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