While the US economy is declared to be healthier and gaining momentum, the mood in the maritime industry is uneasy and shippers are feeling vulnerable, according to a new survey. Undercurrents of pessimism are very much in evidence, despite upbeat indications of the national economy's performance.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the United States increased 1.1 percent in December, the biggest rise of the previous nine months. "The indicators point to an economy in early recovery," said Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein. "The coincident economic index shows slow expansion of economic activity through December. The leading economic index suggests that the pace of improvement could pick up this spring."

Shipping is proving unwilling to follow similar sentiments. A survey by maritime analyst Moore Stephens shows that though there are predictions that recovery is just around the corner, no one is certain which corner. The best that can be said is that confidence and prospects have steadied slightly.