News / Threat to container charter market as carriers drift towards heavy losses

© José Lledó

While container shipping lines face soaring operational costs, recent signs that they are preparing to suspend services in light of weakening demand suggest vessel charter rates could also come under pressure.

According to new analysis from Drewry Maritime Research, daily vessel charter rates have “fallen slightly over the past few weeks as carriers have reacted to the red ink by suspending a number of services, releasing some ships back to the open market, but they remain significantly higher than a year ago”.

Drewry’s ...