The containership charter market is experiencing a divergence in response to the various pressures on supply chains. While it has previously demonstrated surprising resilience to geopolitical events, ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China are now exerting influence.
Charter rates for vessels exceeding 5,000 TEU are showing signs of correction due to uncertainties surrounding U.S.-China trade relations. According to Clarksons’ latest weekly report, daily rates for a 6,500 TEU vessel currently average $72,000, marking a decrease from last month’s $73,438.
Clarksons highlighted, “Easing rates have been evident in larger vessel sizes for short-period transactions, with reports of instability surrounding the confirmation of deals at the board level.”
Brokers’ reports indicate no concluded charters for vessels larger than 5,000 TEU in the past week, although discussions of off-market transactions and re-lets have surfaced. MB Shipbrokers noted a general reluctance from major liner operators to fix anything not deemed urgent or essential. “Tariffs remain the culprit, and until these issues are resolved—either through negotiations or a reversal of the U.S.’s decisions—we expect most will focus on optimizing their networks as best they can,” said the Danish brokerage.
The Danish firm also reported no new fixtures in the post-Panamax segment over the past week. However, it added that rumors of a couple of additional vessels being extended for shorter periods circulated, though un/confirm/ied. “Tonnage providers with vessels becoming available in the second half of the year are still holding out for last-done/market levels, which appears unattainable at present. We don’t anticipate much development in this segment in the coming weeks,” MB further stated.
In contrast, charter rates for feeder vessels are holding steady. This segment is largely insulated from the U.S.-China tariff war, supported by robust demand on intra-Asia and regional routes. Moreover, vessels below 4,000 TEU are expected to be exempt from the U.S. Trade Representative’s proposed China ship fee under its Section 301 action.
Clarksons revealed that ships between 1,000 and 4,250 TEU are achieving charter rates better than in the first four months of the year. Gemini Cooperation partners Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have been actively securing vessels in this range to support their intra-Asia shuttle operations. For instance, Maersk chartered Quanzhou Ansheng Shipping’s 4,395 TEU Ren Jian 15 for $37,000 daily for 30-33 months and Leonhardt & Blumberg’s 3,534 TEU Hansa Africa for $27,750 daily for two years. Additionally, OOCL reportedly chartered the 2,554 TEU ALS Vesta and the 2,708 TEU Buxmelody for $25,000 daily, for 30 months and two years respectively.
