SeaIntel: Mid-size niche carriers deploying more capacity

Mid-sized carriers in niche markets have deployed 12.8 percent more capacity in the past six months, compared to 5.4 percent deployment growth for global alliance carriers, according to the latest SeaIntel Sunday Spotlight by SeaIntel Maritime Analysis.    Mid-sized niche carriers have deployed 12.8 percent more capacity so far this year, according to the 321st edition of the SeaIntel Sunday Spotlight by SeaIntel Maritime Analysis.
   Mid-sized niche carriers encompass the 21st through the 40th largest shipping lines.
   According to the report, “The capacity injection by the mid-sized niche carriers is primarily driven by a growth in the number of operated vessels, rather than an upsizing of vessels. This additional vessel deployment can only have been driven by a desire to launch additional new services.”
   The report notes that strong growth ambition is the deciding factor in how carrier development will play out within the current competitive landscape. Yet even so, global alliance carriers, such as the largest top carriers, have expanded their capacity by 5.4 percent, while “major niche” carriers have not expanded their deployed capacity at all, said the report.
   “Even in the niche trades some degree of scale does matter – not only in terms of vessel size, but more importantly in the granularity of services offered. We should therefore prepare for a gradual consolidation development amongst the niche carriers in the coming years as well,” said SeaIntel CEO, Alan Murphy.
   SeaIntel Maritime Analysis is a Denmark-based consulting firm, specializing in maritime intelligence.