The slow steaming of container vessels is so fashionable in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and Copenhagen climate conference that it is fast becoming standard operating procedure across the world's shipping fleet.

         Instead of sailing at above 22 knots, many container vessels have slowed to 14-18 knots on Asia-Europe and Asia-US trades. This super slow steaming comes with the advantages of lower carbon emission, less fuel consumption and it absorbs idle capacity, say sources at China's largest line, Cosco.