The specialised reefer fleet is shrinking while the reefer containership fleet has[ds_preview] increased by 15% year-on-year and is set to grow 20% by 2018, consultancy Drewry says. Meanwhile seaborne reefer cargo grew 4.9% in 2014, all of which, and more, was carried by reefer containerships. According to Drewry, cargo growth will leave reefer container fleet utilisation levels virtually unchanged over the next few years at 20.4 to 20.6 cargo tonnes per ‘000 cubic feet equivalent of reefer container capacity. To remain competitive many carriers are focusing on reefer-intensive services to compete with the specialised mode.
Moreover, Drewry forecasts a surge in crude tanker vessel capacity over the next two years that will lead to a fall in ship-owner earnings. This is being driven by anticipated tonnage demand growth in the dirty tanker market, which is expected to gather momentum once US shale oil production starts shrinking.
