The rapid increase in charter rates for container shipping has peaked, according to shipping consultancy Drewry. In the first six months of this year, there were more than 1,000 new containers being delivered by rail and road every day, compared with just over 100 a year earlier, said Mr McDonnell. 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.