Last year's idle capacity was at an all-time high. This widely circulated 2009 photo shows idle containerships in Singapore.
The number of laid-up container ships above 5,000 20-foot equivalent units capacity has shrunk to the lowest level in over 14 months, largely due to slow steaming. And the number likely will fall even further in the coming two months as the peak shipping season gets under way and ocean carriers launch new line haul services to cope with rising cargo demand, Alphaliner, the Paris-based consultancy said.
“However, with more than 100 new ships of over 5,000 TEUs scheduled for delivery in 2010, the idle capacity could rise again at the end of the peak season,” Alphaliner cautioned.