Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/faa244/container_shipping) has announced the addition of the "Container Shipping Sector Faces Even Tougher 2012 As Demand Ebbs And Overcapacity Remains" report to their offering.

Container lines will no doubt be looking to force rates up in 2012, as operators face a year of losses in 2011 on the back of sustained declines in rates on the major trade routes, brought about by overcapacity. BMI warns that carriers will face an uphill struggle in 2012, as overcapacity is set to remain an issue and could become more acute with the slowing global growth outlook. In Lines To Enter 2012 In The Red we explore the how lines will react to the likelihood of losses in 2011, and highlight the fact that while we do not expect the depth of downturn that was experienced in 2009, the environment is looking similar. In Overcapacity To Plague Mid Term, Beware 2013 we investigate the options available to shipping lines to combat overcapacity.

We warn of the threat the sector faces in 2013 with the influx of newbuilds, many of which are mega vessels, including the largest container ships ever launched (Maersk's Triple-E fleet), and the impact this will have on the market if demand has not picked up sufficiently.

ETR Short- And Long-Term Benefits To Woo Carrier Expansion analyses how the strategy of diversifying into emerging trade routes (ETRs) will offer a safe haven for lines, as growth continues to tick up. ETRs are not as affected by the decline in rates as oversaturated developed routes.

However, while offering aid to the beleaguered container sector, they will not be the industry's saviour in the medium term, as volumes shipped on these routes are not great enough to carry the sector. Looking ahead, as trade dynamics shift and volumes on ETRs pick up, their role will increase and lines currently expanding their ETR coverage will be the first to benefit. However, the development of ETRs hinges on a major factor: the development of ports that will be calls on ETRs.

Read more inside this comprehensive report

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