Container Shipping Market Adjusts as Rates Fall and Blank Sailings Rise

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Mfame Editor
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  • July Blank Sailings to Drop 44% as Carriers Cut Transpacific Capacity.
  • Transpacific Routes Account for Nearly Half of All Blank Sailings.
  • Schedule Reliability Improves with 93% of Departures on Track.

Global container shipping continues to experience fluctuations in freight rates and ongoing operational challenges. One telling sign is the number of cancelled sailings, which is expected to drop by 6% in June. However, a more significant decline of 44% month-on-month is anticipated in July, especially on Transpacific routes, reports Drewry.

Blank Sailings Concentrated on Transpacific Routes

Among 713 scheduled sailings across the Transpacific, Transatlantic, and Asia–North Europe & Mediterranean trade lanes, 48 sailings are projected to be cancelled between weeks 27 (30 June–6 July) and 31 (28 July–3 August). This translates to a 7% cancellation rate.

  1. Transpacific eastbound: 46% of total blank sailings
  2. Asia–North Europe & Med: 38%
  3. Transatlantic westbound: 17%

Despite these interruptions, schedule reliability is on the rise, with 93% of weekly departures expected to go off without a hitch.

Transpacific Rates Drop Amid Softer Demand

Freight rates on Transpacific routes have taken a step back, dropping by 37% over the last two weeks due to lower demand and increased capacity. Meanwhile:

  1. Asia–Europe/Med rates: Still 44% higher than May averages, showing signs of levelling off
  2. Carriers’ response: Adjusting capacity through blank sailings and service realignments

With U.S. tariff pauses set to expire in July and August, demand might soften even more, leading carriers to make further adjustments.

Drewry Index Reflects Market Correction

As of 26 June, Drewry’s World Container Index dropped 9% week-on-week to $2,983:

  1. Transpacific: Down 16%
  2. Asia–Europe/Med: Up 1%
  3. Transatlantic: Flat

Shippers Advised to Stay Agile

To navigate the current market uncertainty, shippers are encouraged to:

  1. Maintain flexible logistics planning.
  2. Strengthen partnerships with carriers.
  3. Monitor schedule reliability and rate trends closely.

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Source: Drewry