Ocean carriers consider new capacity cutbacks
Capacity already is withdrawing from the toughest markets Struggling with sliding rates amid plentiful capacity on major world trade lanes, several container line executives say they are starting to consider whether to lay up some vessels in a search for greater supply-demand equilibrium."If we have to do it, we will do it, yes," CMA CGM Executive Officer Rodolphe Saade said this week at The Journal of Commerce annual TPM Asia conference.Several carriers have withdrawn trans-Pacific services recently after peak season surcharges failed to hold for any extended period and spot rates have slipped back, prompting a forecast from Alphaliner that carriers will lose a collective $300 million this year on the trade lane. Some believe losses on the trans-Pacific could be double that figure. Conditions for the carriers are even tougher on Asia-Europe lanes, where the deployment of large vessels is keeping rates at low levels.Saade said capacity already is withdrawing from the toughest markets. "It is taking place now on some trades. Is it taking place enough? No," he said. "More capacity needs to come out."Tim Smith, the North Asia CEO of Maersk Line, said shipping lines are wary of discussing capacity plans publicly after an outcry from shippers ...
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