According to an analysis by Drewry, canceled sailings for the next four weeks will reach 57 blank sailings out of a total of 715 announced departures. On average, 92% of ships are expected to begin their voyages as scheduled.
The consultancy indicated that between week 41 (October 6-12) and week 45 (November 3-9), the main routes; that is, the Transpacific, Transatlantic, and Asia-North Europe and Mediterranean, will accumulate a cancellation of 8% of total departures.
Over the next five weeks, it is contemplated that the majority of blank sailings will take place on the Eastbound Transpacific route (51%), followed by Asia-North Europe and Mediterranean (32%); and Westbound Transpacific (18%).
“The new port rates from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for Chinese carriers and Chinese-built ships, effective from October 14, are expected to add $1.6 billion annually to transpacific and transatlantic trade. Cosco Shipping and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) are the most exposed, while Beijing has warned of potential reciprocal charges for US carriers, threatening to cause further disruptions,” reported Drewry.
“Notice to carriers: secure capacity in advance, remain flexible on routes, and closely monitor regulatory developments, as blank sailings and new rates increase volatility through the fourth quarter,” it concluded.
