Shipping line Maersk has said that it is recommencing bookings on its backhaul route from Europe to Asia.
The company suspended the routes last month with it saying that a backlog of containers at European terminals was to blame, following an unprecedented build-up of cargo caused by a number of vessel cancellations following the Chinese New Year.
However, it is being reported that Maersk are introducing super slow steaming on these routes, meaning the ships will travel at a rate of only 15 knots. As a result, it could take up to 50 days for the ships to arrive, which is slower than the tea clippers in the 18th century.
According to the WCI Rotterdam/Shanghai index, a guide price of $800 can be expected in May for a container on this route, with it also being reported that more surcharges are being introduced by the various shipping lines. The price is expected to exceed $1,000 in the third quarter of the year.
