The rate of containership scrapping fell sharply in the second half of 2020 as owners held on to vessels in booming markets.

Alphaliner said only 34 boxships headed to breakers between July and December, totalling 68,000 teu, compared with 55 vessels of 129,750 teu in the first six months of the year.

More late December deals could emerge this month, but Alphaliner called the numbers “a significant contraction”.