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Facing the shortage of container ships, can bulk carriers become the best choice?

Time:2021-09-03 Publisher:Kevin Num:3694

Now the maritime supply chain is facing the most severe challenge in history. Congestion in many ports and serious route delays have led to a serious shortage of container ships.

 

In this case, some shippers choose the "creative" container transportation mode. They consider using bulk carriers or other types of ships to transport containers.

 

According to alphaliner, a relevant consulting agency, starbulk, a Greek shipping company, loaded containers on a 175000 TEU Cape of good hope bulk carrier. It includes 200 full boxes and 1200 empty boxes shipped from Europe to China.

 

It pointed out that due to the shortage of container ships, most shipping companies have recently turned their attention to multi-purpose (MPP) and open cargo ships (ohbc).

 

According to the latest data released by Drury, the Charter rate of this kind of ships has exceeded the record high set in 2020. It is expected that the demand for such ships will increase this year.

 

But now some industry experts and marine insurance companies point out that it is safe in principle, but we must be vigilant.

 

We all know that bulk carriers and other types of ships are not designed for containers. If the container is transported, it will bring many problems.

 

For example, there is a lack of strong fixing devices. This will increase the probability of container damage, especially in bad weather.

Rahul Khanna, head of global maritime risk consulting, believes that carrying containers by bulk carriers may not be the best way to solve the shortage of container ships.

 

Because this will increase the marine risk, it has to let some marine insurance companies adjust the insurance price. At the same time, a detailed risk assessment will be conducted for bulk carriers.

 

The British P & I association has warned that there are great security risks in this practice. The Association informed customers that if they continue to use bulk carriers to transport containers, they should pay attention to the stowage rules.

 

It also said that in order to prevent the underwriting from greater risk of damage, it is suggested that members of the association should communicate with the underwriting department in a timely manner.

 

The person in charge of the intermodal P & I association also said that if the bulk carrier carries containers, it will increase the accident risk and have a great impact on the whole industry. In view of the current shortage of container ships, bulk carrier owners need to strictly abide by relevant safety regulations.

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