According to an analysis by Drewry, canceled voyages for the next four weeks will reach 56 blank sailings out of a total of 719 announced departures. On average, 92% of vessels are expected to start their voyages as planned.
The consultant indicated that between week 49 (December 1-7) and week 1 of 2026 (December 29 to January 4), the main routes; that is, the Transpacific, Transatlantic, and Asia-Northern Europe and Mediterranean, will accumulate an 8% cancellation of total departures.
In the next five weeks, it is contemplated that the majority of blank sailings will take place on the East Transpacific route (48%), followed by Asia-Northern Europe and Mediterranean (25%); and West Transpacific (27%).
“Container shipping markets remain in a state of adjustment, as freight rates, capacity, and network dynamics continue to shift on the main East-West routes, with a potential return to the Suez Canal on everyone’s radar,” said Drewry.
Scheduled cancellations (blank sailings) remain central to supply discipline. November recorded 86 cancellations, slightly less than in October, which effectively added 3% more capacity month-on-month. Early December schedules show 47 cancellations and a projected capacity increase of 7%, keeping supply elevated and limiting the chances of a short-term rate rebound,” it added.
In this context, the consultant emphasized that “recent strikes in Belgium have added further operational disruption, with vessel movements and rail services briefly halted and congestion likely to persist into next week.”
“A potential return to the Suez Canal route is also being monitored, although the timelines remain uncertain. Any shift, whether gradual or large-scale, will impact vessel flows and scheduling, depending on how carriers decide to manage the transition,” it added.
In line with what was reported, as the year closes, the market is at a delicate intersection, as capacity expands, demand remains uneven, and carriers apply tactical measures to curb the decline in rates.
“For shippers, this means staying proactive: securing space in advance and closely following market signals. In an environment where conditions can change rapidly, informed decision-making will be the most reliable hedge against volatility,” concluded Drewry.
