- 56 sailings cancelled across key East-West routes between 2 June and 6 July.
- Transpacific Eastbound to see the highest impact.
- Gemini leads in schedule reliability.
- Legal challenges to US tariffs add complexity.
- Spot rates climb amid demand surge and equipment shortages.
Drewry’s Weekly Cancelled Sailings Tracker, dated 30 May 2025, reports that 56 sailings will be cancelled between weeks 23 and 27 across the main East-West routes, including Transpacific, Transatlantic, and Asia–North Europe & Mediterranean trades. These blank sailings represent about 8% of the total 701 scheduled during this period.
The Transpacific Eastbound trade is expected to experience the largest share of cancellations, followed by Asia–Europe & Mediterranean routes and the Transatlantic Westbound corridor.
Schedule Reliability Remains Strong
Despite the cancellations, 92% of scheduled departures are forecasted to operate on time. Among major carriers, Gemini stands out with expected schedule adherence reaching as high as 97%.
Capacity Tightens Amid Tariff Relief
The tariff ruling coincides with a 90-day US–China tariff reprieve, triggering a surge in transpacific demand. This spike is tightening vessel capacity, causing equipment shortages, and leading to congestion at major ports on both sides of the Pacific.
Rising Spot Rates Signal Market Strain
Reflecting these pressures, Drewry’s World Container Index increased 10% week-on-week, reaching $2,508 per 40-foot container as of 29 May. Transpacific rates climbed 15%, Asia–Europe and Mediterranean rates rose 5%, while Transatlantic rates saw a slight decrease.
Shippers Should Plan Proactively
Given ongoing disruptions, Drewry advises shippers to adopt flexible planning, maintain close coordination with carriers, and prioritize early bookings. These measures will be key to minimizing the impact of continued volatility on East-West trade routes.
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Source: Drewry
