Scope Ratings: Only carriers with biggest fleets will be profitable

Only the container shipping lines with the biggest fleets and the most efficient vessels are likely to turn a profit this year and meet longer-term challenges according to a report from credit rating agency Scope Ratings.

Asset optimisation – ensuring ships are always at sea and fully loaded – as well as size and diversification will determine carriers’ success in the next 18 months, it noted.

Higher costs, tighter environmental rules and worsening global trade relations risk offsetting buoyant demand and capacity reductions, said the report.