Containership charter rates in the doldrums

 Charter rates for containerships have dropped precipitously over the past year, according to a report Wednesday from Dutch maritime consultant Dynamar.

   The report said for a geared 2,500-TEU vessel the per-day rate went from roughly $20,800 in November 2007 to $7,700 in November 2008, a drop of 63 percent. A 1,100-TEU ship has seen charter rates drop from $12,000 per day to $6,400 in the same time, a 47 percent drop.

   Operators of 4,500-TEU ships, the largest vessel category noted in the study, watched charter rates dip 36 percent, from $27,800 per day in November 2007 to $17,600 per day in November 2008.

   Dynamar said the report measured rates based on fixed charters with durations of six to 12 months. 

Source: American Shipper