News / Carrier hopes for a demand surge rest on summer peak season

Container spot rates from Asia to North Europe, as recorded by Drewry’s WCI index, increased by 10% this week from their pre-Christmas level, to $1,874 per teu.

However, export demand to North Europe has been much weaker than usual ahead of the Chinese New Year on 22 January, and rates are expected to come under pressure again after the holiday as carriers scramble to fill their ships.

Indeed, Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, said the rate spike on the tradelane needed ...