Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd drive charter activity

Containership charter activity remained strong among major liner operators, with Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd among the carriers securing tonnage, according to the August 2026 edition of DynaLiners Monthly.

The latest data show a charter market that remains firm in several vessel segments, although conditions vary significantly by ship size. While rates for some smaller and mid-sized containerships remain well above year-ago levels, larger tonnage has shown a weaker year-on-year performance.

Charter rates diverge across vessel sizes

The New ConTex index shows particularly strong year-on-year growth in the 1,700 TEU segment. The assessed rate reached US$33,025 per day in July 2026, up 24.2% from US$26,584 per day in July 2025.

For 4,250 TEU ships, rates stood at US$58,050 per day, representing a 12.4% increase from US$51,625 a year earlier.

Other vessel categories recorded more moderate gains. Rates for 2,500 TEU ships increased 3.5% year-on-year to US$35,423 per day, while 2,700 TEU vessels rose 4.2% to US$37,818. The 3,500 TEU segment was unchanged year-on-year at US$43,340 per day.

However, the picture changes for larger ships. The New ConTex rate for 5,700 TEU vessels declined 3% year-on-year to US$58,050 per day. The 6,500 TEU segment recorded a sharper 12.3% decrease from US$66,200 to US$58,050 per day.

Maersk secures tonnage on long-term charters

Against this mixed market backdrop, Maersk was among the major carriers securing vessels.

According to DynaLiners, Maersk chartered the 6,900 TEU Kea, built in 2013, from International Maritime Enterprises. The vessel was reportedly fixed at US$40,000 per day for 60 months.

The Danish carrier also chartered the 2,600 TEU GSL Chloe, built in 2012, from Global Ship Lease. The reported rate was US$25,500 per day for a period of 28 to 32 months.

The five-year commitment for Kea stands out because of its duration, providing Maersk with access to larger chartered tonnage well beyond the current market cycle.

CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd add charter capacity

CMA CGM was also active in the market.

DynaLiners reported that the French carrier chartered the newly built 1,800 TEU Seatrade Belgie at US$27,500 per day for 23 to 25 months.

CMA CGM also took the 1,700 TEU Ca Saigon, built in 2024, from CA Shipping. The vessel was reportedly fixed at US$35,500 per day for 11 to 13 months.

Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd extended the charter of the 1,800 TEU Nordpuma. DynaLiners reported a rate of US$26,400 per day for a period of 26 to 30 months. The vessel was built in 2015 and is owned by Reederei Nord.

Containership charter activity extends across the market

Activity was not limited to the three major liner operators.

GFS reportedly chartered two newly built ships for 24 months. The 4,000 TEU Yong Run 27 was fixed at US$51,000 per day, while a 3,600 TEU vessel, Hui Hang Guo Ji, was fixed at US$45,000 per day.

X-Press Feeders also secured newly built tonnage, chartering the 4,200 TEU Fu Yang Shun Da for 24 months at US$51,000 per day.

DP World took the 2,800 TEU Monaco at US$42,000 per day for 12 to 14 months and the 1,300 TEU Coffee Stella at US$21,000 per day for the same duration.

Among the highest reported rates in the latest fixture list was the 2,500 TEU Shengtang. Centrans reportedly chartered the vessel for six to eight months at US$60,000 per day.

Long-term commitments stand out

Several fixtures in the DynaLiners data also point to charterers securing capacity for extended periods.

COSCO Shipping Lines extended the charter of the 4,300 TEU Navios Vermilion for 36 months at US$35,000 per day.

At the upper end of the duration range, Shipping Corporation of India extended the charter of the 9,000 TEU SCI Delhi for 84 months at US$45,000 per day.

The latest fixtures underline continued containership charter activity across several vessel segments, despite differing year-on-year rate trends. Charter rates remain above year-ago levels across several smaller and mid-sized vessel categories, while year-on-year rate development for larger tonnage is weaker.

At the same time, multi-year fixtures by major operators show that carriers continue to secure chartered capacity beyond immediate short-term requirements.

The post Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd drive charter activity appeared first on Container News.