Container shipping profitability to increase in 2015

Despite record vessel deliveries being driven by lower unit costs, container shipping profitability is expected to increase throughout 2015 according to the Container Forecaster’s latest addition published by shipping consultancy company Drewry.

The global company is anticipating growth of up to 7.2% in 2015; a much faster pace than what is typically forecasting which is at a lower 5.3%. Despite the forecasts, Drewry has claimed industry unit costs will make a continuation of decline, mean profitability will be on the up.

Neil Dekker, Drewry’s Director of Container Research has said: “Carriers are winning the battle between rates and costs. However, there are issues such as port congestion which are both costly and outside the direct control of carriers.” Dekker added: “Despite several factors that could derail some of the more positive influences, this could be the year that carriers start to turn the corner in terms of operational profitiability.”