Scrubber retrofitting could be about to provide an unexpected boost to the boxship supply-demand balance, according to shipping consultancy Drewry.

Alphaliner has identified almost 300 containerships that have been or will be equipped with scrubbers, with the pace of contracting picking up.

Drewry said: "If the trend intensifies there could well be some side benefits for ocean carriers by restricting supply during 2019.