Shipbroker Braemar has reported a 46% increase in its container charter market index, Boxi, as carriers scramble to deploy tonnage on the diverted Asia to Europe trades which are now navigating around the Cape of Good Hope.
The shipping world is united in its condemnation of the Houthi attack which has left three crew dead and a number of others injured and traumatised after a missile struck the Greek-owned bulk carrier True Confidence.
MSC and the Ocean Alliance lead the way on the Asia to Europe trades in terms of market share, but Alphaliner’s analysis shows a trade in flux that will necessarily change again before the end of this year.
Concerns over the availability of equipment in Asia and the limitations on the backhaul trades on the three major east -west routes have not materialised as expected with rates softening on both the headhaul and return legs.
The MSC Sky II was targeted by Houthis who fired an anti-ship missile which struck and damaged the vessel, UK MTO reports that all crew are safe and the ship has continued on its journey.
CMA CGM's schedule reliability was the highest among the large container lines in January 2024 as it bucked the trend and continued Red Sea sailings.
CMA CGM and Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) have signed a strategic terminal stevedoring agreement extending cooperation between the two groups in Shanghai.