- 7% of 724 scheduled East–West sailings between mid-August and late September are expected to be cancelled.
- Transpacific eastbound services account for nearly half of all blank sailings during this period.
- Asia–Europe supply chains face weather-related port closures, congestion, and seasonal disruptions.
- Carriers focus on rate protection and capacity management as peak season demand fails to materialize.
Global container shipping continues to grapple with challenges, even as a 90-day US–China tariff truce extends until November 10. The earlier surge in pre-tariff cargo volumes has subsided, and the arrival of new vessel deliveries could further strain fleet capacity. Spot rate declines have moderated, with Drewry’s World Container Index down 3% week-on-week to $2,350 on August 14. Rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe/Med routes fell 4%, while Transatlantic rates dropped 3%, according to data from Drewry.
Capacity Management and Operational Challenges
Capacity adjustments through blank sailings are offering only partial relief to carriers amid fluctuating trade volumes, changing tariff structures, and ongoing network shifts. Between weeks 34 (August 18–24) and 38 (September 15–21), 724 sailings are scheduled across key East–West trades, with 439 blank sailings anticipated, representing a 7% cancellation rate. The Transpacific eastbound route accounts for 47% of these cancellations, followed by Asia–North Europe and Mediterranean services at 31%, and Transatlantic westbound routes at 22%.
Despite these adjustments, 93% of weekly departures are expected to operate as planned. However, Asia–Europe supply chains continue to face disruptions from typhoon-related port closures in Shanghai and Ningbo, congestion at major North European ports, and monsoon impacts in South Asia. Without a visible peak season, carriers are under pressure to balance freight rate stability with excess vessel capacity. Shippers are encouraged to monitor potential service cuts from blank sailings and changes in schedules prompted by new U.S. fees on China-built vessels.
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Source: Drewry
