Maerks new Triple E class ships are being built in uncertain times. Probably established when times were more buoyant, these ships are the largest, most efficient ships ever. With a capacity of 18,000 containers and consuming 30% less fuel than other smaller ships, the E class is heralding a new era in container shipping.
The first Triple E class ship is now on the water from its shipyard in South Korea and due to start making port calls. The big issue is that it’s currently operating far below capacity. On Asia>Europe routes there is at least 10% over capacity. However, apparently it’s all part of a well planned strategy by Maersk, who consider that in time, any ships on the Asia>Europe route without a capacity of 14,000 or more will go out of business.
Maersk is putting particular pressure on an industry completely at war on price and also in the midst of a new all singing all dancing port, London Gateway, entering the fray. If you want the new E class (and it’s boxes) you will need bigger crabnes, wharfs and infrastructure. So far Southampton, Felixstowe and the newly formed London Gateway are keeping pace. But who will be the big winners and losers in this catfight. This picture taken recently in my visit dockside shows Felixstowe are throwing down the gauntlet to remain the number 1 choice. Let the games commence…