News / Neglected: ageing mid-sized box ship fleet in 'acute need of renewal'

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The ageing fleet of small to medium-sized containerships needs replacing but carriers and non-operating owners have neglected to invest in these crucial workhorse vessels, according to Alphaliner.

“Over the past years, carriers have primarily placed orders for very large and ultra-large containerships,” said the consultant, noting that both the shipping lines and NOOs had “neglected the medium sized sector from 4,000-9,000 teu”.

A carrier contact admitted to The Loadstar recently that it had “too many big ships” in its fleet.

“It’s not been ...