News / Liner sector slump may bottom out soon, but carriers must carry on blanking

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Container markets are experiencing a steep correction, but one analyst has suggested that the bottom of the liner business cycle may be near.

Short-term freight rates from Asia to North Europe have halved since June, to about $4,300 per 40ft, whereas for the US west coast they have slumped by over 70% since the summer, to less than $2,500 per 40ft.

And the freight rate contagion has spread to the containership charter market, impacting daily hire rates and asset values.

Indeed, maritime intelligence ...