With the container shipping industry entering peak season and the unexpectedly strong rebound in the demand for container shipping already seen in the market, Maersk Line expects that the increased volumes will result in an unprecedented shortage of containers, which will last through the third quarter of this year.
Following the recession at the end of 2008 and through 2009, many container shipping and container leasing companies stopped sourcing and producing equipment. Since carriers and shippers did not expect the current demand surge, the necessary equipment has not been ordered in 2010.
According to Lars Reno Jakobsen, head of Network & Product and member of Maersk Line's management board, the Asia - Europe trade is growing by 23% compared to the market's single digit expectation just six months ago.
Maersk Line has initiated production of new containers and leasing of containers, and has also re-activated laid-up container ships to assist in repositioning containers as quickly as possible, for instance from the US east coast and Latin America to Asia.
Maersk Line's recently announced Peak Season Surcharge for the Far East - Europe trade will assist the company in recovering the higher costs caused by the increased volumes and equipment shortage (e.g. port costs, extraordinary vessels deployed to reposition containers and leasing of same).
The surcharge will also ensure that Maersk can continue to offer its services in a sustainable manner.
Maersk will only apply one Peak Season Surcharge, and will not be announcing separate surcharges or rate increases in connection with the peak season.
Source : EFT, 17.06.10.
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