World top ports see declines in September after August

THE world's nine largest container ports have suffered a six per cent drop in box shipping volumes in September, compared to the previous month when global box volumes peaked.

Volumes are expected to remain weak over the next four months, as the seasonally weak winter period draws near, reports Alphaliner.

On the other hand, all the main container ports recorded positive growth compared to last year, albeit at a "significantly" slower growth rate compared to the early part of the year.

The average throughput growth for the nine ports amounted to 11.8 per cent in September compared to 19.3 per cent in the first eight months of the year.

"Chinese ports led the growth, with Shanghai continuing to extend its lead over the second placed Singapore. Shanghai has surpassed Singapore's throughput volumes for six consecutive months and now looks certain to end the year as the busiest container port in the world for the first time," it said.

"Singapore's volumes have suffered since reaching an early peak in July. The port's September volumes are 11 per cent lower than the July figures.

"Apart from lower volumes from the region, Singapore and a few other hubs have also been affected by the rise of Cai Mep (Ho Chi Minh City Area) as more direct calls at the Vietnamese port have affected up to 100,000 TEU per month of containers previously transhipped at the hubs of Singapore, Hong Kong and Kaohsiung," said Alphaliner.

"Hong Kong also lost ground to Shenzhen, with handling volumes lagging behind those of the Shenzhen ports since July. However, Hong Kong is still expected to retain its number three position in the global rankings for this year due to its stronger liftings during the first half of 2010.

"However, based on current trends, Shenzhen might well topple its southern neighbour by next year and thus reach the number three spot for the first time."

Other major ports that suffered volume declines were Kaohsiung in Taiwan, with September's throughput down 2.1 per cent compared to year previous.

"Part of the reason for Kaohsiung's drop can be attributed to the loss of a significant share of its Vietnam transhipment volumes of US bound cargo. The Taiwanese port, which is ranked 13th based on 2009 throughput, could fall behind Port Kelang this year," said Alphaliner.

Ho Chi Minh City's ports saw volumes fall in September, after registering a decrease of 5.6 per cent against August. "The decline occurred despite the surge in volumes handled at the Cai Mep terminals, where 10 line-haul services (eight to the US and two recently launched services to Europe) call since the first facilities opened in May 2009," the report added.
(Source:www.schednet.com)