Market Report

Former Reports:

Container update 17th December, 2009

Chartering activity in general is comparatively busy for the time of year, largely because of the ongoing renewal of charters that have been fixed for relatively short periods during the last 12 months. This activity has not, in general, translated into higher charter rates, however, there are some signals pointing to a more positive future. Operators are reporting improved volumes and a return to black figures in some trades; operators are commenting that it is bcoming more difficult in source the right specification ship for certain requirements; and perhaps most interesting is that some Liner companies are now fixing in ships on a long term basis of upto 5 years.

The 3500 teu and larger market has again been relatively active. Some commentators have remarked that this demand is the result of operators initiating slow steaming measures in their long haul trades and therefore require additional ships to maintain their service schedule. It will be interesting to see how this trend continues in 2010. In the 2000-3000 teu sizes there have been more operators looking for tonnage in Asia, however, the rates hover around the usd 4500 mark for periods upto 12 months. The 1700 teu sizes continue to be fixed in the usd 4150 - 4300 range. A number of these ships are being concluded by breakbulk operators who can continue making sense of the low container charter rates compared to bulk rates, especially when fixing ships for trips from Continent to Asia.

As this is the last report of 2009, it just leaves us to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Successful 2010!

FIXTURES

Gearless

Warnow Vaquita´08	MCC Transport
18700 dwat 1296 teu (957 @ 14ts) 19,6kn on 45ts 3 mos	4100

Lantau Ace´01	SJF
15315 dwat 1216 teu (840 @ 14ts) 22kn on 63,5ts 12 mos	4000

Fa Mei Shan´07	Marguisa
13760 dwat 1128 teu (710 @ 14ts) 19,5kn on 41ts 3 mos	4100

Saint Irene´92	PDZ
12583 dwat 1012 teu (645 @ 14ts) 17,5kn on 29ts 6 mos	3800

YT Venus´89	SITC
14867 dwat 850 teu (700 @ 14ts) 17kn on 26,5ts 3 mos	3500

Doris Schepers´07	Unifeeder
9400 dwat 803 teu (518 @ 14ts) 18,5kn on 34,5ts 6 mos	4050

Geared

Harmony´94	MSC
21480 dwat 1576 teu (1246 @ 14ts) 19,5kn on 56,9ts 14 mos	4100

Wieland´93	MSC
20140 dwat 1452 teu (1014 @ 14ts) 18,5kn on 45ts 12 mos	4000

Medocean´06	APL
18700 dwat 1296 teu (957 @ 14ts) 19,6kn on 45ts 6 mos	4750

Vega Azurit´08	Seafreight
13760 dwat 1118 teu (700 @ 14ts) 19,5kn on 41ts 12 mos	4100

Caravelle´96	MSL
14580 dwat 1122 teu (758 @ 14ts) 19kn on 44ts 3 mos	3800

Victoria Strait´02	Ultragas
13760 dwat 1118teu (700 @ 14ts) 19,5kn on 36ts 4 mos	4100

Tabago Bay´07	MEL
13760 dwat 1118 teu (700 @ 14ts) 19,6kn on 42,2ts 6 mos	4000

Cape Sable´95	OEL
13700 dwat 1055 teu (760 @ 14ts) 18,5kn on 38ts 3 mos	3400

Sevket Yardimci´98	IRISL
8861 dwat 812 teu (465 @ 14ts) 17kn on 25ts 6 mos	3450

This report reflects information given in good faith to the best of our knowledge, but without guarantee.