Shipowners and liner operators are close to fixing several containerships in the 5,500-teu to 9,000-teu segment at much improved rates, say several market sources.
They point to at least one vessel of more than 8,000 teu that has been fixed in recent days at about $15,500 per day, or around 20% higher than the most recent equivalent deal.
The three-month fixture with a major operator is understood to have led to the first increase in rates for vessels of this size in nearly five months.
