News / Carriers start to defer ULCV deliveries in the face of overcapacity and softer demand

Where contracts allow, ocean carriers are starting to postpone deliveries of new ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) in the face of the return of the twin challenges of cellular overcapacity and softening demand.

Alphaliner claimed today that Cosco has deferred 10 of the 28 ULCVs it was due to receive this year to 2018 and Yang Ming has pushed back delivery of three 14,000 teu vessels into next year.

Despite these deferrals, Alphaliner calculated there would still be some 1.5m teu of newbuild containerships entering service ...