Tonnage surplus world-wide concern, says report

Press, 2 November 1984, Page 33

Tonnage surplus world-wide concern, says report

A huge tonnage surplus overhanging all shipping markets was just one of the main topics covered in a report released recently by the Maritime Transport Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The O.E.C.D. report covered major developments in international shipping during 1983 and early 1984, as well as examining the problems experienced by its member countries.

It noted that the huge tonnage surplus had arisen in spite of an over-all decline in, tne total tonnage of commercial shipping. Other areas covered included increased activities of non-conference vessels to the detriment of conference ships and the continuing boom in orders for bulk carries and large container ships. Growing concern was expressed over non-commercial competition from state trading lines, particularly those of the Soviet Union.

“On the whole, seaborne trade, measured in terms of tonnage and transport demand declined by 3 per cent and 4 per cent in oil, by 4 per cent and 6 per cent in main dry bulk commodities and by 2 per cent in other dry cargo,” the report said. Shipping supply between mid-1982 and mid-1983 decreased by 0.5 per cent in gross registered tons, the first time since 1935 that a decline in the total tonnage of commercial shipping had been recorded. The decline was due to intensive tanker scrappings and concealed a substantial growth of dry bulk carriers and unitload general cargo fleets. “The report notes the disturbingly high level of new orders for both bulk carriers and large container ships and says that the level of ordering will most likely lead to a continuation of the general depressed level of the dry cargo market in spite of the economic revival.” It concludes by saying that the traditional, concept of free circulation of shipping in free and fair competition was at stake. “Significant efforts are needed to intensify the search for multilateral arrangements to prevent an uncontrolled rush towards such measures and unilateral cargo reservation and flat preference, bilateral division of cargo and non-commercial competition,” said the report. ARRIVALS Australian Exporter (6 a.m.), 23,486, Brisbane (Blueport). Union Sydney (7 a.m.), 9330, Dunedin (U.M.S.). Spirit of Free Enterprise (7 a.m.), 1204, Wellington (Pacifica). Union Nelson (6.30 p.m.), 4950, Nelson (U.M.S.). DEPARTURES Tarihiko (3 p.m.), 1511, Dunedin (S.C.N.Z.). Australian Exporter (4 p.m.), 23,486, Wellington (Blueport). Evnia (3 p.m.), 10,006, New Plymouth (Seatrans).

Spirit of Free Enterprise (6 g.m.), 1204, Wellington (PaciUnion Sydney (6 p.m.), 9330, Wellington (U.M.S.). EXPECTED ARRIVALS Daigen Maru, Japan, today (5.40 a.m.j. Rio Amazonas, Auck, today (6 a.m.). Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, Tomorrow. Tendai Maru, Auck, November 4.

Coastal Trader, Auck, November 5. Holmdale, Chathams, November 5. Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, November 6. New Zealand Trader, Wgtn, November 6. Nordhval, Tim, November 6. Avelona Star, sea, November 6. Coastal Trader, Dndn, November 7. Nedlloyd Bahrain, Asia, November 7. August Moon, Wgtn, November 7. ■

Forum New Zealand, Brisbane, November 7. PROJECTED DEPARTURES Tasman Enterprise, Dndn, today (3 p.m.). Union Nelson, Onehunga, today (6 p.m.). Rio Amazonas, Taur, today (7 p.m.). Fort Victoria, Syria, tomorrow. Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, November 4. Coastal Trader, Dndn, November 5. Tendai Maru, Taur, November 6.

New Zealand Trader, Dndn, November 6. Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, November 6. Coastal Trader, Auck, November 7. Daigen Maru, N. Plym, November 7. Forum New Zealand, Nap, November 7. Nedlloyd Bahrain, Wgtn, November 7. VESSELS IN PORT Fort Victoria, Cashin Quay No.

Union Nelson, Z berth. Kalinovo, breastwork. Tasman Enterprise, No. 2 East.

Daigen Maru, No. 3 West. Oyang 77, No. 4 West. Rio Amazonas, No. 7 West. Tug Lyttelton, dry dock. Ngamotu, dry dock.