Danish liner giant Maersk Line’s overall market capacity has dropped by 10 % on the trade between the east coast of South America and Europe and the Mediterranean amidst weakening demand.
The company has commented that it has begun phasing in smaller ships ranging between 4,500 and 6,500 TEU capacity in order to level out the changes that have occurred in the supply and demand aspects of the market.
Image: Maersk Line
The proper adjustments regarding capacity and reefer plugs were started on January the 5th this year, with the company aiming to match more accurately market demands, as stated by company representatives.
Expectations are that the above-mentioned changes will not affect the services of the company that are already in place on the route.
“For a long time now we have observed declining market demand regarding the popular trade established between the east coast of South America and Europe and the Mediterranean. The declining demand itself has resulted in a substantial open capacity and produced a need for us to adjust our network in order to comply with the changing forces on the market,” Maersk Line commented.