The freight futures market opened lower today but is slowly recovering, buoyed by anticipation of Maersk’s July shipment quotation. Released at 14:30, Maersk’s rate of $3,400 per FEU is significantly below CMA CGM’s $4,645 but still $500 higher than its offer for shipments leaving end of June. Vessel utilisation has improved modestly, though it remains well below the highs seen at the same time and November last year, and January this year.