Our weekly Cancelled Sailings Tracker provides a snapshot of blank sailings announced by each Alliance versus the total number of scheduled sailings.
Blank sailings ease but elevated capacity keeps rate recovery unlikely
Container markets remain soft as carriers continue to trim East–West capacity.
Between weeks 47 (17–23 November) and 51 (15–21 December), 7% of scheduled sailings (50 out of 717) have been withdrawn, with most cancellations on the Transpacific eastbound (62%), followed by Asia–Europe/Med (24%) and Transatlantic westbound (14%).
Still, 93% of departures are expected to proceed as planned.
Meanwhile, November schedules show 73 cancelled sailings across the main East–West trades—down from 96 in October—effectively adding around 5% more capacity MoM. December is set to bring slightly higher capacity (+6%) and fewer blank sailings (42), keeping supply elevated and limiting the potential for any near-term rate rebound.
Freight rates have weakened again as slack-season demand provides limited support. Drewry’s World Container Index fell 5% WoW to $1,859 per 40ft container on 13 November, with Transpacific rates down 14%, Transatlantic down 2%, and Asia–Europe/Med up 4%.
With demand still subdued and supply ample, short-term rate fluctuations are likely. Shippers may benefit from early bookings, flexible planning and close monitoring as carriers navigate the quieter season.
The months ahead will require agility, as capacity discipline—rather than demand—continues to shape market conditions. For now, cautious optimism prevails, though lasting stability remains uncertain.
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Source: drewry
