Charter rates for 8,500-TEU tonnage jump 22% on a thin sale-and-leaseback market

ROTTERDAM — Twelve-month charter rates for 8,500-TEU tonnage fixed at $42,000 a day this week, 22% above the July assessment and the highest reading since the 2022 unwind.

There is almost nothing available. Brokers count four units of that size open before November, and two of them are committed subject to survey.

The sale-and-leaseback market that would normally supply the gap has thinned out as owners hold tonnage against the February alliance reshuffle.