Only a handful of vessels in Hanjin’s 60-plus owned fleet are attractive for buyers, while several others are likely to be scrapped, according to Copenhagen-based SeaIntel Maritime Analysis in a recent report. About 40% of the ships are in the “less attractive” smaller segments. “With average ages of close to 10 years, these vessels are likely not going to be very fuel efficient,” SeaIntel said. The analysts singled out four bigger vessels with a teu 13,000 capacity as the “most interesting” for a potential buyer.
Meanwhile, port operator DP World has been allowing Hanjin Shipping vessels to dock and unload at its Jebel Ali Port, but it is charging customers awaiting goods a premium to get hold of their cargo. Containers are only being allowed to leave Jebel Ali after the payment of a security deposit.
UAE’s National Freight and Logistics trade body received a circular detailing the increased terminal handling chargers for Hanjin customers, said to be close to double regular handling fees. Deposits of AED10,000 ($2,720) were also being sought for 40ft containers to ensure they are returned. However, DP World appeared to have gained general approval for its stance. It was seen as having the right to protect its interest — under normal circumstances customers would pay the shipping line directly, but that is not feasible in the current situation.
Drewry senior research manager Simon Heaney told UAE publication The National that shippers might not be happy to pay extra for delivery, but would generally do so because “the value of the goods far exceeds any costs. They have insurance and there may be counter-claims they can make against Hanjin [although] how much of that they will get back is debatable. But from a shipper’s point of view, the imperative is to find out where your cargo is and then find an alternative solution.”