Triton depot system upgrade complete

The box leasing sector saw fleet growth stalled by weaker demand and record disposals in 2016, with the demise of Hanjin Shipping a further setback.

Dry freight container builders are facing further difficulties this year, with production having declined to a seven-year low and finished prices remaining weak.

In a move the Container Owners Association (COA) is hailing as a “significant breakthrough”, the two container interchange inspection standards used by container operators and the container leasing industry have been harmonised.

The global box leasing industry suffered a significant setback during 2015, when it purchased proportionally fewer new dry freight containers than at any time since 2009.

The container leasing sector enjoyed another strong year in 2013, although its pace of fleet growth now appears to be slowing, while rental rates and cash returns remain under pressure and utilisation has weakened slightly.

Global reefer production looks set to remain flat for 2013, while box building capacity is being further augmented with new facilities.