Container freight and charter markets are again trending in opposite directions.
Charter markets have hit the buffers or are falling, while freight markets are approaching a 12- month high as lines make changes affecting supply and demand on major trade lanes.
Seasonal factors are partly to blame, but service cuts are seen as the main culprit.
The shifting scenario has dealt a blow to vessels in the 5,000-teu to 8,500-teu range, where charter rates are plummeting.