THE Stifel Logistics Confidence Index slipped by 2.7 points to 55.2, while the sea freight declined 3.4 points to 56.7, only 3.3 points higher than for June 2013.

The Stifel index includes a monthly survey of international shippers and forwarders that measures freight activity across several European trade lanes, noted the UK's Transport Intelligence.

An index value of 50 indicates no change in the volumes currently being experienced for the time of year; above 50 indicates higher volumes, while below 50 indicates lower volumes.

Market uncertainties continue to play a role in confidence including the issue of US west coast ports on red alert for a strike, or slowdown, with fears of a repeat of the 2002 strike of 10 days still alive in shippers' minds.

The P3 alliance collapse has also troubled the mood of the sea freight market against a backdrop of overcapacity and rate fluctuations.

The P3 alliance was an attempt to drive-down costs and improve margins, said Ti senior analyst Thomas Cullen.

The two junior partners in the now defunct P3 Network, CMA CGM and MSC, are under pressure to look for other solutions. The market continues to be faced with overcapacity and rate fluctuations.