The surging number of ultra large container ships has
failed to create a European mega-hub with ocean carriers still operating
multi-port rotations, according to Drewry Maritime Research.
“Despite
container ships doubling in size in the past 10 years on the Far
East-North Europe route, there has not been a reduction in the number of
North European ports called by each service,” the London-based
consultancy said.
“None of the major North European ports has become dominant or displaced competing ports,” it noted.
The
average number of calls per loop has remained largely unchanged at four
per service, typically including Antwerp or Rotterdam, a German and a
UK port, and either Le Havre or one of the second-tier European ports.
And
since 2009 carriers have started calling at additional European ports
that they did not previously serve directly, such as Gdansk in Poland.
“This
confirms the old shipping adage that the mother ship must go as close
as possible to the final destination or origin of the cargo – where the
market is a large one,” according to Drewry.” This is also advantageous
for shippers because direct calls avoid the risk of missed feeder
connections.”
Read more: Euro mega-hub yet to emerge as big ships maintain port rotations | JOC.com
No comments:
Post a Comment