recession level in 2009, when foreign trade contracted to 2.21 trillion U.S. dollars, down 13.9 percent from 2008.
China's foreign trade jumped 36.3 percent year on year to 2.67728 trillion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of the year, with exports up 34 percent from one year ago, according to the latest customs figures.
However, this year is the most complicated year for Chinese exporters, as China was frequently pressed in issues ranging from the renminbi exchange rate, independent innovation, new energy policies to intellectual property rights, investment environment, and rare earth exports.
China was the subject of 56 trade remedy investigations launched by 19 countries and regions in the first 11 months, with a total involved value of about 7 billion U.S. dollars, statistics from the MOC Bureau of Fair Trade for Imports and Exports show.
In addition, the United States launched 19 investigations into alleged intellectual property rights infringements by Chinese companies over the period, and one into China's clean energy sector, claiming government support gave Chinese producers unfair advantages, according to the MOC bureau.
Trade frictions against China have increased as emerging economies have joined developed nations in their wariness of trade imbalances, and now energy and electronic products are being targeted as well as labor-intensive products such as textile and chemical products, said Zhong.
In the first half of the year, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) launched a total of 69 anti-dumping probes and five anti-subsidy investigations worldwide, down 29 percent and 44 percent year on year, respectively, said Yang Yi, director with the MOC Bureau of Industry Injury Investigation.
Despite a decline in the number of global trade remedy probes amid a worldwide economic recovery, China's exporters still face a challenging external environment. Trade investigations have remained frequent this year and trade frictions regarding intellectual property rights and fair spread of technology have increased, said a report issued by the ministry Friday.
The report said China has become a major target of trade remedy investigations this year because trade protectionism has gained momentum as European countries and the United States attempt to narrow their trade deficits.
The report also forecast that frequent trade frictions will last for sometime, as major economies are inclined to be more inward looking given the uncertain global economic outlook.
The report suggested China more frequently resort to WTO dispute settlement mechanisms. The nation had filed six WTO complaints by the end of 2009 since it joined the organization in November 2001, according to the report.
The government will increase its efforts to establish systems to better safeguard the country's industrial security and the legitimate rights of the domestic enterprises, and it will also promote industrial communications, in an effort to iron out trade conflicts between domestic and their overseas counterparts, said Zhong.
(Source:Xinhua)
lunes, 13 de diciembre de 2010
Will carriers recreate the sucess of this year's rate hikes in 2011?
FREIGHT rates saw a recovery in January this year. Will we see a repeat performance this coming January? Some industry analysts have recently commented that freight rate hikes seem unlikely to happen soon, but some leading carriers, seeing the potential surge in demand at the outset of next year, do expect the same early rate spike will reoccur this time around also.
The world's three largest shipping lines have announced freight rate increments.
Maersk, the world's largest carrier, has announced that the freight rates for Asia-Central America and west coast South America trade lanes will be increased from US$250 to $300 per TEU starting January.
Likewise, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the second largest carrier, is going to raise rates on various trades with effect from January 1. The suggested increases are $280 per TEU, as well as $400 per FEU and 40-foot high cube containers for trades between Asia and the Caribbean, Central America East Coast, Cartagena, Panama and Venezuela...
CMA CGM has announced rate increases from January 1. Its Asia-North America freight rates will increase by $320 per TEU, $400 per FEU, $450 per 40-foot high cube or reefer and $510 per 45-footer. Rates between West Africa and the Far East, as well as between west Asia and India, will raise $100 per TEU.
For Asia-Europe trade lanes, rate increases announced by carriers are between $500 and $600 per FEU.
Also, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a $400 per FEU guideline rate hike for the 2011-12 transpacific contract season, according to Paris-based maritime agency Alphaliner.
However, according to statistics from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE), freight rates from China have been shrinking in the past five months. The spot rates have declined by 29 per cent after reaching its pinnacle in July.
Alphaliner analysed that the two key factors - capacity and inventory levels - that led to freight rate increases last year are not seen now, implying that the proposed rate hikes will not succeed this time.
Carriers are reported to be reluctant to reduce capacity in the current winter period and some even continue to add new capacity despite the moderate utlisation levels. Inventory levels have also reached a new record high in the US in November as the peak season was pushed forward this year because shippers ordered the goods earlier than usual.
Alpahliner further pointed out that weekly capacity on the Far East-Europe and Far East-North America routes is now 19 per cent higher than 12 months ago.
Barring further capacity cuts, said a Alphaliner report, there will be sufficient capacity in forthcoming January when shippers rush to move goods before Chinese New Year holidays that start the first week of February.
The world's three largest shipping lines have announced freight rate increments.
Maersk, the world's largest carrier, has announced that the freight rates for Asia-Central America and west coast South America trade lanes will be increased from US$250 to $300 per TEU starting January.
Likewise, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the second largest carrier, is going to raise rates on various trades with effect from January 1. The suggested increases are $280 per TEU, as well as $400 per FEU and 40-foot high cube containers for trades between Asia and the Caribbean, Central America East Coast, Cartagena, Panama and Venezuela...
CMA CGM has announced rate increases from January 1. Its Asia-North America freight rates will increase by $320 per TEU, $400 per FEU, $450 per 40-foot high cube or reefer and $510 per 45-footer. Rates between West Africa and the Far East, as well as between west Asia and India, will raise $100 per TEU.
For Asia-Europe trade lanes, rate increases announced by carriers are between $500 and $600 per FEU.
Also, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a $400 per FEU guideline rate hike for the 2011-12 transpacific contract season, according to Paris-based maritime agency Alphaliner.
However, according to statistics from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE), freight rates from China have been shrinking in the past five months. The spot rates have declined by 29 per cent after reaching its pinnacle in July.
Alphaliner analysed that the two key factors - capacity and inventory levels - that led to freight rate increases last year are not seen now, implying that the proposed rate hikes will not succeed this time.
Carriers are reported to be reluctant to reduce capacity in the current winter period and some even continue to add new capacity despite the moderate utlisation levels. Inventory levels have also reached a new record high in the US in November as the peak season was pushed forward this year because shippers ordered the goods earlier than usual.
Alpahliner further pointed out that weekly capacity on the Far East-Europe and Far East-North America routes is now 19 per cent higher than 12 months ago.
Barring further capacity cuts, said a Alphaliner report, there will be sufficient capacity in forthcoming January when shippers rush to move goods before Chinese New Year holidays that start the first week of February.
viernes, 10 de diciembre de 2010
Rate fall: is it seasonal or is there a bigger problem brewing?
FREIGHT rates on the major east-west trades continue to slide in the fourth quarter, leaving some analysts to ponder whether this is the usual slackening off for the end of year or is there something more to the recent decline?
One of the key concerns some industry watchers are keeping an eye on is the growing overcapacity creeping into the market.
RS Platou analysts reported that Asia-Europe freight rates have fallen 10 per cent from the third quarter thus far, and have projected that by the end of the year this dip will increase to 15 per cent.
In its Shipping Weekly report, RS Platou said it believes we will see a pickup in rate late in the first quarter of 2011, however, if carriers are not disciplined in the current slack season then we could be looking at a severe negative impact on carrier profitability…
jueves, 9 de diciembre de 2010
Weekly Report of China Export Container Transport Market
(CCFI Commentary in Issue 47, 2010)
This week, the China’s containerized transport market carried on the downward trajectory because of the slack season prevailing on the main services like Europe and North America, pulling down not only the capacity demand but also the freight rate.
On November 26th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) reported 1089.18 points, down 0.7% from last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index showed 1157.45 points, down 2.7%.
Traders on the Europe service slowed down their shipment consignment, as a result the slot utilization of the voyages could hardly maintain at 80% ~ 85%, and the freight rate touched a record low in this year citing the sharply slump of the cargo volume.
On November 26th, the freight index of the Europe and Mediterranean services issued by SSE reported 1552.05 points and 1606.34 points, decreased 0.9% and 1.2% from last week.
Pundits indicated that so weak the market was right now that the demand of capacity kept shrinking, triggering the fright rate to drop inevitably. However, the rate would be very likely to rebound with the shipment rush during the new year’s day and the reactivation of the European merchants.
Just like Europe, the North America service maintained the previous downward momentum, where the slot utilization for voyages in US west coast slid to about 80%, while in US east coast the figure saw 70% ~ 75%. The declining trend of cargo volume seemed unstoppable, besides, most carriers on the service had yet to cut the capacity, consequently the glut of capacity caused by which considerably depressed the freight rate.
On November 26th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharge) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast quoted USD 1977/FEU and USD 3172/FEU, respectively down 3.5% and 2.8%. Still, no signs of recovery could be perceived in the American economy, as the report issued by US Federal Reserve on the November 23rd, the economic growth rate had been shifted to 2.4% ~ 2.5%, lower than the 3% ~ 3.5% established in June. Besides, the excessive money supply engendered by the US’ outperformed quantitative currency easing policy may evoke a global inflation, whose negative social effect would show increasingly evident in the next few months and thus bringing a lot of uncertainties to the China’s export containerized transport.
In Australia and Singapore service, the substantial decrease of the cargo volume attributing to the finished Christmas shipment in last week had descended the slot utilization to 80% ~ 85%, as a result, carriers hold on from uplifting the freight rate.
On November 26th, the freight index of the Australia and Singapore services issued by SSE saw 1047.25 points, almost the same with last week. With the reference of the custom in the past, the freight rate on the service may probably follow the tracks of the previous downward trend on the Europe and North America services in the next quarter.
Unlike others, the Japan service, in sharp contrast, was at its conventional peak season, where the cargo volume revealed more and more strong and the slot utilization for the voyages on the service had climbed to 80%. Besides, freight rate remain steady.
On November 26th, the freight index of the Japan service issued by SSE showed 760.4 points, basically no change with last week.
This week, the China’s containerized transport market carried on the downward trajectory because of the slack season prevailing on the main services like Europe and North America, pulling down not only the capacity demand but also the freight rate.
On November 26th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) reported 1089.18 points, down 0.7% from last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index showed 1157.45 points, down 2.7%.
Traders on the Europe service slowed down their shipment consignment, as a result the slot utilization of the voyages could hardly maintain at 80% ~ 85%, and the freight rate touched a record low in this year citing the sharply slump of the cargo volume.
On November 26th, the freight index of the Europe and Mediterranean services issued by SSE reported 1552.05 points and 1606.34 points, decreased 0.9% and 1.2% from last week.
Pundits indicated that so weak the market was right now that the demand of capacity kept shrinking, triggering the fright rate to drop inevitably. However, the rate would be very likely to rebound with the shipment rush during the new year’s day and the reactivation of the European merchants.
Just like Europe, the North America service maintained the previous downward momentum, where the slot utilization for voyages in US west coast slid to about 80%, while in US east coast the figure saw 70% ~ 75%. The declining trend of cargo volume seemed unstoppable, besides, most carriers on the service had yet to cut the capacity, consequently the glut of capacity caused by which considerably depressed the freight rate.
On November 26th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharge) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast quoted USD 1977/FEU and USD 3172/FEU, respectively down 3.5% and 2.8%. Still, no signs of recovery could be perceived in the American economy, as the report issued by US Federal Reserve on the November 23rd, the economic growth rate had been shifted to 2.4% ~ 2.5%, lower than the 3% ~ 3.5% established in June. Besides, the excessive money supply engendered by the US’ outperformed quantitative currency easing policy may evoke a global inflation, whose negative social effect would show increasingly evident in the next few months and thus bringing a lot of uncertainties to the China’s export containerized transport.
In Australia and Singapore service, the substantial decrease of the cargo volume attributing to the finished Christmas shipment in last week had descended the slot utilization to 80% ~ 85%, as a result, carriers hold on from uplifting the freight rate.
On November 26th, the freight index of the Australia and Singapore services issued by SSE saw 1047.25 points, almost the same with last week. With the reference of the custom in the past, the freight rate on the service may probably follow the tracks of the previous downward trend on the Europe and North America services in the next quarter.
Unlike others, the Japan service, in sharp contrast, was at its conventional peak season, where the cargo volume revealed more and more strong and the slot utilization for the voyages on the service had climbed to 80%. Besides, freight rate remain steady.
On November 26th, the freight index of the Japan service issued by SSE showed 760.4 points, basically no change with last week.
miércoles, 1 de diciembre de 2010
Mum Maersk denies it 'signed' for ten 18,000-TEU ships
MAERSK Line, the largest carrier of the world, has denied it has signed a contract for ten 18,000-TEU containerships with South Korea shipbuilder Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.
It was reported by Lloyds List that the orders would amount to US$2 billion, and Korea Economic Daily also reported that Daewoo would sign a $4 billion order for 20 vessels with Maersk - reports echoed around the world including in the Hong Kong Shipping Gazette.
But Maersk spokesman Michael Storgaard said the company had not signed any deal, but at the same time, would not comment on whether it such a eventuality was being discussed with any shipyard, said ComPair Data, an American Shipper affiliate.
Still it is reported that Maersk and Daewoo are working together for designing new mega vessels that are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), helping the carrier to further reduce the overall CO2 emission and better implement the slow steaming strategy to cut fuel costs.
"The trend in economies of scale for containerships is apparently not over," said founder of Hong Kong-based Transport Trackers Charles de Trenck in an email, cited ComPair Data.
It was reported by Lloyds List that the orders would amount to US$2 billion, and Korea Economic Daily also reported that Daewoo would sign a $4 billion order for 20 vessels with Maersk - reports echoed around the world including in the Hong Kong Shipping Gazette.
But Maersk spokesman Michael Storgaard said the company had not signed any deal, but at the same time, would not comment on whether it such a eventuality was being discussed with any shipyard, said ComPair Data, an American Shipper affiliate.
Still it is reported that Maersk and Daewoo are working together for designing new mega vessels that are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), helping the carrier to further reduce the overall CO2 emission and better implement the slow steaming strategy to cut fuel costs.
"The trend in economies of scale for containerships is apparently not over," said founder of Hong Kong-based Transport Trackers Charles de Trenck in an email, cited ComPair Data.
LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is little if any dispute about the fact that shipping is the most carbon-efficient mode of transportation. According to a recent report of an IMO expert working group, international maritime shipping accounts for 2.7% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. And according to analysis by the Swedish Network for Transport and the Environment, shipping also produces fewer exhaust gas emissions - including nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, particulates, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide - for each ton transported one kilometer than air or road transport.
Notes of interest:
• A ton of goods can be shipped from the Port of Melbourne, Australia to the Port of Long Beach, U.S.A, a distance of 12,770 kilometers (7,935 miles) while generating fewer CO2 emissions than are generated when transporting the same cargo in the U.S. by truck from Dallas to Long Beach, a distance of 2,307 kilometers (1,442 miles).
• Similarly, a ton of goods can be moved from the port of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Tianjin, China, a distance of 3,327 kilometers (2,067 miles) generating fewer CO2 emissions than would be generated if the same goods were trucked from Wuhan in Central China to Tianjin, a distance of just 988 kilometers (614 miles).
• The wine industry recently found that a bottle of French wine served in a New York restaurant will have a lower carbon transportation footprint than a bottle of California wine served in that restaurant.
• A whitepaper released for the Transport Intelligence Europe Conference states that researchers conducting an evaluation for the World Economic Forum "found that the entire container voyage from China to Europe is equaled in CO2 emissions by about 200 kilometers of long-haul trucking in Europe. So, for most freight, which is slow moving, there is not really a green benefit to moving production to Europe."
Nevertheless, the size and global nature of the shipping industry makes it important for the industry to continuously work to reduce its environmental impact, and there is evidence that the industry has made significant progress. A recent study by Lloyd's Register found that the fuel efficiency of container ships (4500 TEU capacity) has improved 35% between 1985 and 2008. Comparison between a modern 12,000 TEU ship built in 2007 and a 1500 TEU container in 1976 shows the carbon efficiency on a per-mile cargo volume basis has improved 75% in 30 years
Notes of interest:
• A ton of goods can be shipped from the Port of Melbourne, Australia to the Port of Long Beach, U.S.A, a distance of 12,770 kilometers (7,935 miles) while generating fewer CO2 emissions than are generated when transporting the same cargo in the U.S. by truck from Dallas to Long Beach, a distance of 2,307 kilometers (1,442 miles).
• Similarly, a ton of goods can be moved from the port of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Tianjin, China, a distance of 3,327 kilometers (2,067 miles) generating fewer CO2 emissions than would be generated if the same goods were trucked from Wuhan in Central China to Tianjin, a distance of just 988 kilometers (614 miles).
• The wine industry recently found that a bottle of French wine served in a New York restaurant will have a lower carbon transportation footprint than a bottle of California wine served in that restaurant.
• A whitepaper released for the Transport Intelligence Europe Conference states that researchers conducting an evaluation for the World Economic Forum "found that the entire container voyage from China to Europe is equaled in CO2 emissions by about 200 kilometers of long-haul trucking in Europe. So, for most freight, which is slow moving, there is not really a green benefit to moving production to Europe."
Nevertheless, the size and global nature of the shipping industry makes it important for the industry to continuously work to reduce its environmental impact, and there is evidence that the industry has made significant progress. A recent study by Lloyd's Register found that the fuel efficiency of container ships (4500 TEU capacity) has improved 35% between 1985 and 2008. Comparison between a modern 12,000 TEU ship built in 2007 and a 1500 TEU container in 1976 shows the carbon efficiency on a per-mile cargo volume basis has improved 75% in 30 years
Growth slows in Q4, but full year containerised trade forecast to post solid growth
FULL year global containerised trade growth is projected to reach 11.1 per cent to 138 million TEU in 2010 in spite of the slowdown in traffic across the major trade lanes in recent months, according to Clarkson Research Services.
Container Trade Statistics (CTS), which has recently taken over the task of distributing trade information on all trades to and from Europe from the now defunct European Liner Affairs Association, revealed in its latest report on the Asia-Europe trade that the monthly growth rate in the market has slipped to just five per cent year on year.
On the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East trade to Europe, the growth rate slipped to just 7.6 per cent, marking the first single digit increase on the trade since November 2009.
But according to Clarkson's recently published Container Intelligence Monthly report, some trades are maintaining their monthly year-on-year growth rates even in the final months of 2010, such as the Europe-North America trade.
FULL year global containerised trade growth is projected to reach 11.1 per cent to 138 million TEU in 2010 in spite of the slowdown in traffic across the major trade lanes in recent months, according to Clarkson Research Services.
Container Trade Statistics (CTS), which has recently taken over the task of distributing trade information on all trades to and from Europe from the now defunct European Liner Affairs Association, revealed in its latest report on the Asia-Europe trade that the monthly growth rate in the market has slipped to just five per cent year on year.
On the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East trade to Europe, the growth rate slipped to just 7.6 per cent, marking the first single digit increase on the trade since November 2009.
But according to Clarkson's recently published Container Intelligence Monthly report, some trades are maintaining their monthly year-on-year growth rates even in the final months of 2010, such as the Europe-North America trade.
viernes, 26 de noviembre de 2010
Transpacific spot rate hits US$1,961/FEU, lowest since April
DREWRY's latest Hong Kong-Los Angeles container transpacific rate has fallen to US$1,961 per FEU for the week ending November 22, reported London's Containerisation International.
Rates fell 5.7 per cent from $2,079 set the previous week, the first time it dropped below US$2,000 since April 26. The spot rate hit its high point of $2,800 in August. While it has fallen with the softening slack season demand, the rate is still 57 per cent better than last November's same-week figure.
The Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement (TSA) recently suggested increasing rates in May by $400 per FEU for cargo to US west coast and $600 per FEU elsewhere.
But it forecast cargo growth from Asia to the US in 2011 will stay at the six to nine per cent range.
The Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) said "supply and demand" would still be the focal point in the Far East-US trade for the first half of 2011.
Much more space to be available as many newbuildings and previously redeployed capacity would be added, leading to an ease of the pressure of capacity but causing a drop in rates, said SSE's section chief of information freight index department Ms Zhou Xiang.
"The depreciation of the US dollar and the increase of inventory goods in this nation's market will not be so optimistic," she added.
Rates fell 5.7 per cent from $2,079 set the previous week, the first time it dropped below US$2,000 since April 26. The spot rate hit its high point of $2,800 in August. While it has fallen with the softening slack season demand, the rate is still 57 per cent better than last November's same-week figure.
The Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement (TSA) recently suggested increasing rates in May by $400 per FEU for cargo to US west coast and $600 per FEU elsewhere.
But it forecast cargo growth from Asia to the US in 2011 will stay at the six to nine per cent range.
The Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) said "supply and demand" would still be the focal point in the Far East-US trade for the first half of 2011.
Much more space to be available as many newbuildings and previously redeployed capacity would be added, leading to an ease of the pressure of capacity but causing a drop in rates, said SSE's section chief of information freight index department Ms Zhou Xiang.
"The depreciation of the US dollar and the increase of inventory goods in this nation's market will not be so optimistic," she added.
Weekly Report of China Export Container Transport Market
(CCFI Commentary in Issue 46, 2010)
This week, the China export containerized transport market continued going downhill, which revealed even obvious in Europe and America service, making the freight rate keep dropping. On November 19th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1097.33 points, decline 0.9% from last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index saw 1189.71 points, with a week-on-week decrease of 2.5%.
In Europe service the cargo volume was still slumping, but part of the voyages saw mild bounce. Slot utilization for most of the voyages on the service were bolstered to 85% ~ 90%, where some even witnessed above 90%, while some of the Chinese manufacturers speeded up the delivery in order to consigned the shipments to the places of acceptance in Europe on the schedule of the last week before the Christmas. But, in general, the Europe service was still losing its equilibrium as the freight rate fell further. On November 19th, the freight index for the Europe and Mediterranean services issued by SSE reported 1565.48 points and 1626.57 points, respectively tumbled 0.9% and 1.0% from last week.
Pundits believe the cargo volume in November, the slack season conventionally, tends to shrink gradually and the entire markets will preserve the downward momentum in a short-term. But with the end-of-the-year shipment rush period is approaching, the rate for the voyages with fast-steaming is very likely to stabilize, while the voyages with slow-steaming is expected to face a promoted down turn.
In North America service, the cargo volume kept descending with no sign of rally, the slot utilization in US west coast service slipped to about 80% whereas in US east coast the figure hovered from 70% ~ 75%. The weak cargo volume strengthened the glut of the capacity, seriously pulling down the freight rate. On November 19th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast fixed at USD 2048/FEU and USD 3262/FEU, respectively down 3.0% and 3.3% from last week.
Recently, the growth of American economy slows down, capacity utilization remains low, residents raise their savings, and consumer confidence saw stagnated, all of the facts above may inflict on the transport demand on the North America service. Besides, here comes the conventional slack season and most consignees have had their stockpile restored, the balance of the supply-and-demand relation will be disrupted even tougher if capacity left surplus. It is understood that some carriers are prepared cutting the capacity in December to curb the downward freight rate.
In Australia and Singapore service, still, thanks to the Christmas shipment the capacity demand showed prosperous, where the slot utilization for most of the voyages reported no less than 95%, in addition, laden vessels were perceived increasingly often. The freight rate remained high due to the steady market. On November 19th, the freight index for the Australia and Singapore service issued by SSE reported 1040.85 points, almost no change with last week.
In Southeast Asia service, infected by the overabundant capacity in Europe and Mediterranean service, the recent slot supply showed increasingly abundant, with the demand kept sliding, so freight rate inclined to decrease week-by-week. On November 19th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Southeast Asia service quoted USD 213/TEU, down USD 34/TEU from last week.
This week, the China export containerized transport market continued going downhill, which revealed even obvious in Europe and America service, making the freight rate keep dropping. On November 19th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1097.33 points, decline 0.9% from last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index saw 1189.71 points, with a week-on-week decrease of 2.5%.
In Europe service the cargo volume was still slumping, but part of the voyages saw mild bounce. Slot utilization for most of the voyages on the service were bolstered to 85% ~ 90%, where some even witnessed above 90%, while some of the Chinese manufacturers speeded up the delivery in order to consigned the shipments to the places of acceptance in Europe on the schedule of the last week before the Christmas. But, in general, the Europe service was still losing its equilibrium as the freight rate fell further. On November 19th, the freight index for the Europe and Mediterranean services issued by SSE reported 1565.48 points and 1626.57 points, respectively tumbled 0.9% and 1.0% from last week.
Pundits believe the cargo volume in November, the slack season conventionally, tends to shrink gradually and the entire markets will preserve the downward momentum in a short-term. But with the end-of-the-year shipment rush period is approaching, the rate for the voyages with fast-steaming is very likely to stabilize, while the voyages with slow-steaming is expected to face a promoted down turn.
In North America service, the cargo volume kept descending with no sign of rally, the slot utilization in US west coast service slipped to about 80% whereas in US east coast the figure hovered from 70% ~ 75%. The weak cargo volume strengthened the glut of the capacity, seriously pulling down the freight rate. On November 19th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast fixed at USD 2048/FEU and USD 3262/FEU, respectively down 3.0% and 3.3% from last week.
Recently, the growth of American economy slows down, capacity utilization remains low, residents raise their savings, and consumer confidence saw stagnated, all of the facts above may inflict on the transport demand on the North America service. Besides, here comes the conventional slack season and most consignees have had their stockpile restored, the balance of the supply-and-demand relation will be disrupted even tougher if capacity left surplus. It is understood that some carriers are prepared cutting the capacity in December to curb the downward freight rate.
In Australia and Singapore service, still, thanks to the Christmas shipment the capacity demand showed prosperous, where the slot utilization for most of the voyages reported no less than 95%, in addition, laden vessels were perceived increasingly often. The freight rate remained high due to the steady market. On November 19th, the freight index for the Australia and Singapore service issued by SSE reported 1040.85 points, almost no change with last week.
In Southeast Asia service, infected by the overabundant capacity in Europe and Mediterranean service, the recent slot supply showed increasingly abundant, with the demand kept sliding, so freight rate inclined to decrease week-by-week. On November 19th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Southeast Asia service quoted USD 213/TEU, down USD 34/TEU from last week.
viernes, 19 de noviembre de 2010
Weekly Report of China Export Container Transport Market
(CCFI Commentary in Issue 44, 2010)
This week, the China’s export containerized transport market showed slightly sluggish, as freight rates in most services kept falling, especially in North America. On November 5th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1118.70 points; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index was 1242.87 points, both of which reduced 1.3% from last week.
There was a slightly descend of the cargo volume in Europe service this week, yet still the slot utilization was witnessed above 90% and some of the voyages reported laden. The rate continued the downward momentum, with a drop range at about USD 25/TEU ~ USD 50/TEU due to the overwhelming capacity. In Mediterranean service the rate was understood even lower, for the rates in some of the voyages were cut to USD 1300/TEU, and the general freight rate remained at USD 1400/TEU ~ USD 1500/TEU. On November 5th, the freight indices of Europe and Mediterranean services issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1609.40 points and 1678.65 points, respectively slip 0.8% and 0.5% from last week. Some of the carriers indicated that they were prepare to laid part of the vessels on the Europe and Mediterranean service to stabilized the freight rate if it keeps slipping because of the surplus capacity.
In North America service the cargo volume carried on the contraction trend, and the capacity increasingly exceeded the demand. Consequently the decline in the freight rate intended to enlarge, where on US west coast this week the rate averaged at USD 2100/FEU ~ USD 2200/FEU, while in US east coast service the figure showed USD 3400/FEU ~ USD 3500/FEU. On November 5th, the freight rates (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast quoted USD 2159/FEU and USD 3459/FEU, respectively down 2.0% and 2.8%. According to experts, quite substantially had the rate shifted on the America service. Both the plummet of the USDX and the new currency quantitative easing policy announced by the US Federal Reserve will to some extend curb the growth of US general imports, and consequently inflict the freight rate on America service.
In Australia and Singapore service, both the cargo volume and the freight rate remained strong because of the Christmas shipments, where generally the rate for the service averaged at about USD 1100/TEU, up by about USD 50/TEU from last week. On November 5th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Australia and Singapore service was seen USD 1099/USD, up 4.5% from last week. Pundits believe the Christmas shipments will end in early December, and some of the carriers are poised to cut the capacity by then to maintain the current rate level.
On Japan service, the average slot utilization, just as last week, was seen above 80%, while the freight rate remained steady. On November 5th, the freight index of the Japan service issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange showed 760.10 points, basically equaling to last week.
In Southeast Asia service this week the cargo volume slightly slid down and the freight rate kept the downward trajectory. The freight rate (without surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Singapore, marginally went down from last week, dropping to USD 110/TEU ~ USD 150/TEU. On November 5th, the freight index of the Southeast Asia service issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 924.33 points, down 1.4% from last week.
This week, the China’s export containerized transport market showed slightly sluggish, as freight rates in most services kept falling, especially in North America. On November 5th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1118.70 points; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index was 1242.87 points, both of which reduced 1.3% from last week.
There was a slightly descend of the cargo volume in Europe service this week, yet still the slot utilization was witnessed above 90% and some of the voyages reported laden. The rate continued the downward momentum, with a drop range at about USD 25/TEU ~ USD 50/TEU due to the overwhelming capacity. In Mediterranean service the rate was understood even lower, for the rates in some of the voyages were cut to USD 1300/TEU, and the general freight rate remained at USD 1400/TEU ~ USD 1500/TEU. On November 5th, the freight indices of Europe and Mediterranean services issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1609.40 points and 1678.65 points, respectively slip 0.8% and 0.5% from last week. Some of the carriers indicated that they were prepare to laid part of the vessels on the Europe and Mediterranean service to stabilized the freight rate if it keeps slipping because of the surplus capacity.
In North America service the cargo volume carried on the contraction trend, and the capacity increasingly exceeded the demand. Consequently the decline in the freight rate intended to enlarge, where on US west coast this week the rate averaged at USD 2100/FEU ~ USD 2200/FEU, while in US east coast service the figure showed USD 3400/FEU ~ USD 3500/FEU. On November 5th, the freight rates (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast quoted USD 2159/FEU and USD 3459/FEU, respectively down 2.0% and 2.8%. According to experts, quite substantially had the rate shifted on the America service. Both the plummet of the USDX and the new currency quantitative easing policy announced by the US Federal Reserve will to some extend curb the growth of US general imports, and consequently inflict the freight rate on America service.
In Australia and Singapore service, both the cargo volume and the freight rate remained strong because of the Christmas shipments, where generally the rate for the service averaged at about USD 1100/TEU, up by about USD 50/TEU from last week. On November 5th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Australia and Singapore service was seen USD 1099/USD, up 4.5% from last week. Pundits believe the Christmas shipments will end in early December, and some of the carriers are poised to cut the capacity by then to maintain the current rate level.
On Japan service, the average slot utilization, just as last week, was seen above 80%, while the freight rate remained steady. On November 5th, the freight index of the Japan service issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange showed 760.10 points, basically equaling to last week.
In Southeast Asia service this week the cargo volume slightly slid down and the freight rate kept the downward trajectory. The freight rate (without surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Singapore, marginally went down from last week, dropping to USD 110/TEU ~ USD 150/TEU. On November 5th, the freight index of the Southeast Asia service issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 924.33 points, down 1.4% from last week.
martes, 16 de noviembre de 2010
Dear valued Customer
On 29 April last year the European community has enforced a new stronger security regulation for air cargo.
Most European countries have already adjusted their operations to the new regulations, and ENAC Italian civil aviation authority) is now enforcing the same conditions in the Italian market with immediate effect.
All air cargo (100 pct - every single carton/case) MUST be x rayed before being allowed on board. Without any exceptions.
The x-ray cost are 3 EUR per package.
As you can easily understand Vector has to comply with such new regulation and pass on the cost to customer.
In case of FOB shipment - the x-ray fee of 3 EUR per package will be charged to the shipper.
In case of FCA/ex works shipment, the x-ray fee of 3 EUR per package will be charged to the consignee, and will be shown on “due agent” column under “X-ray charge”.
Even if Enac is starting this new procedure immediately, we have decided to start charging from December 1st 2010 to allow you to inform all clients accordingly.
If you need any further clarification please do not hesitate to ask
CHILE CARGO
On 29 April last year the European community has enforced a new stronger security regulation for air cargo.
Most European countries have already adjusted their operations to the new regulations, and ENAC Italian civil aviation authority) is now enforcing the same conditions in the Italian market with immediate effect.
All air cargo (100 pct - every single carton/case) MUST be x rayed before being allowed on board. Without any exceptions.
The x-ray cost are 3 EUR per package.
As you can easily understand Vector has to comply with such new regulation and pass on the cost to customer.
In case of FOB shipment - the x-ray fee of 3 EUR per package will be charged to the shipper.
In case of FCA/ex works shipment, the x-ray fee of 3 EUR per package will be charged to the consignee, and will be shown on “due agent” column under “X-ray charge”.
Even if Enac is starting this new procedure immediately, we have decided to start charging from December 1st 2010 to allow you to inform all clients accordingly.
If you need any further clarification please do not hesitate to ask
CHILE CARGO
viernes, 5 de noviembre de 2010
Weekly Report of China Export Container Transport Market
(CCFI Commentary in Issue 43, 2010)
This week, the China's export containerized transport market carried on the previous downward momentum, as cargo volume and freight rate kept shrinking on main services. On October 29th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1133.96 points, basically no change with last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index reported 1259.11 points, down 1.4% from last week.
The demand in Europe service didn't show any signs of recovery this week, and the capacity available on the market was still seen overabundance. Besides, freight rate appeared to slip slightly, which quoted USD 1500/TEU ~ USD 1550/TEU on the Europe service; while the figure on Mediterranean service hovered around USD 1500/TEU. Yet still, carriers didn't seem to lower the price despite the excessive capacity, while some of them were poised to cut the capacity in order to regain the market equilibrium. On October 29th, the freight indices of Europe and Mediterranean services issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange showed 1622.88 points and 1687.22 points, respectively down 0.4% and 0.9%.
It seems North America was also impacted by the similar predicament in Europe and Mediterranean, as the capacity remains surplus. The freight rate was seen weak, which dropped by USD 100/FEU ~ USD 300/FEU from last week. In addition, the fourth quarter has always been a slack season for the box shipping industry, so the freight rate was expected to keep the slump trend. On October 29th, the freight rates (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to the base ports in US west coast and US east coast quoted USD 2202/FEU and USD 3557/FEU, respectively down 4.4% and 4.0% from last week.
In Australia and Singapore service, owing to the Christmas shipment, the cargo volume remained high and some of the voyages were witnessed no slot available. Besides, freight rate continued climbing up as the figure is nailing around USD 1000/TEU. But the rate will probably go down in late November when the cargo volume starts decreasing attributing to the finish of the Christmas shipments. On October 29th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to the base ports in Australia and Singapore services reported USD 1052/TEU, ascended 6.2% from last week.
In Southeast Asia service the cargo volume marginally declined, but freight rate in some of the routes on the service plummeted crucially, as the voyages from Shanghai to Singapore the rate (without surcharges) had broken the expectation and nose dived to USD 100/TEU. On October 29th, the freight index of the Southeast Asia service issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange was 937.75 points, slipping 6.5% from last week.
In Japan service, the cargo volume exported from Shanghai to Japan service aggregated 240 thousand TEU, where the slot utilization reported 84%, slightly decreased from last week. Besides, the freight rate maintained firm. On October 29th, the freight rates (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Kanto and Kansai quoted USD 308/TEU, generally equaling to last week.
It is understood that the turn volume of the Guangzhou Chinese export commodities fair that pulled the curtain on October 27th totaled 8.62 million USD, just rose by 1.9% from last year's, which the growth down 0.2% from last year. In fact, the turn volume didn't increase so much as the figure indicates if the cost inflation and the appreciation of RMB had been taken into consideration. Obviously, the fair didn't rally to the level before the financial crisis and the prospects of the China's containerized shipping market remain unclear.
This week, the China's export containerized transport market carried on the previous downward momentum, as cargo volume and freight rate kept shrinking on main services. On October 29th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1133.96 points, basically no change with last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index reported 1259.11 points, down 1.4% from last week.
The demand in Europe service didn't show any signs of recovery this week, and the capacity available on the market was still seen overabundance. Besides, freight rate appeared to slip slightly, which quoted USD 1500/TEU ~ USD 1550/TEU on the Europe service; while the figure on Mediterranean service hovered around USD 1500/TEU. Yet still, carriers didn't seem to lower the price despite the excessive capacity, while some of them were poised to cut the capacity in order to regain the market equilibrium. On October 29th, the freight indices of Europe and Mediterranean services issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange showed 1622.88 points and 1687.22 points, respectively down 0.4% and 0.9%.
It seems North America was also impacted by the similar predicament in Europe and Mediterranean, as the capacity remains surplus. The freight rate was seen weak, which dropped by USD 100/FEU ~ USD 300/FEU from last week. In addition, the fourth quarter has always been a slack season for the box shipping industry, so the freight rate was expected to keep the slump trend. On October 29th, the freight rates (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to the base ports in US west coast and US east coast quoted USD 2202/FEU and USD 3557/FEU, respectively down 4.4% and 4.0% from last week.
In Australia and Singapore service, owing to the Christmas shipment, the cargo volume remained high and some of the voyages were witnessed no slot available. Besides, freight rate continued climbing up as the figure is nailing around USD 1000/TEU. But the rate will probably go down in late November when the cargo volume starts decreasing attributing to the finish of the Christmas shipments. On October 29th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to the base ports in Australia and Singapore services reported USD 1052/TEU, ascended 6.2% from last week.
In Southeast Asia service the cargo volume marginally declined, but freight rate in some of the routes on the service plummeted crucially, as the voyages from Shanghai to Singapore the rate (without surcharges) had broken the expectation and nose dived to USD 100/TEU. On October 29th, the freight index of the Southeast Asia service issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange was 937.75 points, slipping 6.5% from last week.
In Japan service, the cargo volume exported from Shanghai to Japan service aggregated 240 thousand TEU, where the slot utilization reported 84%, slightly decreased from last week. Besides, the freight rate maintained firm. On October 29th, the freight rates (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in Kanto and Kansai quoted USD 308/TEU, generally equaling to last week.
It is understood that the turn volume of the Guangzhou Chinese export commodities fair that pulled the curtain on October 27th totaled 8.62 million USD, just rose by 1.9% from last year's, which the growth down 0.2% from last year. In fact, the turn volume didn't increase so much as the figure indicates if the cost inflation and the appreciation of RMB had been taken into consideration. Obviously, the fair didn't rally to the level before the financial crisis and the prospects of the China's containerized shipping market remain unclear.
jueves, 4 de noviembre de 2010
CSAV projection 4th quarter
Said CSAV: "It is possible to expect that the [quarterly] volume will not grow at the same pace of the previous one, or may even show some decrease compared to recent months. This will likely result in lower prices and reduced margins for the fourth quarter when compared to the previous quarter."
jueves, 28 de octubre de 2010
Containership deliveries up to 1.29 million TEU this year
DELIVERIES of new containerships have hit 1.29 million TEU this year and will rise to 1.42 million TEU by January despite slackening demand on major trade lanes, according to the Paris-based consultancy Alphaliner.
More than 1.07 million TEU of new building capacity was delivered in 2009, falling short of the record 1.57 million TEU in 2008. Total capacity of the world's containership fleet is predicted to grow to 14.3 million TEU by January.
"Fleet capacity growth is expected to reach 9.5 per cent after taking into account the about 180,000 TEU deleted this year, both through scrapping and the removal of vessels from the cellular fleet following conversion for other uses," said Alphaliner.
"Some 276 containerships should be delivered this year, a figure comparable to the 268 units delivered in 2009. However, the average size of new ships has increased from last year's 3,990 TEU to 5,150 TEU in 2010.
"A record number of ships has been deferred or delayed over the past two years, due to the financial crisis. About 100 ships for 530,000 TEU delivered in 2010 were initially planned for delivery in 2009, while 65 ships for 435,000 TEU initially planned for delivery in 2010 have been deferred to 2011 and beyond.
"Net capacity growth is expected to reach 9.1 per cent next year, with 1.40 million TEU of new capacity due to hit the water," it said.
Since the start of the financial crisis, order cancellations or conversions of containership orders into other vessel types amounted to 530,000 TEU, or 7.9 per cent of the order book, at October 2008, according to Alphaliner records.
"The level of new deliveries is expected to remain close to 1.4 million TEU for each of the next two years. However, the size of new ships will rise significantly. The average size should reach 6,050 TEU for 2011 and 7,015 TEU for 2012 deliveries, as the number of new 10,000-TEU+ ships increases.
"Eight hundred and eight vessels above 10,000 TEU are expected to be delivered between now and the end of 2012, compared to 27 such units which have been delivered so far this year."
To highlight the most significant vessel deliveries so far this year, Geneva's MSC has taken in charge the MSC La Spezia from German owner Claus Peter Offen. It is the 16th unit in a programme of 26 ships of 13,798-14,000 TEU built by Samsung and DSME.
Vancouver's Seaspan Corporation has taken delivery of the Cosco Thailand, the sixth of eight ships of 8,495 TEU ordered by this owner in May 2007 from Hyundai Heavy Industries. The ship is scheduled to join Cosco's transpacific SEA service that it jointly operates with Hanjin.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Merchant Marine has taken in charge the Hyundai Vancouver, the last of five 6,350 TEU vessels chartered from UK-based Zodiac Maritime and built in Japan by the Imabari Group at its Koyo shipyard. This ship will join the New World Alliance's Far East-Europe Central China Express (CEX).
Japanese carrier "K" Line has taken delivery of the Brotonne Bridge, the first of five postpanamax ships of 4,520 TEU ordered from Samsung by non-operating owner Seaspan in November 2007. The Brotonne Bridge will be deployed on the CKYH PSW-1 service.
Alphaliner added that a further seven newbuildings of similar size are also being built at Hyundai Heavy Industries for "K" Line's own account. Four ships from this series have been delivered since May.
More than 1.07 million TEU of new building capacity was delivered in 2009, falling short of the record 1.57 million TEU in 2008. Total capacity of the world's containership fleet is predicted to grow to 14.3 million TEU by January.
"Fleet capacity growth is expected to reach 9.5 per cent after taking into account the about 180,000 TEU deleted this year, both through scrapping and the removal of vessels from the cellular fleet following conversion for other uses," said Alphaliner.
"Some 276 containerships should be delivered this year, a figure comparable to the 268 units delivered in 2009. However, the average size of new ships has increased from last year's 3,990 TEU to 5,150 TEU in 2010.
"A record number of ships has been deferred or delayed over the past two years, due to the financial crisis. About 100 ships for 530,000 TEU delivered in 2010 were initially planned for delivery in 2009, while 65 ships for 435,000 TEU initially planned for delivery in 2010 have been deferred to 2011 and beyond.
"Net capacity growth is expected to reach 9.1 per cent next year, with 1.40 million TEU of new capacity due to hit the water," it said.
Since the start of the financial crisis, order cancellations or conversions of containership orders into other vessel types amounted to 530,000 TEU, or 7.9 per cent of the order book, at October 2008, according to Alphaliner records.
"The level of new deliveries is expected to remain close to 1.4 million TEU for each of the next two years. However, the size of new ships will rise significantly. The average size should reach 6,050 TEU for 2011 and 7,015 TEU for 2012 deliveries, as the number of new 10,000-TEU+ ships increases.
"Eight hundred and eight vessels above 10,000 TEU are expected to be delivered between now and the end of 2012, compared to 27 such units which have been delivered so far this year."
To highlight the most significant vessel deliveries so far this year, Geneva's MSC has taken in charge the MSC La Spezia from German owner Claus Peter Offen. It is the 16th unit in a programme of 26 ships of 13,798-14,000 TEU built by Samsung and DSME.
Vancouver's Seaspan Corporation has taken delivery of the Cosco Thailand, the sixth of eight ships of 8,495 TEU ordered by this owner in May 2007 from Hyundai Heavy Industries. The ship is scheduled to join Cosco's transpacific SEA service that it jointly operates with Hanjin.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Merchant Marine has taken in charge the Hyundai Vancouver, the last of five 6,350 TEU vessels chartered from UK-based Zodiac Maritime and built in Japan by the Imabari Group at its Koyo shipyard. This ship will join the New World Alliance's Far East-Europe Central China Express (CEX).
Japanese carrier "K" Line has taken delivery of the Brotonne Bridge, the first of five postpanamax ships of 4,520 TEU ordered from Samsung by non-operating owner Seaspan in November 2007. The Brotonne Bridge will be deployed on the CKYH PSW-1 service.
Alphaliner added that a further seven newbuildings of similar size are also being built at Hyundai Heavy Industries for "K" Line's own account. Four ships from this series have been delivered since May.
miércoles, 27 de octubre de 2010
Weekly Report of China Export Container Transport Market
(CCFI Commentary in Issue 41, 2010)
This week, the China export containerized transport market showed marginally sagged as the capacity increasingly swelled over the demand, pulling down the freight rate of most main services.
On October 15th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1,153.17 points, down 3.7% from last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index quoted 1,301.31 points, down 5.4% from last week.
In Europe service, the slightly decreasing cargo volume affected the slot utilization. The freight rate showed a downward trajectory and averaged at USD 1,500-1,600/TEU. As for the Mediterranean service, the cargo volume was even less, and the freight rate dipped to USD 1,550/TEU. Pundits expected that the slump trend would prevail over the next few months due to the Christmas goods shipment rush had finished before the National Day of China while the capacity was still at a high level. Therefore, capacity surplus is expected to continue and will consequently trigger people's bearish sentiment for the next 3 months. On October 15th, the freight indices of Europe and Mediterranean services issued by the SSE reported 1,681.56 points and 1,752.35 points, respectively dived by 4.5% and 4.8% from last week.
The North America trade encountered a similar situation of the Europe market, where the cargo volume kept shrinking while the capacity remained ample. Although the cancellation of some voyages from Shanghai to US led to a few full-filled ships during the National Day holiday, still the slots remained quite spare as the slot utilization hovered around 80% this week. With signs of a downward cargo volume after the end of the Christmas goods shipment rush, most insiders hold a downbeat attitude to the market until the end of 2010. On October 15th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast issued by the SSE were USD 2,379/FEU and USD 3,797/FEU, respectively tumbled by 4.6% and 4.1% from last week.
The cargo volume kept stable in Australia and Singapore service, but the freight rate only stood at about USD 1,000/TEU because of the weakening market condition. Christmas goods are still being carried, which is expected to last to November, since the route is far shorter than those to Europe and U.S. On October 15th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) from Shanghai to base ports of the Australia and Singapore service issued by the SSE stood at USD 1,003/TEU, with a week-on-week decrease of 4.1%.
In Southeast Asia service, the cargo volume slightly decreased, yet the freight rate showed relatively steady, as it had already dropped before the National Day holiday. On October 15th, the freight index of the Southeast Asia service issued by the SSE reported 974.64 points, basically equal to last week.
The slot utilization for the voyages from Shanghai to Japan service descended to 65% this week, a sharp declined compared to last week, nevertheless, the freight rate remained firm. On October 15th, the freight index of the Japan service issued by the SSE reported 749.18 points, almost no change from last week.
This week, the China export containerized transport market showed marginally sagged as the capacity increasingly swelled over the demand, pulling down the freight rate of most main services.
On October 15th, the China (Export) Containerized Freight Index issued by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported 1,153.17 points, down 3.7% from last week; while the Shanghai (Export) Containerized Freight Index quoted 1,301.31 points, down 5.4% from last week.
In Europe service, the slightly decreasing cargo volume affected the slot utilization. The freight rate showed a downward trajectory and averaged at USD 1,500-1,600/TEU. As for the Mediterranean service, the cargo volume was even less, and the freight rate dipped to USD 1,550/TEU. Pundits expected that the slump trend would prevail over the next few months due to the Christmas goods shipment rush had finished before the National Day of China while the capacity was still at a high level. Therefore, capacity surplus is expected to continue and will consequently trigger people's bearish sentiment for the next 3 months. On October 15th, the freight indices of Europe and Mediterranean services issued by the SSE reported 1,681.56 points and 1,752.35 points, respectively dived by 4.5% and 4.8% from last week.
The North America trade encountered a similar situation of the Europe market, where the cargo volume kept shrinking while the capacity remained ample. Although the cancellation of some voyages from Shanghai to US led to a few full-filled ships during the National Day holiday, still the slots remained quite spare as the slot utilization hovered around 80% this week. With signs of a downward cargo volume after the end of the Christmas goods shipment rush, most insiders hold a downbeat attitude to the market until the end of 2010. On October 15th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) for the voyages from Shanghai to base ports in US west coast and US east coast issued by the SSE were USD 2,379/FEU and USD 3,797/FEU, respectively tumbled by 4.6% and 4.1% from last week.
The cargo volume kept stable in Australia and Singapore service, but the freight rate only stood at about USD 1,000/TEU because of the weakening market condition. Christmas goods are still being carried, which is expected to last to November, since the route is far shorter than those to Europe and U.S. On October 15th, the freight rate (ocean freight plus surcharges) from Shanghai to base ports of the Australia and Singapore service issued by the SSE stood at USD 1,003/TEU, with a week-on-week decrease of 4.1%.
In Southeast Asia service, the cargo volume slightly decreased, yet the freight rate showed relatively steady, as it had already dropped before the National Day holiday. On October 15th, the freight index of the Southeast Asia service issued by the SSE reported 974.64 points, basically equal to last week.
The slot utilization for the voyages from Shanghai to Japan service descended to 65% this week, a sharp declined compared to last week, nevertheless, the freight rate remained firm. On October 15th, the freight index of the Japan service issued by the SSE reported 749.18 points, almost no change from last week.
Rotterdam Containers Jump 17 Percent
Europe's top container hub on track to match record volume of 2008
Oct 22. -- Container traffic in Rotterdam increased 17 percent in the first nine months of 2010 from a year ago to 8.4 million 20-foot equivalent units, putting Europe's top container hub on track to match the record volume of 2008.
Rotterdam slightly increased its lead over its closest rival Antwerp, which boosted container traffic 16.9 percent in the first three quarters of the year to 6.3 million TEUs.
Rotterdam's total throughput increased 13.4 percent to 321 million metric tons as almost all cargo sectors posted growth, led by a 112 percent surge in iron ore and scrap shipments to 31 million metric tons and a 31 percent rise in other dry bulk traffic to 9 million metric tons.
"The growth is leveling off, but is still slightly higher than expected," said Hans Smits, Chief Executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
"The port continues to profit from strong European exports, for which a lot of raw materials also need to be imported," Smits said.
"Total throughput is now exactly at the 2008 level … it is exciting to see whether or not we will succeed in climbing out of a deep trough to achieve a record in just one year."
Rotterdam handled a record 421 million metric tons in 2008 with container shipments hitting an all time high of 10.8 million TEUs.
Roll-on, roll-off traffic increased 6 percent in the first nine months to 13 million metric tons driven by the tentative recovery of the British economy. Growth could increase further in the fourth quarter due partly to the deployment of larger vessels, the port said.
Breakbulk and general cargo traffic recovered 14 percent to 5 million metric tons of steel, paper products, fruit, metals and project cargo.
Oct 22. -- Container traffic in Rotterdam increased 17 percent in the first nine months of 2010 from a year ago to 8.4 million 20-foot equivalent units, putting Europe's top container hub on track to match the record volume of 2008.
Rotterdam slightly increased its lead over its closest rival Antwerp, which boosted container traffic 16.9 percent in the first three quarters of the year to 6.3 million TEUs.
Rotterdam's total throughput increased 13.4 percent to 321 million metric tons as almost all cargo sectors posted growth, led by a 112 percent surge in iron ore and scrap shipments to 31 million metric tons and a 31 percent rise in other dry bulk traffic to 9 million metric tons.
"The growth is leveling off, but is still slightly higher than expected," said Hans Smits, Chief Executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
"The port continues to profit from strong European exports, for which a lot of raw materials also need to be imported," Smits said.
"Total throughput is now exactly at the 2008 level … it is exciting to see whether or not we will succeed in climbing out of a deep trough to achieve a record in just one year."
Rotterdam handled a record 421 million metric tons in 2008 with container shipments hitting an all time high of 10.8 million TEUs.
Roll-on, roll-off traffic increased 6 percent in the first nine months to 13 million metric tons driven by the tentative recovery of the British economy. Growth could increase further in the fourth quarter due partly to the deployment of larger vessels, the port said.
Breakbulk and general cargo traffic recovered 14 percent to 5 million metric tons of steel, paper products, fruit, metals and project cargo.
138 ships idle, rising 2pc to 289,000 TEU as peak passes
THE idle containership fleet grew two per cent to 138 ships, or 289,000 TEU, compared to 132 ships of 243,000 TEU, two weeks ago, reported the Paris-based consultancy Alphaliner.
Four recently idled ships are above 7,500 TEU, the first of that size to fall into unemployment as the annual slack season began.
To avoid lay-ups, Cosco assigned its surplus 8,500-TEU newbuilding, the COSCO Thailand, to the South China Express, a Far East-US west coast string it operates with Hanjin, linking Fuzhou, Nansha, Hong Kong, Shenzhen-Yantian, Xiamen, Long Beach and Oakland, as an additional ship.
This inclusion stretches the rotation by from 35 to 42 days through the application of extra slow steaming. The transit time is extended westbound, extra slow steaming from Oakland to Nansha on the west side of the Pearl north of Shenzhen.
APL will deploy its surplus ships to a new China-Indonesia loop mid-November, prompted by higher China volumes to ASEAN, making them the largest containerships to call at Indonesian ports.
APL's China Indonesia Service (CIS) will link Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Shenzhen-Chiwan, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, Jakarta, Singapore, Laem Chabang and back to Shanghai.
CIS will include four ships in the 2,400 to 3,500 TEU range, the APL Sydney, APL Minneapolis, the APL Bangkok and the APL Pusan with the first sailing of the APL Sydney from Shanghai on November 15.
Three of the four ships have been reassigned from the Far East-US west coast loops where they were sent as peak season loaders.
CIS service complements the Korea China Straits (KCS) service launched by APL in July 2009, and links the Pearl River Delta and Jakarta. The KCS calls at Busan, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Nansha, Shenzhen-Chiwan, Port Kelang, Singapore, Jakarta, Singapore, Kaohsiung, Taipei, Lianyungang and back to Busan deploying four ships in the 2,400 to 3,500 TEU range. These ships are the largest vessels to call at the Indonesian ports.
The new CIS service encompasses APL's Singapore-Jakarta-Surabaya feeder loop and serves also the Thailand market on the northbound leg to China.
Fifty-six per cent of the Far East-US west coast services have adopted extra slow steaming, and this is expected to grow as more ships become idle, said Alphaliner.
But even with full adoption of extra slow steaming, additional transpacific capacity limits will only be able to absorb 110,000 TEU, not enough to utilise what tonnage will become available in coming months, said the report.
Four recently idled ships are above 7,500 TEU, the first of that size to fall into unemployment as the annual slack season began.
To avoid lay-ups, Cosco assigned its surplus 8,500-TEU newbuilding, the COSCO Thailand, to the South China Express, a Far East-US west coast string it operates with Hanjin, linking Fuzhou, Nansha, Hong Kong, Shenzhen-Yantian, Xiamen, Long Beach and Oakland, as an additional ship.
This inclusion stretches the rotation by from 35 to 42 days through the application of extra slow steaming. The transit time is extended westbound, extra slow steaming from Oakland to Nansha on the west side of the Pearl north of Shenzhen.
APL will deploy its surplus ships to a new China-Indonesia loop mid-November, prompted by higher China volumes to ASEAN, making them the largest containerships to call at Indonesian ports.
APL's China Indonesia Service (CIS) will link Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Shenzhen-Chiwan, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, Jakarta, Singapore, Laem Chabang and back to Shanghai.
CIS will include four ships in the 2,400 to 3,500 TEU range, the APL Sydney, APL Minneapolis, the APL Bangkok and the APL Pusan with the first sailing of the APL Sydney from Shanghai on November 15.
Three of the four ships have been reassigned from the Far East-US west coast loops where they were sent as peak season loaders.
CIS service complements the Korea China Straits (KCS) service launched by APL in July 2009, and links the Pearl River Delta and Jakarta. The KCS calls at Busan, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Nansha, Shenzhen-Chiwan, Port Kelang, Singapore, Jakarta, Singapore, Kaohsiung, Taipei, Lianyungang and back to Busan deploying four ships in the 2,400 to 3,500 TEU range. These ships are the largest vessels to call at the Indonesian ports.
The new CIS service encompasses APL's Singapore-Jakarta-Surabaya feeder loop and serves also the Thailand market on the northbound leg to China.
Fifty-six per cent of the Far East-US west coast services have adopted extra slow steaming, and this is expected to grow as more ships become idle, said Alphaliner.
But even with full adoption of extra slow steaming, additional transpacific capacity limits will only be able to absorb 110,000 TEU, not enough to utilise what tonnage will become available in coming months, said the report.
martes, 19 de octubre de 2010
CMA CGM to sell 20pc of itself to Turks for US$500 million
MARSEILLES' CMA CGM, the third largest carrier in the world, is close to accepting the deal of selling 20 per cent of its shares to Turkish group Yildirim for US$500 million.
If CMA CGM agrees the offered term, it will receive payment at the end of November, said French financial daily Les Echos, and the French government's strategic investment fund, FSI, is expected to invest in CMA CGM after signing the agreement, according to seatradeasia-online.com.
This French-based shipping line has suffered from considerable debt, which is said amounting to $5 billion, after the global recession, and been keen to look for new investors since, according to London's International Freighting Weekly.
If CMA CGM agrees the offered term, it will receive payment at the end of November, said French financial daily Les Echos, and the French government's strategic investment fund, FSI, is expected to invest in CMA CGM after signing the agreement, according to seatradeasia-online.com.
This French-based shipping line has suffered from considerable debt, which is said amounting to $5 billion, after the global recession, and been keen to look for new investors since, according to London's International Freighting Weekly.
LA and Long Beach post substantial gains in September
THE ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach continued to show a year-on-year September volume increases, but container throughput growth has slowed since August, tonnage statistics show.
The Port of Los Angeles handled 711,613 TEU, 22 per cent more than a year earlier. "Overall it's been a very strong year, better than we forecast, but not completely unexpected given the declines of 2009," said an LA port spokesman. "Consumer demand in the months head remains relatively uncertain."
Long Beach moved 30.5 per cent more boxes in September at 574,790 TEU up from 440,364 TEU in the same month in 2009. Year to date, the port container volume was up 12.4 per cent to 5,936,066 TEU up from the 5,282,385 moved in the first nine months of 2009.
Long Beach import and export containers though Long Beach port increased 30.5 per cent in September year on year, but that was off six per cent from August. Loaded import containers in September increased year on year 28 per cent to 288,905 TEU from 224,929 TEU last year. Year to date, volume has increased 14.2 per cent to 2,982,320 TEU from 2,612,227 TEU.
Loaded export containers at Long Beach in September increased 13 per cent to 124,021 TEU from 109,337 TEU year to date laden outbound boxes increased 11.5 per cent to 1,484,610 TEU from 1,331,872 TEU.
Movement of empties increased 52.6 per cent to 161,864 106 TEU from 103 in September at Long Beach with a total year-to-date tally of 1,469,136 TEU up from 1,338,286 TEU, an increase of 9.8 per cent.
The Port of Los Angeles handled 711,613 TEU, 22 per cent more than a year earlier. "Overall it's been a very strong year, better than we forecast, but not completely unexpected given the declines of 2009," said an LA port spokesman. "Consumer demand in the months head remains relatively uncertain."
Long Beach moved 30.5 per cent more boxes in September at 574,790 TEU up from 440,364 TEU in the same month in 2009. Year to date, the port container volume was up 12.4 per cent to 5,936,066 TEU up from the 5,282,385 moved in the first nine months of 2009.
Long Beach import and export containers though Long Beach port increased 30.5 per cent in September year on year, but that was off six per cent from August. Loaded import containers in September increased year on year 28 per cent to 288,905 TEU from 224,929 TEU last year. Year to date, volume has increased 14.2 per cent to 2,982,320 TEU from 2,612,227 TEU.
Loaded export containers at Long Beach in September increased 13 per cent to 124,021 TEU from 109,337 TEU year to date laden outbound boxes increased 11.5 per cent to 1,484,610 TEU from 1,331,872 TEU.
Movement of empties increased 52.6 per cent to 161,864 106 TEU from 103 in September at Long Beach with a total year-to-date tally of 1,469,136 TEU up from 1,338,286 TEU, an increase of 9.8 per cent.
HK up 4.9pc in September to 1.9 million TEU, Singapore rises 4.1pc
FIGURES from the Hong Kong Marine Department show the port handled 1.9 million TEU in September, an increase of 4.9 per cent over the 1.8 million TEU in September of last year.
Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority reported a 4.1 per cent increase in container movement in September, having handled 2.2 million TEU compared to 2.1 million TEU in September of last year.
Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority reported a 4.1 per cent increase in container movement in September, having handled 2.2 million TEU compared to 2.1 million TEU in September of last year.
Tianjin Shipping Index makes debut
TIANJIN International Trade and Shipping Service Centre recently released the Tianjin Shipping Index (TSI), a comprehensive index reflecting the fluctuation of the northern China shipping market, Xinhua reported.
TSI is jointly developed by the Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Service Centre, Tianjin Port Group and Nankai University. TSI will initially include the Tianjin Container Freight Index (TCI) and the Tianjin Bulk Freight Index (TBI), which tracks shipping rates and indicate supply-demand relation in north China market.
The TCI index selects 14 shipping lanes as samples. These lanes cover Europe, the Mediterranean, America, south east Asia and the Persian Gulf.
The TBI index reflect the rise and fall of shipping rates of bulk cargo such as coal, ore and grain. It selects 10 shipping lanes as samples that cover major grain producing areas in North and South America.
The Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Service Centre releases the TCI index at 10am and the TBI index at 3pm every business day.
TSI is jointly developed by the Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Service Centre, Tianjin Port Group and Nankai University. TSI will initially include the Tianjin Container Freight Index (TCI) and the Tianjin Bulk Freight Index (TBI), which tracks shipping rates and indicate supply-demand relation in north China market.
The TCI index selects 14 shipping lanes as samples. These lanes cover Europe, the Mediterranean, America, south east Asia and the Persian Gulf.
The TBI index reflect the rise and fall of shipping rates of bulk cargo such as coal, ore and grain. It selects 10 shipping lanes as samples that cover major grain producing areas in North and South America.
The Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Service Centre releases the TCI index at 10am and the TBI index at 3pm every business day.
martes, 5 de octubre de 2010
According to the most recently publicized Circular of General Administration Office of State Council on Arrangement of Holidays in 2010, the dates of SCFI publication in 2010 are as follows (totally 48 issues):
Jan.: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Feb.: 5th, 12th, 26th
Mar.: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Apr.: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
May: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
Jun.: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Jul.: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
Aug.: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Sep.: 3rd, 10th, 17th
Oct.: 15th, 22nd, 29th
Nov.: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Dec.: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
Jan.: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Feb.: 5th, 12th, 26th
Mar.: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Apr.: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
May: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
Jun.: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Jul.: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
Aug.: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Sep.: 3rd, 10th, 17th
Oct.: 15th, 22nd, 29th
Nov.: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Dec.: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
miércoles, 4 de agosto de 2010
Slow steaming, high rates equal lower, slower service to shippers
SLOW STEAMING, the popular cost cutter and environmental public relations play for carriers, is not nearly so popular with shippers who see rates going up and transit times going down, according to a report from the New York-based Seeking Alpha financial portal.
Some shipping lines have slowed to 12 knots while clippers, fast 19th century square riggers, averaged 14 - 17 knots, the report noted.
Maersk, with more than 600 ships, finds that super-slow speeds reduces fuel consumption and is believed to have saved the company more than US$102 million on fuel since the measure was introduced.
Maersk spokesman Bo Cerup-Simonsen said: "The cost benefits are clear. When speed is reduced by 20 per cent, fuel consumption is reduced by 40 per cent per nautical mile. Slow steaming is here to stay. Its introduction has been the most important factor in reducing our CO2 emissions in recent years, and we have not yet realised the full potential. Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent."
But slow steaming compels retailers to accept longer planning horizons which will increase wastage and the production of unneeded goods, said the report.
Meanwhile the cost of shipping an FEU from Hong Kong to Los Angeles without a contract, or spot rate, was about US$871 in July 2009, a five-year low. In July this year the spot rate hit $2,624 - a five-year high.
Lifetime Brands, which makes and sells products under brand names like Cuisinart and KitchenAid, said it was now paying about double last year's rates, and Costco said it was now back to 2007 rates.
Shipping lines have pulled capacity out of service when the economy tanked and have been slow to bring it back in support of higher prices. To make matters worse, there are not enough containers to meet demand, again pushing up rates and prices, said the report.
Mona Williams, vice president for buying at the Container Store, said the company was telling manufacturers to book space well in advance, and that it was moving delivery dates earlier.
And for items that simply must arrive, "sometimes you can offer to pay a steamship company a larger amount of money, and they might take somebody else's container and not put it on," said Lifetime Brands CEO Jeffrey Siegel, but "in most cases, you just have to wait."
Mr Siegel said he has begun to schedule items to arrive as long as three months before they need to be in stores. That means a higher cost for holding inventory than usual.
Some shipping lines have slowed to 12 knots while clippers, fast 19th century square riggers, averaged 14 - 17 knots, the report noted.
Maersk, with more than 600 ships, finds that super-slow speeds reduces fuel consumption and is believed to have saved the company more than US$102 million on fuel since the measure was introduced.
Maersk spokesman Bo Cerup-Simonsen said: "The cost benefits are clear. When speed is reduced by 20 per cent, fuel consumption is reduced by 40 per cent per nautical mile. Slow steaming is here to stay. Its introduction has been the most important factor in reducing our CO2 emissions in recent years, and we have not yet realised the full potential. Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent."
But slow steaming compels retailers to accept longer planning horizons which will increase wastage and the production of unneeded goods, said the report.
Meanwhile the cost of shipping an FEU from Hong Kong to Los Angeles without a contract, or spot rate, was about US$871 in July 2009, a five-year low. In July this year the spot rate hit $2,624 - a five-year high.
Lifetime Brands, which makes and sells products under brand names like Cuisinart and KitchenAid, said it was now paying about double last year's rates, and Costco said it was now back to 2007 rates.
Shipping lines have pulled capacity out of service when the economy tanked and have been slow to bring it back in support of higher prices. To make matters worse, there are not enough containers to meet demand, again pushing up rates and prices, said the report.
Mona Williams, vice president for buying at the Container Store, said the company was telling manufacturers to book space well in advance, and that it was moving delivery dates earlier.
And for items that simply must arrive, "sometimes you can offer to pay a steamship company a larger amount of money, and they might take somebody else's container and not put it on," said Lifetime Brands CEO Jeffrey Siegel, but "in most cases, you just have to wait."
Mr Siegel said he has begun to schedule items to arrive as long as three months before they need to be in stores. That means a higher cost for holding inventory than usual.
lunes, 2 de agosto de 2010
Maersk ups rates US$250/TEU-$500/FEU Mideast/South America
MAERSK Line will increase it rates from all points in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, (outside of Iran) to west coast of South America and Central America (excluding Cuba) to US$250 per TEU and $500 per FEU with routes on to Cuba and from Iran to the west coast to rise $200 per TEU and $400 per FEU.
The rate increases are effective September 1 with a possible heavyweight surcharge to be decided in August on all shipments from Europe, Middle East and India to all destinations in Australia and Pacific Islands, reports American Shipper.
The surcharge will come in at EUR250 (US$325) for TEU weighing 10 to 14 metric tons and EUR350 for those containers weighing over 14 metric tons.
Shipping Gazette
The rate increases are effective September 1 with a possible heavyweight surcharge to be decided in August on all shipments from Europe, Middle East and India to all destinations in Australia and Pacific Islands, reports American Shipper.
The surcharge will come in at EUR250 (US$325) for TEU weighing 10 to 14 metric tons and EUR350 for those containers weighing over 14 metric tons.
Shipping Gazette
NYK quarterly box revenue up 39.7pc, profit at US$131.9 million
JAPAN's NYK Line's container shipping business posted an operating profit of US$131.9 million in the first quarter from April 1 to June 30, of its current fiscal year after suffering a loss of $207.5 million in the first quarter the year before. Revenue in the same period was up 39.7 per cent to $393 million.
In the current fiscal year beginning on April 1, 2010 and ending on March 31, 2011, NYK expects operating profit from its overall business to grow 98.3 per cent year on year to $823 million and revenue to increase 5.3 per cent year on year to $11.2 billion.
Shipping Gazette
In the current fiscal year beginning on April 1, 2010 and ending on March 31, 2011, NYK expects operating profit from its overall business to grow 98.3 per cent year on year to $823 million and revenue to increase 5.3 per cent year on year to $11.2 billion.
Shipping Gazette
lunes, 26 de julio de 2010
CMA CGM puts 6,500- and 10,400-TEU ships on Asia/Europe
Dubai World puts restructuring plan before its lenders
Box truck in six-vehicle pileup, 11 injured in Kowloon
CMA CGM ups capacity on Americas 'Columbus' service via Suez
MOL makes first Halifax call on Far East-east coast via Suez loop
Qingdao volume up 11.5pc to 5.6 million TEU in first half
Ningbo volume up 38.6pc to 6.38 million TEU in first half
Evergreen orders 500 FEU reefers for US$4.4 million
Hapag-Lloyd buys slots on Hanjin-UASC Africa service
Union Pacific profit up 53pc, CEO blasts Democrat rail reforms
Seattle Port up, Tacoma, Portland box volumes down
Dragonair to resume Hong Kong-Fukuoka service
Rolls-Royce wins US$130 million China Southern order
Emirates orders 30 Boeing 777-300ERs at Farnborough air show
Delta comes back with record second quarter earnings
Australia's Qantas expand fleet with Canada's Bombardier Q400s
Influx of containerships risks undermining freight rates
Dubai World puts restructuring plan before its lenders
Box truck in six-vehicle pileup, 11 injured in Kowloon
CMA CGM ups capacity on Americas 'Columbus' service via Suez
MOL makes first Halifax call on Far East-east coast via Suez loop
Qingdao volume up 11.5pc to 5.6 million TEU in first half
Ningbo volume up 38.6pc to 6.38 million TEU in first half
Evergreen orders 500 FEU reefers for US$4.4 million
Hapag-Lloyd buys slots on Hanjin-UASC Africa service
Union Pacific profit up 53pc, CEO blasts Democrat rail reforms
Seattle Port up, Tacoma, Portland box volumes down
Dragonair to resume Hong Kong-Fukuoka service
Rolls-Royce wins US$130 million China Southern order
Emirates orders 30 Boeing 777-300ERs at Farnborough air show
Delta comes back with record second quarter earnings
Australia's Qantas expand fleet with Canada's Bombardier Q400s
Influx of containerships risks undermining freight rates
viernes, 23 de julio de 2010
Boeing delivers 800th plane to China - a 737 to Air China
THE Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Air China recently celebrated the delivery of the 800th Boeing aircraft for China - a Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 to Air China.
"Boeing and China have had a long-standing and productive partnership since 1972," said CAAC deputy administrator Wang Changshun. "We hope we will continue to further strengthen this win-win partnership. CAAC and Boeing have broad cooperation in safety, flight standards, airworthiness and new technologies."
In 1972, CAAC ordered 10 Boeing 707s, establishing it as a major world airline. Today, Boeing jets are the mainstay of China's air travel and cargo system. More than 50 per cent of all the commercial jetliners operating in China are Boeing aircraft.
"The history of working together between Boeing and Air China dates back to 37 years ago. We have created a mutual benefit through our long-term partnership," said Air China vice president Zhang Lan.
Air China, China's flag air carrier, is the largest airline in mainland China in terms of Air China's international traffic and size of its twin-aisle fleet.
"We have witnessed the rapid development of the aviation industry in China. We are honoured to be part of the development by providing our best products and services," said Boeing vice president Jim Simon. "We are also proud that China has a sophisticated and expanding role in the commercial aviation industry and on all Boeing commercial airplane models including the 787 Dreamliner."
Since the 1980s, Boeing has purchased more than US$1.5 billion in aviation hardware and services from China and will double that in coming years. More than 5,700 Boeing aircraft currently in service include Chinese-made parts.
"Boeing and China have had a long-standing and productive partnership since 1972," said CAAC deputy administrator Wang Changshun. "We hope we will continue to further strengthen this win-win partnership. CAAC and Boeing have broad cooperation in safety, flight standards, airworthiness and new technologies."
In 1972, CAAC ordered 10 Boeing 707s, establishing it as a major world airline. Today, Boeing jets are the mainstay of China's air travel and cargo system. More than 50 per cent of all the commercial jetliners operating in China are Boeing aircraft.
"The history of working together between Boeing and Air China dates back to 37 years ago. We have created a mutual benefit through our long-term partnership," said Air China vice president Zhang Lan.
Air China, China's flag air carrier, is the largest airline in mainland China in terms of Air China's international traffic and size of its twin-aisle fleet.
"We have witnessed the rapid development of the aviation industry in China. We are honoured to be part of the development by providing our best products and services," said Boeing vice president Jim Simon. "We are also proud that China has a sophisticated and expanding role in the commercial aviation industry and on all Boeing commercial airplane models including the 787 Dreamliner."
Since the 1980s, Boeing has purchased more than US$1.5 billion in aviation hardware and services from China and will double that in coming years. More than 5,700 Boeing aircraft currently in service include Chinese-made parts.
Asia airlines underperform on Morgan Stanley Asia/Pacific index
DESPITE the rise of the MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) Asia/Pacific index early this month of four per cent and analysts forecasting outperformance in the next 12 months on the back of strong global recovery, Asian airlines index has yet to outperform last year's 15 per cent increase.
The airlines forecast for strong fourth quarter profit and those airlines with high cargo exposure are high risk rather than carriers that focus on premium passengers. Strong recovery in the year in the nine-month period has been down to retail re-stocking which with overcapacity and air-to-ocean freight rates widening is unlikely to be unsustained into 2011, said Morgan Stanley.
"As the global economy recovers and premium travel returns, we believe the well-capitalised airlines will be competitively positioned to participate in the recovery phase of the airline industry cycle," they said in a MarketWatch report.
Premium travel and its yield will be the key revenue driver with those lines such as Singapore Airlines and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific tracking local markets underperforming compared to Korean Air Lines and Taiwan's China Airlines, said Morgan Stanley who has downgraded Korean Air stock.
Both Yuanta analyst Stone Line and Morgan Stanley has downgraded China Airlines and EVA Airways stock despite significant earnings strength for China Airlines its continued trajectory is unlikely. Such factors as lowering direct-flight ticket prices, oil prices fragility and "one-off" items such as rising demand from China's Shanghai Expo will dampen the Taiwan carrier's growth.
The airlines forecast for strong fourth quarter profit and those airlines with high cargo exposure are high risk rather than carriers that focus on premium passengers. Strong recovery in the year in the nine-month period has been down to retail re-stocking which with overcapacity and air-to-ocean freight rates widening is unlikely to be unsustained into 2011, said Morgan Stanley.
"As the global economy recovers and premium travel returns, we believe the well-capitalised airlines will be competitively positioned to participate in the recovery phase of the airline industry cycle," they said in a MarketWatch report.
Premium travel and its yield will be the key revenue driver with those lines such as Singapore Airlines and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific tracking local markets underperforming compared to Korean Air Lines and Taiwan's China Airlines, said Morgan Stanley who has downgraded Korean Air stock.
Both Yuanta analyst Stone Line and Morgan Stanley has downgraded China Airlines and EVA Airways stock despite significant earnings strength for China Airlines its continued trajectory is unlikely. Such factors as lowering direct-flight ticket prices, oil prices fragility and "one-off" items such as rising demand from China's Shanghai Expo will dampen the Taiwan carrier's growth.
CMA CGM finance chief Schapiro to quit by September 1
MARSEILLES' French shipping giant CMA CGM, will lose its chief financial officer Jean-Yves Schapiro at the end of August, according to Tradewinds.
Mr Schapiro will leave at the end of August to "pursue a new challenge outside the shipping business," the report said, quoting a company spokesman.
It is not known whether Mr Schapiro's departure is linked to tumultuous talks with potential investors to reschedule the financially troubled carrier's formidable debt of US$5.3 billion, accrued from one of the largest order books in the industry.
CMA CGM has until the end of July to meet a deadline for outside investment or face more stringent measures from lenders.
The shipping line, the third largest in the world after Maersk and MSC, said it would announce when a replacement CFO when one it found one.
Tradewinds also reported it is nearing a deal for the French sovereign wealth fund FSI and another unnamed partner to become investors, while other news outlets said founder and chairman Jacques Saade had broken off talks with a Qatar fund for similar investment.
Mr Schapiro will leave at the end of August to "pursue a new challenge outside the shipping business," the report said, quoting a company spokesman.
It is not known whether Mr Schapiro's departure is linked to tumultuous talks with potential investors to reschedule the financially troubled carrier's formidable debt of US$5.3 billion, accrued from one of the largest order books in the industry.
CMA CGM has until the end of July to meet a deadline for outside investment or face more stringent measures from lenders.
The shipping line, the third largest in the world after Maersk and MSC, said it would announce when a replacement CFO when one it found one.
Tradewinds also reported it is nearing a deal for the French sovereign wealth fund FSI and another unnamed partner to become investors, while other news outlets said founder and chairman Jacques Saade had broken off talks with a Qatar fund for similar investment.
NOL orders ten 8,400-TEUers, to add two 10,000 TEUers for $1.2 billion
SINGAPORE's NOL Group has announced an order for ten 8,400-TEU ships to be delivered in 2013 and 2014 from South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, as well as signing a letter of intent to buy two 10,700-TEU vessels all for a total of US$1.2 billion.
Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) said it is investing in new ships, to be operated by its container shipping line APL, to meet future growth needs and to replace vessels with charter agreements that expire in the next few years.
NOL follows Evergreen Group in ordering ships, as container lines take advantage of lower vessel prices the result of a two-year downturn. NOL container volumes have risen 39 per cent in the first half as US and European consumer demand revives.
"There couldn't be a better time for financially stable companies to invest," Seoul-based Heungkuk Securities research chief Cho In Karp told Bloomberg. "Shipping lines will pay a lot less for new vessels if they order now."
NOL last signed contracts for new vessels in June 2007, when it ordered eight 10,000-container ships. The order was Daewoo's first for containership order in two years.
++++
Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) said it is investing in new ships, to be operated by its container shipping line APL, to meet future growth needs and to replace vessels with charter agreements that expire in the next few years.
NOL follows Evergreen Group in ordering ships, as container lines take advantage of lower vessel prices the result of a two-year downturn. NOL container volumes have risen 39 per cent in the first half as US and European consumer demand revives.
"There couldn't be a better time for financially stable companies to invest," Seoul-based Heungkuk Securities research chief Cho In Karp told Bloomberg. "Shipping lines will pay a lot less for new vessels if they order now."
NOL last signed contracts for new vessels in June 2007, when it ordered eight 10,000-container ships. The order was Daewoo's first for containership order in two years.
++++
lunes, 19 de julio de 2010
MSC News
EIC Announcement for all containers 20`dv from Far East to SAWC 15/07/2010
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients that will be applied a charge: Equipment Imbalance Charge (EIC) for all containers 20`dv from Far East to SAWC.
This charge will be effective from the 15th of August 2010 as follows:
EIC
20' USD 200
++++
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following General Rate Increase (GRI) for all cargo from Far East to SAWC.
The increase will be effective from the 1st of August 2010 as follows:
GRI USD 500 x TEU
++++
OWS Announcement for all cargo from Southern China and other Far East to SAWC 23/06/2010
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following Over Weight Surcharge (OWS) will be applied for all cargo from Southern China and other Far East to SAWC.
The adjustment will be effective from the 06th of July 2010 as follows:
South China USD 300
Other Far East USD 250
Maximum weight allowed without collect: 21 tons
Maximum weight allowed with collect: 27 tons
++++
BUC Announcement for all cargo from Europe to Chile 11/06/2010
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following Bunker Contribution (BUC) will decrease for all cargo from Europe to Chile.
The decrease will be effective from the 1st of July 2010 as follows:
BUC
€ 400 x TEU
++++
BAF Announcement for all cargo from Far East to SAWC 11/06/2010
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following Bunker Adjustament Factor (BAF) will be adjusted for all cargo from Far East to SAWC.
The adjustment will be effective from the 15th of July 2010 as follows:
BAF
USD 738 x TEU
++++
Fuente MSC
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients that will be applied a charge: Equipment Imbalance Charge (EIC) for all containers 20`dv from Far East to SAWC.
This charge will be effective from the 15th of August 2010 as follows:
EIC
20' USD 200
++++
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following General Rate Increase (GRI) for all cargo from Far East to SAWC.
The increase will be effective from the 1st of August 2010 as follows:
GRI USD 500 x TEU
++++
OWS Announcement for all cargo from Southern China and other Far East to SAWC 23/06/2010
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following Over Weight Surcharge (OWS) will be applied for all cargo from Southern China and other Far East to SAWC.
The adjustment will be effective from the 06th of July 2010 as follows:
South China USD 300
Other Far East USD 250
Maximum weight allowed without collect: 21 tons
Maximum weight allowed with collect: 27 tons
++++
BUC Announcement for all cargo from Europe to Chile 11/06/2010
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following Bunker Contribution (BUC) will decrease for all cargo from Europe to Chile.
The decrease will be effective from the 1st of July 2010 as follows:
BUC
€ 400 x TEU
++++
BAF Announcement for all cargo from Far East to SAWC 11/06/2010
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs to its clients of the following Bunker Adjustament Factor (BAF) will be adjusted for all cargo from Far East to SAWC.
The adjustment will be effective from the 15th of July 2010 as follows:
BAF
USD 738 x TEU
++++
Fuente MSC
jueves, 15 de julio de 2010
Latin America Air Freight
Cargo Airlines, South America
Monthly year-over-year percent change in scheduled international freight traffic and capacity in the Latin America trade lane.Latin America combined January through May international traffic surged 48.8 percent year-over-year, and capacity increased 24.8 percent, with May contributing a 60.2 percent year-over-year traffic spike and a 30.9 percent capacity increase.
The Journal of Commerce
Monthly year-over-year percent change in scheduled international freight traffic and capacity in the Latin America trade lane.Latin America combined January through May international traffic surged 48.8 percent year-over-year, and capacity increased 24.8 percent, with May contributing a 60.2 percent year-over-year traffic spike and a 30.9 percent capacity increase.
The Journal of Commerce
US Freight Index Jumps 9.1 Percent in June
Fastest growth yet reported in Cass shipments, spending monthly measures
The closely watched Cass Freight Index for shipments grew 9.1 percent in June over the previous month, accelerating at a pace that contrasted with other slowing economic signals and reaching a new high for the recovery.
The index of shipping activity in the United States also expanded 18.5 percent in June over the same month a year ago.
Both the annual and the month-to-month gains were the strongest the shipments index has shown in a rebound from the depths of shipping activity during the 2009 recession.
The June index of 1.106 also marked the highest point so far since the Cass Information Systems’ measure began turning sharply downward in the fall of 2008.
The Cass expenditures index also grew at the sharpest rate so far, expanding 28.9 percent in June over the same month a year ago and 7.6 percent compared to May. That put the measure at 1.919, the highest point since November 2008.
The growth in the freight shipments index came as other key measures, including the Institute of Supply Management’s manufacturing index and the American Trucking Associations’ truck tonnage index, showed weaker activity.
The closely watched Cass Freight Index for shipments grew 9.1 percent in June over the previous month, accelerating at a pace that contrasted with other slowing economic signals and reaching a new high for the recovery.
The index of shipping activity in the United States also expanded 18.5 percent in June over the same month a year ago.
Both the annual and the month-to-month gains were the strongest the shipments index has shown in a rebound from the depths of shipping activity during the 2009 recession.
The June index of 1.106 also marked the highest point so far since the Cass Information Systems’ measure began turning sharply downward in the fall of 2008.
The Cass expenditures index also grew at the sharpest rate so far, expanding 28.9 percent in June over the same month a year ago and 7.6 percent compared to May. That put the measure at 1.919, the highest point since November 2008.
The growth in the freight shipments index came as other key measures, including the Institute of Supply Management’s manufacturing index and the American Trucking Associations’ truck tonnage index, showed weaker activity.
lunes, 12 de julio de 2010
Air India's Chennai warehouse clogged with cargo backlog
AIR FREIGHT is said to be piling up at Air India's export warehouse at the old airport in Chennai.
There have been reports of 76 trucks laden with cargo intended for export, ranging from electronic components to perishable vegetables, having to return without being unloaded. The warehouse also has not been accepting all fresh consignments because pending cargo had not been cleared. This has slowed down cargo bookings, reports the Times of India.
The process is being slowed by a lack of personnel to handle consignments that are offloaded as well as by a shortage of personnel to scan them.
The warehouse of Air India, which handles export cargo for Singapore Airlines, Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways, Saudi, Gulf Air and Oman Air, can handle 200 trucks a day. "Over 100 arrive each day but just 60 manage to unload their ware. The rest are often turned back," the report said.
"Air India's security personnel who are authorised to conduct the scanning on the four scanners come for work only in the evenings. So, there is hardly any movement of cargo in the mornings and afternoons. The cargo that piles up for scanning often prevents unloading of fresh consignments," an unidentified clearing agent was quoted as saying.
There are just 25 loaders between 1400 hrs and 2300 hrs, and 10 between 1100 hrs and 0600 hrs. The agents have demanded that the number of loaders be increased to 50.
In spite of repeated complaints, "Things have not improved in the last one year," added AV Vijayakumar, secretary of Chennai Custom House Agents Association.
There have been reports of 76 trucks laden with cargo intended for export, ranging from electronic components to perishable vegetables, having to return without being unloaded. The warehouse also has not been accepting all fresh consignments because pending cargo had not been cleared. This has slowed down cargo bookings, reports the Times of India.
The process is being slowed by a lack of personnel to handle consignments that are offloaded as well as by a shortage of personnel to scan them.
The warehouse of Air India, which handles export cargo for Singapore Airlines, Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways, Saudi, Gulf Air and Oman Air, can handle 200 trucks a day. "Over 100 arrive each day but just 60 manage to unload their ware. The rest are often turned back," the report said.
"Air India's security personnel who are authorised to conduct the scanning on the four scanners come for work only in the evenings. So, there is hardly any movement of cargo in the mornings and afternoons. The cargo that piles up for scanning often prevents unloading of fresh consignments," an unidentified clearing agent was quoted as saying.
There are just 25 loaders between 1400 hrs and 2300 hrs, and 10 between 1100 hrs and 0600 hrs. The agents have demanded that the number of loaders be increased to 50.
In spite of repeated complaints, "Things have not improved in the last one year," added AV Vijayakumar, secretary of Chennai Custom House Agents Association.
Vessel speeds of 14-18 knots will be the future for container shipping
THE average vessel speed in the future will be between 14 and 18 knots as super slow steaming appears to have firmly established itself as a permanent fixture in the container shipping sector.
It was only last year in a conversation with Neptune Orient Lines chief executive Ron Widdows, when we reported that liner executives foresaw slow steaming as an ongoing trend for the foreseeable future.
This year we have seen the introduction of super slow steaming, which appears to be superseding the original slow steaming now…
Speaking to delegates at our recent Supply and Demand conference in Hong Kong, Maersk Line vice president for South China and Hong Kong, Soren Karas, confirmed that the super slow steaming practice would continue to play a significant role in the sector going forward due to its financial and environmental benefits.
"The speed/fuel use curve is exponential. You save a lot of fuel by taking the speed of your ship down. But there are two dimensions that one has to think about when talking about slow steaming. There is the pure financial decision and there is the environmental angle as well,” he said.
Super slow steaming saves a reported 30 per cent overall in bunker consumption, and also reduces CO2 emissions by the same amount, when compared to regular steaming.
As we also know, slow steaming has also helped to reduce the supply overhang that threw the industry into a tailspin last year, and threatened any chance at restabilising it again this year.
One might even suggest it has been one of the unsung heroes of the industry in 2010.
Mr Karas agreed that it has helped bring stability back into the market.
It was only last year in a conversation with Neptune Orient Lines chief executive Ron Widdows, when we reported that liner executives foresaw slow steaming as an ongoing trend for the foreseeable future.
This year we have seen the introduction of super slow steaming, which appears to be superseding the original slow steaming now…
Speaking to delegates at our recent Supply and Demand conference in Hong Kong, Maersk Line vice president for South China and Hong Kong, Soren Karas, confirmed that the super slow steaming practice would continue to play a significant role in the sector going forward due to its financial and environmental benefits.
"The speed/fuel use curve is exponential. You save a lot of fuel by taking the speed of your ship down. But there are two dimensions that one has to think about when talking about slow steaming. There is the pure financial decision and there is the environmental angle as well,” he said.
Super slow steaming saves a reported 30 per cent overall in bunker consumption, and also reduces CO2 emissions by the same amount, when compared to regular steaming.
As we also know, slow steaming has also helped to reduce the supply overhang that threw the industry into a tailspin last year, and threatened any chance at restabilising it again this year.
One might even suggest it has been one of the unsung heroes of the industry in 2010.
Mr Karas agreed that it has helped bring stability back into the market.
According to Alphaliner, the idle containership fleet fell further in the last two weeks as strong demand continues to absorb available capacity in the market. The idle fleet as at 5 July stood at 174 vessels for 340,000 TEU compared to 192 vessels for 380,000 TEU recorded a fortnight ago. This represents 2.5% of the total fleet, the lowest idling percentage recorded since December 2008.The carrier-operated idle fleet has now dropped to only 44 ships for 120,000 TEU. At its peak in March last year, it stood at more than 240 ships for over 1 million TEU. The non-operating owner idle fleet currently stands at 130 ships for 219,000 TEU, with the majority of these units in the 1,000-2,000 TEU size range.The drop in the idle fleet comes amidst a record number of new vessel deliveries made in the second quarter. During the April-Jun period, 88 new vessels with a total capacity of 440,000 TEU were delivered. This is the highest level of quarterly deliveries ever recorded.
Source: Motorship
Source: Motorship
Emergentes Cierran al Alza Impulsados por Wall Street
Bovespa lideró ganancias en la región con un avance de 3,33%, aunque su semana fue más corta al tener dos días festivos.
Uno de los principales factores que incidieron en el alza generalizada de los índices bursátiles de los países emergentes, fue el positivo desempeño que registró el Dow Jones estadounidense, al avanzar un 5,28% y cerrar la mejor semana en casi un año.
Al apetito bursátil que hubo después del festivo del lunes en EE.UU. ante expectativas de buenos resultados de las empresas que están pronto a conocerse, se sumaron al informe del Departamento del Trabajo que constató una baja en el subsidio por desempleo, el buen rendimiento que registraron las bolsas europeas y las menores previsiones del Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) para la economía mundial.
De este modo, el Bovespa cerró con un alza de 3,33%, liderando las alzas en la región. Lo siguió el Merval trasandino, registrando un desempeño semanal de 3,27%. Ambas plazas tuvieron una semana corta, ya que el viernes fue feriado y en el caso del parqué brasileño, tampoco registró actividad el lunes.
El IPC mexicano acumuló un avance de 1,99%, acompañado del 1,65% semanal de la plaza colombiana. El IGBVL limeño tuvo una ganancia más moderada, al cerrar en 1,17%.
Fuera de la región, Shanghai aumentó un 3,69%, a la espera de la salida a bolsa del Banco Agrícola de China, prevista para esta semana, mientras que el RTS ruso cifró un positivo 3,25%.
Uno de los principales factores que incidieron en el alza generalizada de los índices bursátiles de los países emergentes, fue el positivo desempeño que registró el Dow Jones estadounidense, al avanzar un 5,28% y cerrar la mejor semana en casi un año.
Al apetito bursátil que hubo después del festivo del lunes en EE.UU. ante expectativas de buenos resultados de las empresas que están pronto a conocerse, se sumaron al informe del Departamento del Trabajo que constató una baja en el subsidio por desempleo, el buen rendimiento que registraron las bolsas europeas y las menores previsiones del Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) para la economía mundial.
De este modo, el Bovespa cerró con un alza de 3,33%, liderando las alzas en la región. Lo siguió el Merval trasandino, registrando un desempeño semanal de 3,27%. Ambas plazas tuvieron una semana corta, ya que el viernes fue feriado y en el caso del parqué brasileño, tampoco registró actividad el lunes.
El IPC mexicano acumuló un avance de 1,99%, acompañado del 1,65% semanal de la plaza colombiana. El IGBVL limeño tuvo una ganancia más moderada, al cerrar en 1,17%.
Fuera de la región, Shanghai aumentó un 3,69%, a la espera de la salida a bolsa del Banco Agrícola de China, prevista para esta semana, mientras que el RTS ruso cifró un positivo 3,25%.
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