This weekly update by Drewry provides an overview of blank sailings in major East-West trade lanes, including Transpacific, Transatlantic, and Asia-North Europe/Med routes. The report highlights ongoing trends in freight rates, capacity management, and schedule reliability as carriers navigate challenging market conditions.
Key Insights
Blank Sailings Overview
The majority of blank sailings over the coming weeks are concentrated on the Transpacific Eastbound route, followed by the Transatlantic Westbound and Asia-North Europe/Med routes. Key alliances, including THE Alliance, OCEAN Alliance, and 2M, as well as non-Alliance carriers, are adjusting schedules to manage capacity effectively.
Schedule Reliability
A noticeable decline in schedule reliability is anticipated in the coming weeks, reflecting the challenges of maintaining consistent operations across trade lanes.
Freight Rate Trends
Freight rates have experienced fluctuations, with significant decreases on some routes, such as Shanghai to Los Angeles, and notable increases on others, such as Shanghai to Europe, driven by recent market adjustments and general rate increases (GRIs).
Capacity Management
Carriers are increasingly relying on blank sailings as a tool to manage capacity and stabilize rates. While year-on-year blank sailings have risen significantly on some routes, others have seen a decline, reflecting varying market dynamics.
Upcoming Developments
Amid market uncertainties, carriers may implement stricter cancellations to sustain rate levels. Meanwhile, new collaborations, such as the Maersk-Hapag-Lloyd Gemini Cooperation, are preparing to reshape the market landscape in the coming months.
This tracker offers a concise look at how carriers are responding to shifting trade patterns and market demands, emphasizing the evolving strategies in capacity management.
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Source: Drewry
