ITCO, the International Tank Container Organisation, has published its 6th Annual Tank Container Fleet Survey. This year’s Survey estimates that, at 1 January 2018, the global tank container fleet stood at 552,000 units worldwide, compared to the figure of 508,000 on 1 January 2017, an increase of 8.7% over the previous 12 months.
A total of 48,500 units were manufactured in 2017, compared to 44,500 in 2016, an increase of 4,000 units.
The ITCO Survey shows how, numerically, the industry continues to be dominated on a global level by a relatively small number of major tank container operators and leasing companies.
Tank container operating companies have a combined total of 365,000 tanks (owned or leased-in), of which the top 10 operators account for over 215,000 tanks--representing 59% of the global operators’ fleet. Of the 245,000 tanks owned or managed by leasing companies, the top 10 lessors account for 184,392 tanks, which is about 75% of the total leasing fleet.
However, the growth in demand for tank containers has enabled smaller players to enter the market--usually offering niche products or working in a regional market
Commenting on the results of the Survey, Reg Lee, ITCO president, said: “This year’s ITCO Tank Container Fleet Survey again shows significant growth in the tank container business during the past 12 months. The expansion of the tank container industry underlines the fact that this mode of transport is safe, reliable, economic and sustainable. Much of the industry’s growth continues to take place in Asia, where both deep-sea and regional operators see opportunities to expand their business, by encouraging shippers to move their products in tank containers--instead of other forms of transport.”