Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI) released the Global Port Development Report (2017) in April 2018. In the report it points out that the global economy is entering to prosperity. This new development means that the global port and shipping industry is expected to enter a consolidation stage before a new era of growth.
Global ports enter growth consolidation stage
Indicative of the fact the ports are starting to recover is the fact that European ports, American ports, Asian ports, African ports and Australian ports are all seeing steady growth.
Global container ports enjoy robust growth
In 2017, the international container market improved because of the recovering global economy and trade environment. The throughput of global container ports increased by 6% year on year to 740 million TEUs, hitting a six-year high. However, more cargo will move through direct routes to ensure timeliness and efficiency of transportation, so the number of transshipped containers at ports will keep decreasing, and the number of empty containers will increase.
Global dry bulk ports see stable growth
In 2017, the mean value of BDI was 1,145 points, a 70% increase year on year. The freight rate gradually recovered, and the international demand for iron ore and coal rose. Major countries and regions such as India and ASEAN had rapidly growing demand for infrastructure materials, and the growth of iron ore throughput rose major ports. In addition, developed countries such as European countries used clean energy to replace coal, while most Southeast Asian countries used coal for power generation.
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Global liquid bulk throughput grows slowly
In 2017, 24 major oil producers reached a capacity trimming agreement featuring 1.8 million barrels per day for the first time over the past eight years, and the agreement was extended to the end of 2018.
Most global terminal operators see growth in equity throughput
In 2017, the top six terminal operators in the world reported a total of 250 million TEUs of equity throughput. Specifically, DP World enjoyed satisfactory performance, with its throughput growth, up to 24.7, leading major terminal operators.
Investment in global terminals slows down
In 2017, the investment in global ports showed a moderate growth, and the port investment and infrastructure construction in various countries decreased. Additionally, terminals in some regions noted relatively low utilization and high idleness.
Shanghai International Shipping Institute, said:
Judging by construction demand, local ports and terminals were updated and built in some regions primarily for the purpose of promoting investment and stimulating economy, while overseas investment focused more on port profitability. Therefore, large-scale terminal construction has been decreasing.