Boxship demolition is expected to pick up radically as smaller vessels are sent to the beaches.

Some experts forecast that the amount of tonnage to be scrapped this year could be two or even three times higher than last year, when 48 vessels of about 90,000 teu were recycled.

But a sharp improvement in the charter market for larger containerships and a slump in demolition prices could keep a lid on the ­number of ships that are recycled.