Small ships are popular in the shipping market in the second half of the year

　　In view of the fact that shipping companies tend to be cautious about investing in large ships and the demand for feeder ships is increasing,it is expected that the new container shipbuilding market in the second half of this year will be dominated by small vessels of 1000 teu-3000 TEU.

　　Clarkson research services expects orders for small container ships to pick up when summer holidays in the northern hemisphere end and European and American companies resume business."Although the first half of this year is dominated by large ships,the market for small vessels of 1000-3000 TEU can be expected after the holiday."The brokerage said in its latest weekly report.

　　After Maersk announced that it would order 20 18000 TEU ships at the beginning of this year,other shipping companies followed suit and ordered many 10000 container ships.

　　According to Clarkson,there have been 181 container orders so far this year,up from 124 for the whole of last year.

　　The overall age of such vessels is relatively old,and the number of orders in hand is less than 10%of the existing fleet.Therefore,there is still great potential."Obviously,economies of scale can be achieved on long haul routes by the large ships ordered this year,but the task of transporting goods from large ports to small ports in the region requires more small vessels,"Clarkson said