News / Low bunker prices may be threatening the competitiveness of new eco-boxships

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Are eco-ships under threat from lower fuel prices?

Anecdotal reports from container vessel brokers are that premiums for fuel-efficient ships have come under pressure, with some shipping operators no longer seeing fuel economy as a primary requirement following the dramatic 40% collapse in bunker prices since the summer.

The low fuel prices, which many economists now predict will remain for the foreseeable future, are expected to give owners of older ships, with higher fuel consumption but faster speeds, new opportunities, as operators ...