The number of containerships sitting idle worldwide is said to have soared to an historic high of 453 ships, that is 1.35 million TEU or 10.7 per cent of the world's box tonnage, AXS-Alphaliner News reports.
The result is up from 392 or 1.1 million TEU two weeks ago as cargo demand plummets and ocean liner services are suspended or scrapped because of the downturn.
It said that out of the 453 idle ships, 220 of them are charter vessels that are presently without employment. Each has a carrying capacity of less than 3,000 TEU and a combined aggregate of 320,000 TEU.
The report said that the remaining 233 idle ships, aggregating 1,030,000 TEU, are either owned or chartered by carriers.
A breakdown of the results from the beginning of March show that there are 23 idle units ranging in size from 7,500-10,000 TEU; 58 units of 5,000-7,500 TEU; 89 units of 3,000-5,000 TEU; 77 units of 2,000-3,000 TEU; 123 units of 1,000-2,000 TEU; and 83 units of 500-1,000 TEU.
The result is up from 392 or 1.1 million TEU two weeks ago as cargo demand plummets and ocean liner services are suspended or scrapped because of the downturn.
It said that out of the 453 idle ships, 220 of them are charter vessels that are presently without employment. Each has a carrying capacity of less than 3,000 TEU and a combined aggregate of 320,000 TEU.
The report said that the remaining 233 idle ships, aggregating 1,030,000 TEU, are either owned or chartered by carriers.
A breakdown of the results from the beginning of March show that there are 23 idle units ranging in size from 7,500-10,000 TEU; 58 units of 5,000-7,500 TEU; 89 units of 3,000-5,000 TEU; 77 units of 2,000-3,000 TEU; 123 units of 1,000-2,000 TEU; and 83 units of 500-1,000 TEU.