The worldwide inactive container fleet experienced a marginal decrease over the past two weeks, as the momentum of gains observed since early October subsided, according to the latest survey by Alphaliner. The survey revealed a total of 275 inactive ships, encompassing both idle tonnage and vessels undergoing repairs. This marks a net decline of 20 units compared to the previous fortnight. Despite this, the overall inactive capacity remained relatively stable at 1,213,505 TEU, reflecting a net reduction of 5,400 TEU. The inactive fleet now constitutes 4.4% of the total container fleet.
The slight decline can be attributed to the return to service of several ships falling in the sub-5,000 TEU category. Within the 500-5,100 TEU segment, a net total of 21 units were reintegrated into commercial activity during the latest survey period, with approximately 50% having been previously commercially idled.
Conversely, there was a minor increase in inactive vessels in the +12,500 TEU category. An additional six units ranging from 12,500 to 17,999 TEU were marked as inactive, comprising two commercially idled and four undergoing repairs. In the +18,000 TEU category, two ships were sent to the yard, while one unit was removed from commercial idling.
Overall, commercially-idle tonnage witnessed a decrease of 51,662 TEU over the period, with carrier-controlled tonnage accounting for 41,675 TEU and non-operating owner-controlled tonnage contributing 9,987 TEU. Commercially-idle tonnage now constitutes 32% of the total inactive fleet, a decrease from 36% reported a fortnight earlier. Conversely, repair-related activity has seen an uptick, rising from 64% to 68% of the inactive fleet during the same period.
Source: Alphaliner
