Shipping carriers have withdrawn 125 of 710 scheduled sailings for the period between February 9 and March 15, representing an 18% cancellation rate. The blank sailings are concentrated primarily on Asia-America routes (63% of cancellations) and Asia-Europe/Mediterranean routes (14%), as carriers attempt to limit rate erosion following Chinese New Year.
According to analysis from Drewry, container spot rates continue to show volatility in early 2025, with an early peak and pre-Chinese New Year dynamics keeping rates low. The elevated blank sailing rate reflects carrier strategy to prevent rates from declining further and to position for a potential post-Chinese New Year rate recovery.
Port congestion persists at key European hubs
Average delays at major European ports remain significant. Rotterdam and Antwerp are both seeing average delays of approximately five days, while Hamburg is experiencing delays of around seven days. Bremerhaven is relatively less affected at approximately two days.
Damietta Alliance Container Terminal opens
The Damietta Alliance Container Terminal has officially opened, adding capacity along the Suez Canal corridor. This development is noteworthy given the ongoing rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, which has added transit time and costs to Asia-Europe shipments over the past year.
Airfreight rates in line with historical averages
On the airfreight side, rates are broadly mirroring prior-year levels, with seasonal peaks failing to produce any meaningful uplift above historical patterns. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport saw its market share on the European airfreight market decline during this period.
For the real-time global freight rates, visit: app.vespertool.com.