Contract shippers should be prepared to pay more for Asia-Europe ocean contracts this year than they did last year, although spot rates are not expected to rise much further, according to consultant Drewry.

Drewry's latest Container Freight Rate Insight report shows that in the period to November, rates had increased year-on-year by 3%.

By November, all-in rates had reached US$2,160, maintaining a trend of price increases that had lasted more than six months.

Looking at the year ahead, Drewry forecast that average global container freight rates, including fuel surcharges, would be about 15% higher year-on-year.

Philip Damas, director of Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, said this would have an impact on this year's contract negotiations.

"On routes such as Asia to Europe, the year-on-year increase in spot rates amounts to at least 40% and we know from shippers that they are asked to agree to much higher freight rates under annual contracts renewed in early 2010."