News / Grim outlook for box terminals: 'real pain' coming in second quarter

“All but essential” expansion plans and capital spending have been put on hold by container terminal operators that have seen volumes and share prices slashed this year, and a resulting hit to their balance sheets.

“Stock markets have plummeted, seaborne trade has dropped like a stone and the world economy is heading for deep recession,” said Drewry’s senior analyst ports and terminals, Eleanor Hadland.

“The first quarter saw world port handling drop around 4% year on year, but the real pain will ...