Danish logistics company DSV has made the decision to charter its own multipurpose (MPP) ships to combat the China-Europe capacity shortage.
The forwarder has apparently chartered three small (650 TEU) multipurpose vessels for a direct sailing from Shanghai to the Danish port of Aarhus later this month.
DSV’s spokesperson said the charter costs were “in-line with the very high market we see in December”.
He added: “Our decision is not cost-driven as much as it is to secure space and guarantee shorter transit time to our many customers in dire need, due to the difficult market.”
According to Lars Jensen, CEO of Sea Intelligence Consulting, DSV’s move is “another indication of the current extreme strength of the Asia-Europe container trade”.
And one shipping consultant said: “DSV has obviously calculated that, based on the current inflated spot rates, it makes financial sense. But its back-of-an-envelope calculations probably don’t allow for other expenses from running ships and services.
“I doubt it will end well and DSV would do better to leave it to the carriers to take the risk – although, it might just give the carriers the kick up the backside they need to get their house in order.”
Watch this space.
