Maritime transport: heading towards an overcapacity crisis

Major global shipowners, including MSC and CMA CGM, have invested heavily in the renewal and expansion of their fleets. These record orders, often placed with Chinese and Korean shipyards, are being delivered at a time when the need for additional capacities is being met. British firm Drewry Marine Research reveals that the order book of container ships to be delivered reached 890 units, or 28% of the world fleet in service. In addition, initiatives for greener vessels have encouraged investment in new low-emission vessels.

Moreover, the decline in demand is confirmed by key indicators. Maersk, the world's second largest shipowner, forecasts a 4% decline in containerized freight transport this year. CMA CGM also observed a decline in exports from Chinese ports, with China being affected by the economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions.

This convergence of factors creates an environment in which transport supply far exceeds demand, putting downward pressure on freight rates and endangering the profitability of shipowners. Although adjustment measures, such as the slowing down of vessels and repositioning of fleets, may offer some relief, they are insufficient to stem the current situation.

To go further...

• Sales Administration (SDA) Subcontracting Export
• Import/export flow management (air & maritime)
• Diagnosis of international logistics flows

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