Surging container shipping cargo demand in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant improvement in the global terminal capacity outlook, but this may not be sufficient to support forecast traffic levels, according to a Drewry report.In its latest Global Container Terminal Operators Annual Review and Forecast the consultancy reveals the resilience of the sector to external shocks. Volumes, in the main, were down, but earnings less so as operators moved quickly to control costs. Capital expenditure was reined in during 2020, but the outlook is much improved.“The strength of the recovery in demand, aided by high levels of liquidity in the financial market, have enabled operators to bring forward their investment plans, resulting in a stronger capacity outlook post-pandemic,” said Eleanor Hadland, author of the report and Drewry’s senior analyst for ports and terminals.
