Outlook for the marine container shipping industry part I shipping macroeconomics : the world economy, trade demand and supply implications

Abstract

This report is an explorative, forecasted study on the problems and situation faced in the maritime container trade market. The author suggests that the past economic crisis has left too big a dent on the world market such that the world economy has yet to recover fully from the repercussions of the recession. The present mechanism of decision-makings will not function on the current prevailing paradigm: i.e. economies of scale and poor economic situation. To address the globalised economies and the eventual development in world container trade, there is a need to look into the past of the economy, acknowledge the present situation and provide in depth information on countries’ economies that will heavily influence the world economy and the container trade. The world container trade in relation to the economics of demand and supply will also be addressed, after which this paper will round off with an insight of the development of ship financing and a conclusion of the outlook of the marine container shipping industry.