Stronger demand for panamaxes and post-panamaxes is filtering down to vessels of 3,500 teu, with even that sector starting to look tight, say brokers.
The rate gains have been supported by demand in Asia, where vessels are being taken as extra-loaders for services to congested US West Coast (USWC) ports.
While most requirements are still for short periods, rates are noticeably stronger and there is interest in vessels for business after the Lunar New Year, add brokers.
