The US-based Pasha Group has continued its charter spree by taking a pair of smaller container ships on short periods at record-breaking rates.

The US charterer is paying up to $230,000 per day to take the 4,308-teu Ionikos (built 2009) for a minimum of three months starting in March, according to European brokers.

The rate marks a new high for the classic panamax boxship sector with the vessel likely to be used as an extra-loader for services in the transpacific.