The idle containership fleet has hit a year high, closing in on the 500,000 TEU in capacity mark according to Alphaliner.
The analyst said in its weekly newsletter that the idle fleet of vessels over 500 TEU had surged 100,000 TEU over a two-week period to reach 175 vessels with 484,000 TEU capacity on 24 August.
It said the number of idle vessels had increased across all segments apart from the 2,000 – 3,000 TEU range. In the smaller size range of 1,000 – 2,000 TEU there are now 48 idle vessels, an 11-month high.
Larger vessels have also been affected as lines blanked sailings on the Asia – Europe trade and nine ships in the 8,500 – 13,900 TEU range are reported to be idle.
With the market remaining weak the idle fleet is expected to grow.
“The lacklustre demand is expected to worsen further in October: linked to the end of the peak season, more planned sailing cancellations and upcoming service suspensions are expected to further push up idle vessel figures,” the report said.
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