Container service reliability reached a new high in the final quarter of 2011 with an on-time average of 69 percent across all the trades, according to Drewry Maritime Research’s just-published Schedule Reliability Insight report.

Across all the trades covered by Drewry, Maersk Line retained its position as the most reliable of the Top 20 carriers, followed by CKHY Alliance members Hanjin Shipping and Cosco Container Lines in second and third place, respectively.

The latest container service reliability result was up by 6 percentage points over the previous quarter, meaning that schedule reliability has improved for three consecutive quarters, a feat only equaled once before between the fourth quarter of 2008 and the second quarter of 2009.

Despite the positive results, the report points out that when the previous record of 68 percent was set in the second quarter of 2009, there followed a sharp deterioration in reliability.

“Shippers will be hoping that history does not repeat itself,” said Simon Heaney, researcher-manager for Schedule Reliability Insight.

“The two best on-time results have been set during periods of low freight rates, which reinforces the notion that reliability and price are not directly related to one other. However, there is evidence that continued periods of low, loss-inducing rates do eventually wear away at carriers’ motivation to maintain reliability. Their commitment to reliability will be tested this year as we do not expect to see huge rate hikes,” Heaney added.

For the first time, the report also measured reliability by vessel size and operator. The standard reliability rankings include all services that a carrier offers space on, regardless of whether they participate as a vessel operator or a slot charterer.

The vessel operator-only rankings had Hanjin and Maersk on top again with on-time percentages of 91 percent and 90 percent, respectively.

 

Photo courtesy of Maersk Line

You May Also Like
ICTSI’s Mexico terminal welcomes Wan Hai WSA2 service

ICTSI’s Mexico terminal welcomes Wan Hai WSA2 service

Contecon Manzanillo S.A. welcomed the inaugural call of containership Wan Hai A16…

BOC secures 12 luxury cars owned by Discaya family

The Bureau of Customs has secured all 12 luxury cars linked to…

60-day rice import suspension takes effect Sept 1

The 60-day suspension of importation of regular and well-milled rice took effect…
PortCalls August 27, 2025

PortCalls August 27, 2025

Our latest stories (Aug 27): International air freight forwarders in PH process…