The Drewry Container Port Throughput Indices are a series of calendar adjusted volume growth/decline indices based on monthly throughput data for a sample of over 340 ports worldwide, representing over 80% of global volumes. The base point for the indices is January 2019 = 100.
Drewry has developed a nowcasting model that uses vessel capacity and terminal duration data (derived from our proprietary AIS model) to make short-term predictions of port throughput.
Source: Drewry World Container Index
Source: Drewry World Container Index
Drewry’s latest assessment – October 2023
• The MoM rise in Greater China volumes, alongside smaller contributions from North America, the Middle East and South Asia, was sufficient to offset the decrease in volumes in Europe, Oceania, Africa and Asia (excl. China). The Global Container Port Throughput Index increased 0.6% MoM in August 2023 to 109.8 points, 0.1% below August 2022. However, the rolling 12-month average growth rate for global port handling softened marginally to -1.2% compared to -1.1% in July 2023. Drewry’s Nowcast estimate is for a further 1.4% MoM increase in the global index for September 2023.
• In August 2023, the Greater China Container Port Throughput Index rose by 1.1% MoM to 115.0 points, marking a 5.4% YoY increase. The Port Call Index for the region rose 4.2% MoM/1.4% YoY in September 2023 to 100.6. Overall, vessel capacity was up 3.6% MoM and 13.8% YoY. Drewry’s Nowcast estimate indicates a surge in volumes for September 2023, with the Container Port Throughput Index predicted to have increased to 120.7 points in September, marking a 5.0% MoM and a 9.9% YoY increase.
• The North American Container Port Throughput Index rose 3.5% MoM, reaching 101.4 in August 2023, but remained 14.3% lower than in August 2022. The North America Container Port Performance Index worsened in September 2023, rising 16.6% MoM ion the back of a 46.1% MoM increase in pre-berth waiting time, albeit from a low base, to 0.4 day on average across the regional sample ports.
• In August 2023, the European Container Port Throughput Index saw a 0.4% MoM decline, reaching 100.2 points, down 2.8% dover the August 2022 level. Russian ports have shown improvement in recent months, with St. Petersburg’s experiencing volume growth of 11.7% MoM and 168.5% YoY increase in August 2023.
Source: Drewry