Strong growth for container lease fleet

However, the report states that this expansion has been coloured by some uneven patches; growth almost stalled altogether in the latter half of 2011 due mainly to changes in market demand and the operating dynamic of the global container transport industry. It is a situation that has occurred since the downturn of 2009, which could happen yet again in 2012.

The poorer uptake in 2011, which came after an unprecedented upsurge during2010, took the lease industry by surprise, which quickly turned into equipment over supply according to the report. This surge did not come down for several months and was still not wholly redressed by mid-2012.

It was triggered by a poorer-than-expected peak season performance in mid-year 2011, plus the successful (if unexpected) adoption of greater operating efficiencies by shipping companies. The latter has maintained the world’s container/slot at its former low point of less than 1.85:1.00. This compares with nearer 2:1 averaged prior to 2009, which was also before shipping lines introduced slow steaming.