Container service reliability started 2016 on a disappointing note as the average on-time performance slipped by 5.7 percentage points in January to 69.6 percent, according to Carrier Performance Insight, the online schedule reliability tool provided by Drewry Supply Chain Advisors.

Shipbuilders, container lines and port operators feasted on China's rise and the global resources boom. Now they're among the biggest victims of the country's slowdown and the worldwide decline in demand for oil rigs and other gear amid the oil price plunge.

On the back of low bunker prices and more newbuildings to be delivered in 2016, chemical shipping freight rates for both contracts of affreightment and spot cargoes will be under pressure throughout 2016, as there are some new operators looking to break into the long-haul trade routes, according to the latest edition of the Chemical Forecaster, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

With a score of 45.9, the January edition of the Stifel Logistics Confidence Index has marked a monthly recovery in an otherwise gloomy tale of decline.

Dry bulk shipping is facing a perfect storm and requires drastic supply side measures if the industry is to return on course to profitability in the medium term, according to the latest edition of the Dry Bulk Forecaster report published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

Global container ship capacity is expected to increase by 4.6 percent in 2016, the slowest growth rate in more than 25 years, giving some relief to an industry hammered by oversupply, consultancy firm Alphaliner forecast on Tuesday.