Ship sales and purchase slow ahead of Chinese New Year, tanking freight levels

Container ship sales and purchase activity is slowing down ahead of Chinese New Year and, buyers appear to be cautious given the downward trajectory of long-haul and intra-Asia freight rates.

Alphaliner also attributed this to few ships offered for sale and a more cautious approach from buyers.

Although the purchase appetite is generally still there, the market cannot ignore the developments in the industry, with continuously falling freight rates and ONE announcing a substantial loss for the last quarter of 2025.