According to an analysis by Drewry, canceled sailings for the next four weeks will reach 85 blank sailings out of a total of 720 announced departures. On average, 88% of vessels are expected to begin their voyages as scheduled.
The consultancy indicated that between week 38 (September 15-21) and week 42 (October 13-19), the main routes; that is, the Transpacific, Transatlantic, and Asia-North Europe and Mediterranean, will accumulate a cancellation of 12% of total departures.
Over the next five weeks, it is anticipated that the majority of blank sailings will occur on the Eastbound Transpacific route (50%), followed by Asia-North Europe and Mediterranean (34%); and Westbound Transpacific (16%).
Spot shipping rates show mixed trends. Drewry’s World Container Index fell 3% week-on-week, standing at $2,044 per 40-foot container as of September 10. Rates on the Asia–/Mediterranean routes fell 11%, those on the Transpacific rose 4% due to General Rate Increases (GRI), and those on the Transatlantic fell 1%.
“Although GRIs and pre-Golden Week demand have provided temporary support on the Transpacific route, these increases remain fragile. Without sustained demand or significant capacity adjustments, rates are likely to weaken again,” Drewry reported.
“Exporters and importers are advised to closely monitor tariff changes, leverage flexible contracts, and balance spot market opportunities with secured bookings to navigate the current uncertainty,” it concluded.
