Sluggish German demand and Brexit uncertainty contributed to a disappointing first half year for the shipping lines, as volumes from Asia to North Europe failed to keep up with other booming markets, but there are signs that things may be moving in the lines favour.
Get what you pay for
Shocking shipping line reliability is a direct result of the low freight rates that shippers have benefited from for years, says Drewry Shipping Consultants, so they should not be surprised that service levels have continued to fall.
Maersk shifts away from Felixstowe
While the port of Felixstowe has been highlighting recent performance improvements to 80%, Maersk has announced two services are moving to Liverpool.
2M drop Asia-Europe loop
MAERSK’s and the Mediterranean Shipping Co’s (MSC) 2M Alliance plans to suspend one of its loops on the Asia-North Europe trade in September, but resume it in December when business picks up, reports American Shipper.
Future looks rosy for Felixstowe
The Port of Felixstowe’s chief operating officer confirms that incidences of delays and disruption may continue until 10th July.
Asia-Europe capacity tightening
Following the imposition of ‘emergency’ bunker surcharges at the beginning of the month, there are clear signs that capacity is reducing ahead of the traditional 3rd quarter peak.
