Two of Japan's leading shipowners saw profits from container operations soar in the quarter ending 30 September.

NYK Line said profit from its liner operations in the quarter totalled ¥15.8 billion (US$196.5 million), up from a loss of ¥17.9 billion a year earlier, as revenue jumped by more than 40% to ¥127.5 billion.

The line said cargo volumes on all routes, but particularly on the transpacific, had increased substantially.

NYK said: "With the improvement in supply-demand fundamentals, the [container] segment restored freight rates and continued charging a peak season surcharge, which substantially boosted our average freight rates on all routes. Revenues increased year-on-year as a result."

"Although bunker oil prices were higher than a year ago, the liner trade segment continued to operate vessels at reduced speeds and successfully reduced costs, resulting in a substantial improvement in performance."

Mitsui Osk Line (MOL) also saw vastly improved cargo volumes in the quarter. Liftings on North America eastbound rose 40% year-on-year and the carrier said yearly contract negotiations had enabled significant increases in freight rates.