The combination of multiple factors could see the Far East - US East Coast trade become a major battlefield for the container trade, according to Bimco analysts.

The Asia - Europe trade is likely to be saturated with ultra large container ships (ULCS) as deliveries continue, and their economies of scale and the distances involved in Far East - US East Coast make their deployment there an attractive prospect.

New York's Bayonne Bridge is set to be heightened to allow the passage of these larger ships into New York and New Jersey, and East coast port developments will allow ULCS calls in the future.

The expansion of the Panama Canal will also play a critical role in the trade, as it opens up to allow the passage of 13,000 teu ships from 2016 onwards.

Freight rates on the trade are improving steadily as the peak season approaches, with a record peak of $4,187 per feu in August, coupled with an 8.7% demand growth in the preceding eight months, according to Bimco.

Meanwhile on the current boxship battleground, the Asia - Europe trade, rates have started to soften as the peak season approaches, despite an 8% demand growth in the first seven months of 2014.

In its outlook for the market, Bimco sees extensive vessel sharing agreements and cooperation to increase efficiency as a continuing reality.