Boxship charter rates set new highs

Soaring charter rates in the boxship space are seeing ships taken for lengthy times at eye-watering rates.

The latest ConTex report from Hamburg stated: “This euphoric market for both Owners and Charterers has rendered the expressions ‘as per last done’ or ‘market levels’ absolutely obsolete. The appetite for vessels seems inexhaustible from the Charterers perspective (albeit with generally shorter periods but we still see some 12 or even 24 mos fixtures happening). The Owners are bombarded constantly with possibilities from a multitude of Charterers and have finally the luxury to choose orders without any stress and at their own time.”

Clarkson Research Services contradicted the ConTex report in its most recent weekly update, stating that ever longer charters were being concluded.

“The new standard for tonnage above ‘old Panamax’ size is 3 year charters, with 2 year periods now being widely fixed in many of the smaller sectors,” Clarksons observed. In exceptional circumstances shorter periods have been concluded, often at particularly high rates, the London brokerage added.

“Strong demand and continued disruption are limiting tonnage availability, which is especially tight in the larger sizes, and vessels available in the later months of the year are already attracting attention in some cases. As freight rates remain at record high levels, any reversal of the current market trajectory seems unlikely,” Clarkons concluded.