|
Page
2 of 2
The
heavy demand on the transpacific and transatlantic
contrasts with the weakness on the Asia-Europe
sector, where no new strings have been introduced
this year. The total number of weekly sailings
to North Europe has decreased from 22 to
21 due to the consolidation of Maersk and
MSC's services following the implementation
of the 2M alliance services in January.
However,
the weekly capacity on the Asia-Europe route
has nevertheless increased by six per cent
since the beginning of the year. The increase
comes from the introduction of ULCS newbuildings
of 14,000 to 19,000 TEU. So far, 24 ULCS
units of above 14,000 TEU have been delivered
this year, all of which have been assigned
to the Asia- Europe route to replace smaller
ships of 8,000-10,000 TEU.
On
the north-south tradelanes, demand is relatively
muted. The Far East-Middle East/Indian subcontinent
route has seen the launch of two new strings,
using 14 ships of 5,000-8,000 TEU. Additional
demand on the FE-Bay of Bengal trade and
for local ME/ISC feeders has absorbed another
seven units of 1,000-1,800 TEU.
No
new Far East-Africa strings have been added
in 2015 and the South America sector has
also been relatively quiet so far this year.
However, South America will soon see a major
shake-up on both the Far East - east coast
South America and Far East - west coast
of South America routes in July due to the
revamp of Hapag-Lloyd and Hamburg Sud coverage
of these two trades following their recent
acquisition of CSAV and CCNI.
The
main capacity increase is expected to come
on the FE-west coast of South America segment,
where the newly formed partnership, involving
Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg Sud, CMA CGM and CSCL,
will offer three weekly sailings.
MSC
meanwhile is to withdraw from its joint
loops with above carriers to mount its own
independent service. Hanjin and HMM will
also withdraw from their arrangements on
this trade and will partner with newcomer
Yang Ming to launch a new joint service
in July.
These
changes will result in the introduction
of five new Far East-west coast of South
American strings to replace three existing
strings, with the incremental capacity comprising
of additional 4,500 and 8,000-TEU ships.
Page 1 2
|
