MEDITERRANEAN

摘要

Oversupply is fast becoming a factor in the Mediterranean, with plenty of vessels nearing the end of charters, or already available. Some North Sea boats that headed out to Libya, Tunisia and Italy on medium-term charters in 2009 are now finding themselves caught between two choices; returning to a fiercely competitive North Sea spot market, or staying where they are and facing similar problems, albeit on a smaller scale. Rates are reportedly yet to be seriously affected, however, with owners operating in the Mediterranean seemingly more likely to hold out for improved offers, or to simply refuse to allow their vessels to work on charters that do little more than cover operating expenses.