Carriers and freight forwarders are turning to open-hatch bulkers and heavylift tonnage to carry containers amid skyrocketing rates and a shortage of cellular boxships.
"Container-friendly" multipurpose (MPP) vessels are also being pressed into service from Asia to Europe or to the Americas in generally sold-out markets, according to consultancy Alphaliner.
The company pointed to the example of Cosco Shipping Development's 62,000-dwt Cosco Shipping Honor (built 2020), which is an open-hatch ultramax specialising in the transportation of wood pulp.
