ER Schiffahrt is making hay as a result of a pick-up in charter rates for larger containerships.

The German shipmanager, which was acquired by Bremen-based Zeaborn in February, has fixed four of its vessels on medium-term charters at much improved rates.

The 8,533-teu ER Texas and ER Tokyo (both built 2006) have been taken for up to 12 months by Cosco Shipping and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) at rates of between $22,000 and $22,500 per day.