News / Major box lines still fighting over diminishing supply of smaller ships

ID 33733835 © Dedi57 | Dreamstime.com

Large carriers are fighting over a diminishing pool of second-hand box ships, with the latest Alphaliner research pointing to no orders, but abundant acquisitions in the 700-999 teu feeder-size range.

Alphaliner found major carriers were acquiring vessels second-hand from non-operating owners: 675 over the past three years.

Particularly hungry for feeder tonnage is MSC, which has snapped up an unprecedented 306 vessels so far this year; 20 in the 700-999 teu range.

But the supply of feeders is dwindling, thanks to an unwillingness ...