The rapid increase in charter rates for container shipping has peaked, according to shipping consultancy Drewry. Rates increased by 72% in the first half of 2018, but have now fallen slightly over past weeks as carriers have released ships back into the open market. However, the consultants said the overall supply-demand balance was slowly improving and they expect this to lead to higher freight rates and increased income.
The rapid increase in charter rates for container shipping has peaked, according to shipping consultancy Drewry. Rates increased by 50% in the first half of 2018, but have now fallen slightly over past weeks as carriers have released ships back into the open market. However, the consultants said the overall supply-demand balance was slowly improving and they expect this to lead to higher freight rates and increased income.