The analyst reported that Maersk has been fixing no fewer than 22 ships of 4,000 TEU to 5,299 TEU since the second half of October with more charter deals due to be fixed soon.
"This unprecedented fixing spree has given a much needed boost to the classic panamax segment, with the availability of spot ships drastically falling from 27 vessels to only 11 ships," Alphaliner reported.
However this spate of fixtures has had so far no positive impact on charter rates, which have, ironically, weakened further, according to Singapore's Splash 24/7.
Up to a dozen classic panamaxes are expected to be re-delivered by mid-December, a usually slack time for the charter market.
"This unprecedented fixing spree has given a much needed boost to the classic panamax segment, with the availability of spot ships drastically falling from 27 vessels to only 11 ships," Alphaliner reported.
However this spate of fixtures has had so far no positive impact on charter rates, which have, ironically, weakened further, according to Singapore's Splash 24/7.
Up to a dozen classic panamaxes are expected to be re-delivered by mid-December, a usually slack time for the charter market.