Drewry Maritime Research revealed ship operating expenses rose by between 2% and 5% last year.
Drewry’s newly published Ship Operating Costs Annual Review and Forecast 2012-2013 says, “There is some temporary overhead relief for operators but they need to resist the temptation to push profits by cutting corners, as this is likely to bite back later.
“Oil prices are unpredictable and steel, still volatile. Zinc, copper and chemicals — all used in repairs and maintenance — are set to rise again. Paints and hull treatments, as well as machinery parts, are likely to go the same way.”
Also, tighter regulations and new international maritime conventions on safety, manning and the environment are likely to continue pressuring on budgets into next year.