Record demand for shipping containers in the US
In September 2024, American ports recorded a significant increase in container imports. According to analyst John McCown, the volume of imports at the ten largest ports rose by nearly 20% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the strength of the American economy, with ports on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico outpacing their western counterparts. The most significant import port remains Los Angeles, followed by New York and New Jersey. Oakland recorded the fastest growth with a 38.4% increase in volume.
New fines for long-term container storage in ports
Starting Monday, September 25, 2024, new fines for long-term container storage will come into effect in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Carriers will pay $100 for each day a container remains at the terminal longer than allowed. This move aims to expedite container turnover and reduce port congestion that causes delays in supply chains.
Explosive growth of the container shipping market
The container shipping market is experiencing an explosion in 2024, with an estimated volume growth of 5-6%. Main routes and regional trades are growing faster than return paths. However, in 2025, a slowdown in shipping volume growth is expected as shipping routes return to normal operations. The growth in demand is accompanied by rapid growth in the supply of new ships, which brings challenges in maintaining a balance between supply and demand.
Transport through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea
In 2024, significant shifts in shipping routes occurred, leading to increased use of the route around the Cape of Good Hope. This shift has caused a rise in demand for ships and increased sailing speeds. Normal routes through the Suez Canal are expected to resume in 2025, which could reduce demand for ships and affect market balance.
Outlook for 2025
It is expected that in 2025, the balance between supply and demand will weaken compared to 2024. Although the first half of 2024 is strong, a weakening is anticipated in the second half of the year. The market could be weakened if normal shipping routes return and if economic conditions do not improve as expected.
Global economic conditions
According to the International Monetary Fund, the global economy is growing at 3.2%, and this growth is expected to continue into 2024 and 2025. However, growth in major economies such as the USA, China, Japan, and India is expected to be slower than in 2023. The European Union is the only one of the five largest economies expected to grow faster than in 2023.
Other container news...
The world’s five largest brokerage companies
With increasing globalisation and growing demand for fast and efficient transportation of goods, these companies will play a key role in shaping the future of shipping. Innovation, sustainability and technological advances will continue to be major factors influencing their strategic decision-making and enabling them to compete on a global level.
Breaking up of the MOL Comfort container ship in the Indian Ocean
The MOL Comfort container ship has become a symbol of the risks and dangers associated with maritime transport. Its breaking up in the Indian Ocean in 2013 makes us think about the safety and maintenance of ships that transport thousands of tonnes of goods around the world every day. This case reminds us that even the most advanced technologies cannot completely eliminate the risks associated with maritime transport, but they can significantly reduce them.
Air transport of shipping containers
Air freight shipping offers a fast, safe and flexible solution for the global transportation of goods. It is ideal for urgent shipments, valuable items and products with a short shelf life. Although it has a higher environmental impact, technological advances and sustainability efforts are bringing new opportunities for greener logistics.
Global warming and shipping containers
In 2017, more than 52,000 shipping vessels crossed the oceans, carrying 90% of all the world’s trade goods. This volume of shipping puts enormous pressure on the environment, making it essential to find sustainable solutions for the future.