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83 sailings canceled out of 713 scheduled in East-West trades (weeks 16–20), marking a 12% blank sailing rate.
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Transpacific Eastbound trade will face the highest cancellations at 53%, followed by Asia-North Europe & Med (29%) and Transatlantic Westbound (18%).
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Weekly sailing frequency is projected at 88%, with Gemini alliance forecasted to achieve a 99% sailing rate unless further blank sailings are introduced.
Drewry’s latest Cancelled Sailings Tracker provides an overview of blank sailings announced by each alliance across major East-West trade lanes. Between weeks 16 and 20 (14 April to 18 May), 83 out of 713 scheduled sailings have been canceled, reflecting a 12% cancellation rate.
Most Impacted Trade Routes
Drewry projects that the Transpacific Eastbound route will be the most affected, accounting for 53% of blank sailings, followed by the Asia-North Europe & Mediterranean (29%) and Transatlantic Westbound (18%).
Despite ongoing challenges, approximately 88% of sailings are expected to proceed as planned over the next five weeks. Gemini alliance is anticipated to maintain the highest schedule reliability at 99%, though this could shift depending on carrier responses to changing demand.
Tightening Capacity to Support Rates
In a bid to control overcapacity and support freight rates, carriers significantly increased blank sailings between weeks 16 and 19, from 41 to 77. This tightening has contributed to a modest 3% week-on-week increase in Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI), reaching $2,265 per 40ft container on 10 April.
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Transpacific rates are up 3%
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Asia-Europe/Med up 2%
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Transatlantic up 1%
Tariff Pressures and Strategic Adjustments
The recent U.S. tariffs targeting Chinese and Asian imports are expected to reduce overall cargo volumes, pushing carriers to double down on capacity control strategies. Blank sailings will likely remain a key tactic to protect freight rates amidst falling demand.
Cargo owners are advised to maintain flexibility and agility in planning and logistics execution, as market conditions remain fluid due to evolving trade policies and carrier responses.
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Source: Drewry
