Newcastle queue now forecast to top 70 vessels

摘要

As shippers move to re-instate a tonnage allocation scheme at Newcastle port for Q2, the vessel queue has been forecast to set yet another, topping 70 by early next month. Latest estimates from the Hunter Valley Coal Chain logistics team (HVCC) put the queue at 71 vessels by March 4. That compares with 64 vessels off the port late this week. The HVCC work shows expected vessel nominations covering 7.2mt for February against forecast system capacity of just 6.6mt. Vessel nominations of 8.8mt are expected for March, again well above forecast system capacity of just 7.1mt. The HVCC also estimated demurrage running at an average of 4.40 Australia dollars/t (3.43 dollars/t) this week, down from 4.70 Australia dollars/t a month ago.