Maersk Line to lay up as many as 25 boxships

http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/news/viewArticle.htm?articleId=20017625901
AS MANY as 25 containerships could be taken out of service by Maersk Line as the market leader grapples with a collapse in demand at a time of fast rising capacity and impoverished freight rates.

Maersk could withdraw vessels with a combined capacity of about 150,000 teu — equivalent to more than 8% of its existing fleet.

The lay-up plans were disclosed by Maersk Line chief executive Eivind Kolding, who also said it was probable that all liner shipping companies would sustain losses in the current year.

According to Lloyd’s Marine Intelligence Unit, 18 containerships with the prefix ‘Maersk’ have reported no movements for more than 19 days, which could, therefore, indicate they are inactive.