The boxship charter market is making a remarkable recovery this week, amid the highest increase of the Hamburg ConTex in years.

The market barometer rose by 4.6% (21 points) during Tuesday's broker panel as news about much-improved fixtures for 2,500-2,800teu sub-Panamax vessels emerged.

The rate assessment for 12-month periods on geared 2,500teu class ships surged by US$735 to US$9,931 per day, while one-year charters for gearless 2,700teu ships were marked up by almost US$1,000 to US$10,430 per day.

Latest benchmark fixtures include the extension in direct continuation of the gearless 2,702teu Donau Trader for 5-6 months intra-Asia trading by Hong Kong-based TS Lines.

In the Atlantic, French operator Marfret is reported to have fixed the geared 2,546teu Hammonia Bavaria for around six months at US$10,500/day.
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Mid-size 1,700teu ships achieved further gains as well, with market rates breaking through the US$9,000 barrier on the way up. Singapore's Pacific International Lines (PIL) reportedly fixed the geared 1,730teu Wehr Schulau (B170 type) for 3-5 months trading within Asia at US$9,000 per day.

Wide-beam Panamax tonnage also saw a slight improvement, as Korean operator KMTC extended the 4,957teu HS Marco Polo for 6 months at US$21,000/day without address commission.