News / Sea freight rates to stay volatile, despite record ship scrappings

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There is little sign that the freight rate volatility that characterised the Asia-Europe container trade in 2012 will dissipate this year, and container shipping lines will continue to have to pay particular attention to managing capacity if rates are to remain above break-even levels, analysts have predicted.

That said, the liner shipping industry stands in considerably better shape than it did at this time last year, Drewry Container Forecaster Editor Neil Dekker told The Loadstar.

“For contract rates on Asia-Europe, carrier and ...