VALUE OF MODERN SHIPS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 98, 27 April 1935, Page 27

VALUE OF MODERN SHIPS

On March 1, there were in existence on the United Kingdom Kegister 950 ocean-going cargo vessels of 3000 tons and upwards, and 56 of them were laid up. Of these ships, 358 were under 10 years of age, but only three were, so far as the records show, not in commission. These vessels were the Berwindlea, of 5276 ton gross, a collier of special design and burning.pulverised coal, built -in 1929; the Noifthwick, of 4313 tons;'built in. 1931, a vessel which is presumably for sale by her builders; and the Highcliffe of 3847 tons, built in 1927.' It is therefore scarcely an exaggeration to say that all British 'cargo" Vessels of the latest designs are in commission. While this is the case in respect of the more modern ships, it is a significant fact that the percentage of ships laid-up to ships existing, increases in an almost exact ratio as the age increases. Of; vessels between 10 and 15 years of age, 11 out of 220, or 5 per cent., are idle; of those between .15..and 20 years of. age, |21 out of 238, or 9 per cent., are at layhigup berths; there are .97 cargo vessels of 20 to' 25 years of age, and of these 14, or 14 per cerit., are laid;,upi. vvhile the percentage increases to 19 per cent, in the 'case of those Vessels which.are 25 years; old and\over, 7 put of '37 being idle. The 'British cargo'fleet which is at present at sea is undoubtedly more modern ■ and ;up-tbrdate'thkn any other,/ '• ;• - ; :. •"' ' ' i