Freight rates have plunged, driving many shipping companies into losses, as global trade has failed to keep pace with the number of new vessels entering the market in recent years.
"Falling below the previously smallest year-on-year increase of 5.5 percent, recorded in 2009, it will register well below the average annual growth rate of 10.3 percent, recorded since 1990," Alphaliner said of capacity growth.
Changes in capacity have been tracked since 1990.
The balance between demand and supply will improve as new vessel deliveries from shipyards slow down and a growing number of container ships are scheduled for demolition.
