Capturing the opportunity for a new generation of feeder containerships

Newbuilding orders in the feeder containership segment are set to grow as the shipping industry approaches a deficit of smaller vessels capable of servicing a diverse geographical spread of ports and terminals. New vessel contracting over the past five years has been squarely focussed on the ultra large containership segment, boosting the number of vessels that can carry vast numbers of containers, but lowering the number able to service smaller ports. Vessels and Shipyards With recent orders focussing on larger ships, the age profile of the feeder container fleet has continued to increase, making modern feeder tonnage increasingly scarce as more ships approach scrapping age. Now, shipowners are looking to smaller size segments as an attractive investment proposition against which to obtain long term charters. New designs are emerging as feeders evolve to meet demand for flexible operations, reflecting the need to maximise cargo stowage and optimise operational efficiency.