THE US west coast port gridlock caused by the on-going alongshore labour dispute is pushing charter rates up, as demand surges for some types of containerships, particularly sweeper ships.
Panamax tonnage received another boost to charter pricing as "more ships were plucked from the market as extra sailors (also called sweeper ships) for the Asia/US trade," Hamburg's Ernst Russ Shipbroker said in its maritime overview report, reported IHS Maritime 360.
Tonnage shortages in the panamax sector are forcing ship operators to turn to smaller 3,500-TEU vessels as replacement tonnage.
The Port of Houston is reporting extra business due to sweeper ships, according to port officials.
Shipping lines have scheduled several voyages by sweeper ships from Asia to the east coast during the next few weeks to deliver cargo that otherwise would move via the west coast. These shipments are commanding premium rates.
Demand for extra tonnage in the congested Asia-US west coast trade is also benefiting post-panamax box ships, which are being hired for ad hoc round voyages to maintain weekly sailings.
For example, Hamburg Sod sublet its 7,800-TEU Santa Inez at a daily rate of US$28,000 to China Shipping for an Asia-US west coast round trip, unnamed brokers were cited as saying.
WORLD SHIPPING
18 February 2015 - 21:43
Sweeper ship demand on USWC fuel higher charter rates
THE US west coast port gridlock caused by the on-going alongshore labour dispute is pushing charter rates up, as demand surges for some types of containerships, particularly sweeper ships.
WORLD SHIPPING
18 February 2015 - 21:43
Sweeper ship demand on USWC fuel higher charter rates
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