Although container production is up in the wake of last year's critical shortages, prices for the boxes have nearly doubled in the last two years and shippers will face an ongoing shortage of the equipment for the near future, according to a report by Drewry Maritime Research.

The record replacement value also reflects the increased unit prices of containers, which are near a record of more than $3,000 per 20-foot equivalent unit.

At the end of 2010, the replacement value of the global fleet of containers exceeded $90bn for the first time, according to the "Container Census - Annual Survey and Forecast of Global Container Units" report. Click here to download the report.

Drewry's forecast of persistent box shortages mirrors a report issued by the World Shipping Council in May that suggests shippers and cargo interests plan and forecast to ensure they have containers when and where they're needed.

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