Dynamar: Breakbulk lines in good shape

Dynamar: Breakbulk lines in good shape    Orders for new breakbulk cargo vessels from the world's 25 biggest breakbulk carriers represents 34 percent of their existing fleet, according to a new report by Dutch maritime consultant Dynamar.
   While that may seem a high proportion, the report notes that it is far less than the containership industry faces in terms of ordered capacity. And the breakbulk sector has an added advantage in that a sizable percentage of the current fleet is 25 years or older, meaning widespread scrapping could occur. That would drive supply down, and with demand for breakbulk cargo holding steady even through the economic crisis, could portend high rates for carriers.
'If all ships older than 25 years of age were scrapped, now, then the total order book would only replace 70 percent of the lost space,' Dynamar said. 'This is where the breakbulk segment differs so notably from the container industry (where) the capacity of newbuildings exceeds that of 25-year-plus vessels by more than 15 times.'
   The report, BREAKBULK: Operators, Fleets, Markets, features rankings of the top 25 breakbulk, Ro-Ro and heavy load operators. Profiles are provided for 45 of the most important players, with existing fleets and order books highlighted. There are also separate rankings for the heavy lift capabilities of the tonnage operating and on order in terms of crane and ramp capacities.
   The report also provides an overview of important breakbulk and project shipping markets by major cargo segment.
   The report is available at www.dynamar.com.