The charter market remains unperturbed by the multiple policy and geopolitical uncertainties and had again a very strong fortnight, with no sign of any weakening whatsoever, said Alphaliner in an analysis.
It elaborated:
Demand for all types of ships is robust against, reportedly, sustained cargo volumes on various trades despite the ‘slack season’.
The continued low level of activity observed in the larger sizes (above 3,000 TEU) is only due to a persistent shortage of vessels but the rare vessels becoming unexpectedly available tend to quickly find a charter at strong rates.
Below 3,000 TEU, the higher tonnage liquidity continues to generate more activity, with demand healthy for most sizes of vessels. But here as well, a gradually thinning supply in some segments is
beginning to slow down the activity and push up the already healthy charter rates, with further gains observed in the 2,000-2,600 TEU, 1,000-1,400 TEU and sub-1,000 TEU sizes. Meanwhile, the number of ‘spot’ vessels, already at record lows, is now next to zero, even in the (very) small sizes.
The bonanza for non-operating owners is thus showing no sign of ending so far. And yet, the market continues to evolve in a highly uncertain environment.
In the US, the shipping world is waiting to hear what the Trump administration will decide on port fees for Chinese-built vessels while the longer term impact of tariffs on seaborne trade has yet to show.
In the Middle East, the situation remains highly confusing even though the Yemen’s Houthis have not attacked any vessels in the Red Sea in the last days, despite recent Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon and US air raids on Yemen.
On the supply side, newbuilds continue to hit the market at a sustained pace, with yet another 1.6 m TEU due to be delivered by the end of the year and demolition sales remaining anecdotal, with only three small vessels scrapped since the beginning of 2025.
Source: Exim News Service: Singapore, April 6