2,1% of the world container fleet stuck in the Gulf

Container shipping has less to lose from the Iran conflict compared to other shipping sectors, but it cannot escape disruption and higher costs. It is the latest in a long series of industry disruptions.

Container shipping stocks were up until March 2nd following the joint US and Israeli military strikes on Iran. This conflict is yet adding another layer of uncertainty into world politics and trade prospects.

Heavy over-supply of containers 

The Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf have lesser operational significance than in other shipping sectors, such as tankers, and that disruption in a heavily over-supplied market such as containers, is a net positive for operators.

158 containerships in the Gulf

According to Drewry's AIS intelligence data, as from last week, 158 containerships with a combined capacity of 691 kteu, were present in the Middle East in either the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea or Persian Gulf. This capacity represents only 2.1% of the current active containership fleet. Source: Drewry Maritime Research. Picture: IMO.

For more information about the container shipping activity in the Middle East since the conflict, you can write here.