News / Scrapping may make a comeback as smaller containerships lose their appeal

Non-operating owners of ageing gas-guzzling small containerships are likely to renew their interest in scrapping as the charter market makes an unexpected U-turn.

The latest idle tonnage report by Alphaliner records 131 ships of 500-5,100 teu in hot or cold lay-up seeking employment, compared with just 56 in February.

The consultant notes an “alarming increase in spot tonnage under 1,000 teu”, with some 25 ships seeking fixtures, more than double the number it recorded in mid-June.

Alphaliner’s idle tonnage total at 23 July was 142 ...