Container service reliability falls again

“Size isn’t everything” Drewry concludes, with the launch of a new “global port connectivity index” showing sometimes smaller ports have better connectivity than their larger competitors.

Recent reports published by Drewry Maritime Research and Dynamar point to better prospects in the multipurpose (MP) shipping sector in the future.

Lower growth and challenges from industry consolidation will make it difficult to develop new greenfield terminals, TOC conference hears.

Alphaliner and Drewry Maritime Research are among analysts raising their growth forecasts for 2017. Based on trading performances to the late summer, and evidence gleaned from the market about future prospects, they expect global container trade to grow in the 5.5% to 6.6% range this year. Projections made at the end of 2016/17 suggested volumes would rise by 4% to 5%.

In a recent webinar, London-based Drewy Maritime Advisors pointed to a stronger 2017 for liner shipping companies with volumes and freight rates both expected to pick up during the course of the year.

Container shipping lines are in danger of putting future port investment at risk in their demands for terminal handling cost reductions, according to the latest Ports and Terminals Insight report from Drewry