The confidence of shipping executives has soared over the last three months and is now back to pre-crisis levels, according to the latest survey by Moore Stephens. 

      Moore Stephens shipping partner Richard Greiner said there was "an undeniable mood of renewed optimism in the industry".

      In the liner sector, the expectation of rate increases was up from 45% to 47%, the highest level for two years, with charterers prominent among those predicting higher costs.