Age Profile of World Merchant Fleet,
Greater than 10,000 DWT
(Million DWT)
< 1972 1972 - 1981 1982 - 1991 > 1991
Containerships1 0.7 5.8 16.9 57.3
Other General Cargo2 3.6 18.7 14.7 13.5
Dry Bulk3 3.7 44.7 100.9 147.1
Tanker4 3.1 63.3 73.8 180.7
< 70,000 DWT 2.6 22.4 27.1 31.4
>= 70,000 DWT 0.6 40.8 46.8 149.3


1 Includes fully cellular containerships
2 Includes general cargo ships, partial containerships, reefer ships, ro-ro ships, barge carriers, heacy-lift ships and vehicle carriers.
3 Includes dry bulk carriers, ore carriers and combination carriers.
4 Includes petroleum tankers, chemical tankers, LNG and LPG carriers.

As of January 1, 2003, approximately 27 percent (DWT) of the world merchant fleet greater than 10,000 was built before 1981.  In contrast, only 11 percent  of the containership fleet was built before 1981.  The other general cargo fleet was the oldest segment with 48 percent built before 1981.

By Marad 5/1/03