Hapag-Lloyd is unexpectedly limiting the transport of heavy containers returning to the Far East from Europe, reported AlphaLiner News.
The aim, sources told the industry newsletter, is to prioritise and reposition empty boxes as well as optimising TEU capacity of ships so that eastbound vessels are loaded to their full geometric capacity without weight constraints.
In the end, sources said, the move will also avoid the necessity of bringing in extra ships for the sole purpose of repositioning empties on the return leg to Asia.
Low-yield wastepaper laden containers will also be set aside, said the newsletter, because the paltry revenue derived from the trade only covers the cost of repositioning the boxes while causing delays in redelivering them to Asian shippers.
The aim, sources told the industry newsletter, is to prioritise and reposition empty boxes as well as optimising TEU capacity of ships so that eastbound vessels are loaded to their full geometric capacity without weight constraints.
In the end, sources said, the move will also avoid the necessity of bringing in extra ships for the sole purpose of repositioning empties on the return leg to Asia.
Low-yield wastepaper laden containers will also be set aside, said the newsletter, because the paltry revenue derived from the trade only covers the cost of repositioning the boxes while causing delays in redelivering them to Asian shippers.