Transpacific capacity on upswing

Transpacific capacity on upswing       Weekly transpacific containership capacity has surged by 50,000 TEUs since January, according to the maritime news service Alphaliner.
      In its weekly report, Alphaliner said capacity has been boosted by the introduction of 14 new services in April and May as carriers transitioned from their winter off-season capacity withdrawals.
      The 14 services — some were relaunched services and others were new services — added 37,000 TEUs of capacity on the trade. In all, since January, capacity has increased 17 percent as carriers show signs of confidence that a rebound in container volumes is sustainable.
      Most carriers on the transpacific have also specifically stated they have been able to get the rate increases they were seeking in spring annual service contract negotiations. The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement last fall suggested its members seek increases of $800 per FEU on eastbound shipments.