News / Shipping lines put growth ambitions on hold and look to defer newbuilds

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Against a backdrop of an increasingly pessimistic cargo demand outlook, ocean carriers are said to be in talks with shipyards to defer delivery dates for some of the 2.3m teu of newbuild tonnage due this year.

Shipbuilding contracts usually incorporate a clause to facilitate the pushback of completion by six months or more, depending on the stage of construction and pressure from other orders.

But with the container liner industry facing several challenging quarters, the yards may be quite relaxed about rescheduling ...