Alphaliner reports that the global container shipping sector continues to show resilience, with the idle fleet remaining largely unchanged despite seasonal slowdowns and softening freight rates. In early October, the commercially idle container vessel fleet accounted for just 0.9% of the world’s 32.7 million TEU capacity — a figure that, while the highest in a year, still reflects a market operating at near full employment.
According to Alphaliner’s latest survey, the total capacity of idle ships rose marginally by 7,155 TEU over the past two weeks, comprising 91 cellular vessels. This minimal change underscores the sector’s strong utilization rates, even amid disruptions linked to the Golden Week holiday in China and continuing freight rate declines.
Interestingly, the data suggests that the rise in idle tonnage was not due to reduced demand but rather a shift in operational priorities. Many carriers and shipowners have used this quieter period to schedule vessels for maintenance, repair, retrofit, and conversion, leading to an increase in shipyard activity. The share of the total cellular fleet tied up in yards climbed to 2.1%, up from 1.6% in September.
Despite a wave of blank sailings around Golden Week, there has been no significant surge in vessel inactivity, reinforcing that the liner sector remains balanced and well-managed.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free — Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Alphaliner
