THIS YEAR's reduction in
ship operational costs, as much as seven per cent from, 2-5 per cent increases
in 2011, is likely to be short-lived because of expected increases in oil and
metal prices, says a new Drewry report.
The London shipping
consultancy's Ship Operating Costs Annual Review and Forecast 2012/2013 said
steel and oil prices remain volatile and can prompt price increases for paint
and hull treatments and machinery parts.
Operators will "need to
resist the temptation to push profits by cutting corners," said Drewry
managing editor Paula Puszet as any increases elsewhere is "likely to bite
back later" particularly budgetary pressure in new tighter maritime
regulations in safety, environment, manning on management and administration
costs.
The report advised speedy
compliance with SOLAS Chapter V for compulsory fitting of Electronic Chart
Display and Information Systems and Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems.
Additionally, all new ships
in 2013 will have to be built with an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI),
including existing ships in order to control fuel consumption and reduce
emissions.
Wages have stayed flat so
far allowing manning costs to stay stable into 2013 and any problems of
recruitment of officers has narrowed to 16,000 against vessel supply decline
and a difficult market.
Insurance remained steady
with hull and machinery static and premium hikes avoided by cautious owners.
Protection and indemnity insurance had higher levels of free reserves and
claims were down increasing investment income.
Drewry advises that
shipowners and managers create forward contracts in lubricants in case of any
price increases although fears of price disconnection from oil in 2012 were
unfounded.
Source : HKSG.
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