News / Owners of bigger containerships face a charter market 'double-whammy'

© Vladimir Serebryanskiy | Dreamstime.com - Container ship NYK Meteor standing on the roads at anchor. Nakhodka Bay. East (Japan) Sea. 09.04.2014

The new year could be challenging for owners of large containerships, while non-operating owners in the smaller sectors are optimistic of higher returns.

One London broker source told The Loadstar this week his big shipowners could be in for a “double-whammy” from the impact of the delivery of an armada of ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), which could coincide with significant off-hiring due to liner consolidation.

He said: “There is definitely some nervousness in the larger sectors, and owners are urging us to get extension options confirmed ...