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57 sailings were canceled across East-West trade lanes between weeks 15 and 19, with Transpacific Eastbound routes experiencing the highest share at 53%.
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Drewry’s WCI Composite Index rose 2% week-on-week to $2,208 per 40ft container, with Transpacific rates increasing by 8%, while Asia-Europe/Med and Transatlantic rates declined.
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Of the 57 planned cancellations, 30 are on Transpacific routes, with MSC and OCEAN Alliance accounting for 15, while Gemini has not yet announced any.
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Market uncertainty remains due to concerns over softening demand and potential US tariff changes, requiring cargo owners to stay flexible and responsive to trade conditions.
The latest data from Drewry’s Cancelled Sailings Tracker highlights that between weeks 15 and 19, a total of 57 blank sailings have been announced across the East-West trade lanes, resulting in an 8% cancellation rate. Out of the 718 scheduled sailings, the Transpacific Eastbound route is set to experience the highest share of cancellations at 53%, followed by the Transatlantic Westbound at 25% and Asia- North Europe & Med at 23%, according to Drewry.
Despite these disruptions, sailing frequency is projected to improve over the next five weeks. Forecasts suggest that approximately 92% of weekly departures will take place as planned, indicating a gradual stabilization in scheduling reliability.
Freight Rates Show Mixed Trends as Market Adjusts
After 12 consecutive weeks of decline, Drewry’s WCI Composite Index recorded a 2% week-on-week increase, reaching $2,208 per 40ft container as of 3 April. This uptick was primarily driven by an 8% rise in Transpacific rates, while Asia-Europe/Med and Transatlantic rates saw decreases of 4% and 2%, respectively.
Rate movements are expected to be influenced by general rate increases (GRIs) and blank sailings, particularly from MSC. Of the 57 blanked sailings scheduled over the next five weeks, 30 will be on Transpacific routes, with MSC and OCEAN Alliance responsible for 15 of them. Meanwhile, Gemini Alliance has yet to announce any cancellations, adding to the uncertainty in capacity planning.
Market Faces Uncertainty Amidst Tariff Speculations
While frequency and rate stabilization efforts continue, underlying concerns about softening demand and potential trade policy shifts remain. Uncertainty surrounding new US tariffs adds to market unpredictability, as specific details of former President Trump’s tariff plan are still unclear.
Drewry advises cargo owners to maintain flexibility and closely monitor evolving trade conditions. Market participants should be prepared for further adjustments in capacity deployment and potential rate volatility in the coming weeks.
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Source: Drewry
