THE sharp decline in bunker fuel prices is making bulk reefer ships more competitive than conventional containerships for perishables.
According to unidentified ship brokers, a number of freight programmes by fruit shippers has been moved back from container shipping lines to specialised reefer ships in the early stages of the southern hemisphere peak season, reported Newark's Journal of Commerce.
Ecuadorian banana producer Bonita, with its shipping subsidiary Ecuadorian Line, is reported to have reactivated all of its five reefer ships after idling some tonnage last year following a service agreement with container line MSC, brokers say.
Fellow banana supplier Banex is believed to have been awarded extra volumes from Polish importer Citronex for the Ecuador-North Europe run that Banex operates with charter tonnage from Siem/Star Reefers.
Elsewhere, specialist reefer tonnage has been chartered in to haul citrus products from North America to Japan, with Stockholm-based reefer ship operator Cool Carriers reportedly fixing a ship for a voyage ex-Hueneme, California.
Freight and charter rate levels are down 10 to 15 per cent compared to 12 months ago on the west coast of South America, brokers said.
Many market participants were also anxious that spot freights might be pushed even further given the reduced import demand from Russian buyers struggling with a weak rouble and wide-ranging trade sanctions.
WORLD SHIPPING
22 February 2015 - 22:31
With slump in bunker prices, box ships lose cargo to bulk reefers
THE sharp decline in bunker fuel prices is making bulk reefer ships more competitive than conventional containerships for perishables.
WORLD SHIPPING
22 February 2015 - 22:31
With slump in bunker prices, box ships lose cargo to bulk reefers
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