News / Container trade 'madness' driving more Asia cargo to other modes

The “madness” of ex-Asia container rates is driving more un-boxing of containerised cargo.

And the resulting bounceback for breakbulk is providing a boon for secondary ports and shortsea shipping, according to chartering specialist Ahlers.

“New opportunities are arising for breakbulk, MPVs [multipurpose vessels] and ro-ro carriers,” the company said.

“Alongside some bigger MPVs being chartered for carrying containers, there is an increase in cargo volumes due to more containerised cargo coming back to the breakbulk market, as well as machinery and special equipment ...