01/07/2011 - Fleet in pre-crisis levels, By Elias Gedeon
Evidence that the global trade resumes pace in a sustainable and promising basis, after the sharp decline prompted by the financial crisis of 2008-2009, is been repeated since the beginning of the year. Rates of idleness of container ship fleets are on the decline, as indicate by the main international shipping consultancy. Following this trend of higher occupancy, there are also reports pointing to the shortage of container, reflecting the increase of international trade. In June, Alphaliner reported that the number of idle container ships reached the lowest level in 30 months. In April last there were "only" 71 ships in lay-up. At the time the idle fleet totaled 134 thousand TEUs (20 foot equivalent unit), equivalent to 0.9% of the fleet, meaning the lowest level in more than two years. It was speculated that the resumption movement could be transitory, and that the improvement of the indicators was due more to seasonal conditions than to the structural improvement. But the latest indicators repeat the trend. According to Alphaliner, the idle fleet totaled 63 vessels in June, about 80,000 TEUs. The consultancy estimates that the total idle fleet should be reduced further to 20 thousand TEUs in 2011. The data of increased occupation of the fleets become even more significant considering that most of the 32 largest shipping companies of the world in the segment of containers put new vessels into operation - already ordered prior to the crisis - with greater tonnage. As for containers, equipment shortages, according to Drewry Advisers continues, although at a slower pace than that recorded at the end of 2010. Given these optimistic numbers - that are indicators of a recovery in the global economy - we should evaluate what challenges lie ahead and what measures will ensure the maintenance of this trend. On a microeconomic approach, particularly with regard to shipping companies, the obvious emerges as a command inseparable from good management. And the obvious orders that we continue to seek greater productivity, reducing costs either by improving processes and the adoption of good corporate governance practices, or the introduction of more modern equipment - such as bigger ships, faster and less polluting. In the macro aspect, of Brazilian competence, and which the government is certainly aware, that is, to adopt a strategy that allows the continuous process of modernization of our port infrastructure, and why not say, also of our entire transport logistics, so we eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies that undermine the competitiveness of our supply chain at a time when the world, once again, is showing signs of strong growth with intense trade. * Centronave Executive-Director

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Fleet in pre-crisis levels, By Elias Gedeon

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