Shanghai International Shipping Institute doubts 2012 will bring recovery
THE Shanghai International Shipping Institute's (SISI) latest report
said the world economy growth will carry the trend of slowing down into
2012 while shipping capacity continues to outgrow demand, indicating a
depressing outlook for the year, Xinhua reports. Thursday, 02.Feb.2012, 02:58 (GMT+3)
THE Shanghai International Shipping Institute's (SISI) latest report
said the world economy growth will carry the trend of slowing down into
2012 while shipping capacity continues to outgrow demand, indicating a
depressing outlook for the year, Xinhua reports.
Last year, the world shipping market had been hard hit with rates
falling, fuel price hikes, hot money outflow and cash flow shortage.
Carriers recorded common loss. Some even filed for bankruptcy
protection.
This year, things are still going to be hard for the carriers, said SISI
researcher Zhou Dequan, as demand in Europe and America continues to
shrink, the container shipping market will stay stagnant, he added. In
the meanwhile, these regions will encourage export to create more job
opportunities, while trade protectionism worsens.
Container shipping volume is predicted to reach 160 million TEU by the
end of this year, up six per cent year on year. However, there will be
new ships with a total capacity of 1.5 million TEU be delivered this
year, up seven to nine per cent year on year. The report said some gain
was possible if carriers reach consensus on capacity. Otherwise
profitability will stay at the same level as in the latter half of 2011.