World News
Container Charter Market Holds Bullish Course Amid Supply Crunch
The container charter market remains robust despite Europe's summer lull, with strong demand for both existing and newbuilding vessels.
Sector specialist Alphaliner reports that charter rates continue to hold at elevated levels across all sizes.
Demand for both existing and newbuilding vessels has remained robust in recent weeks, even though the actual number of fixtures concluded has been limited by the ongoing shortage of ships across most segments.
Global box volumes grew more than 4% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Trade shifts and front-loading caused by US tariffs have further supported the market, while the recent 90-day US-China tariff pause could give volumes another boost ahead of the Christmas season.
"Despite these positives, the longer-term prospects remain clouded by multiple threats," it said.
"Besides the tariff volatility, the market fundamentals continue to deteriorate, with spot freight rates on a persistent downward trend."
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 495.50 | 2.00 | 638.50 | 7.00 |
| Rotterdam | 469.50 | 1.50 | 650.00 | 0.00 |
| Houston | 478.50 | 2.00 | 653.50 | 1.50 |
| Fujairah | 487.50 | 0.00 | 722.00 | 1.00 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 527.00 | 1.50 | 739.50 | 1.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 483.00 | 1.00 | 667.00 | 1.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 568.50 | 1.50 | 782.00 | 1.00 |
Popular Now More
-
Aug 18The executive has worked for Bunker Holding since July 2016. -
Aug 20Rasmus Bach Nielsen has stepped down as global head of fuel decarbonisation at Trafigura as of August 19 and will take a 12-13-month career break. -
Aug 19Getting to Zero Coalition says early ships will use ammonia only part of the time as operators take a cautious approach.