- 58 sailings cancelled across major East-West trade lanes between weeks 13 and 17, representing an 8% cancellation rate.
- Transpacific Eastbound sees the highest cancellations (40%), followed by Transatlantic Westbound (31%) and Asia-North Europe & Med (29%).
- Schedule reliability expected to decline, with 92% of vessels forecasted to operate on time.
Drewry’s latest Cancelled Sailings Tracker reveals an 8% cancellation rate across the Transpacific, Transatlantic, and Asia-North Europe & Med routes between weeks 13 (24 Mar-30 Mar) and 17 (21 Apr-27 Apr). Out of 713 scheduled sailings, 58 have been blanked.
Over the next five weeks, Transpacific Eastbound will account for 40% of blank sailings, followed by Transatlantic Westbound (31%) and Asia-North Europe & Med (29%). Schedule reliability is projected to decline, with only 92% of vessels expected to operate on time.
Congestion and Capacity Pressures Weigh on Freight Rates
Persistent ocean supply chain disruptions, including global port congestion, Red Sea diversions, and shipping alliance shifts, are straining container shipping. Severe congestion in China is worsening the situation, with 74 blank sailings planned through April, 59% of which are on Transpacific routes.
Meanwhile, excess capacity (+9% from March to April) and softening demand are putting further pressure on freight rates. Since January, spot rates have dropped:
- Transpacific: -43%
- Asia-North Europe & Med: -44%
- Transatlantic: -15%
On 20 March, Drewry’s WCI Composite Index fell 4% WoW to $2,264 per 40ft container, marking a 25% YoY decline. Transpacific rates dropped 7%, while Asia-Europe/Med and Transatlantic rates fell 2% each.
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Source: Drewry
