Weekly Ocean Operations Update: Asia to Europe, US and Australia 10/01/25

General overview:

The weekly normal capacity for the FEWB trade lane to North Europe is approximately 330,000 TEUs. During January, there was a general reduction in capacity of around 15%, with most of the impact concentrated in Week 5. 

 In Week 1, capacity decreased by 11%, while Week 2 saw no change. Week 3 experienced a modest reduction of 5%, followed by a 9% decrease in Week 4, which was later adjusted to reflect an average reduction of 6%. The most significant drop occurred in Week 5, with a sharp decline of 49%, which coincides with Chinese New Year. 

February will show a general capacity reduction of 17%, but there will be a slight improvement. In Week 6, capacity will drop by 40%, which coincides with post Chinese New Year. Week 7 will see a decline of 16%, offset by an increase of 10%. Week 8 will show only a 5% reduction, while Week 9 will experience a 10% reduction.

The Mediterranean’s weekly normal shipping capacity is about 189,000 TEUs. During January, blank sailings accounted for approximately 10-12% of the capacity. In Week 6, there was a significant cut of 44% coinciding with Chinese New Year, reflecting a sharp reduction in operational capacity for that specific period.

The TPEB (Transpacific Eastbound) trade line is currently overbooked across all regions. For PSW (Pacific Southwest), PNW (Pacific Northwest) and USEC (US East Coast) they are all overbooked and rolling, with huge rollover pool for all vessels. Some of these vessels are facing double rollover for last sailing before Chinese New Year.

The anticipated January 15, 2025, port strike at East Coast and Gulf ports has been averted as union dockworkers and port employers reached a tentative agreement. Both sides will continue operating under the current contract until a ratification vote is scheduled. Details of the agreement remain undisclosed, allowing members of the ILA and USMX to review and approve the final document. (Source: United States Maritime Alliance)

Wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area, have caused significant destruction and widespread evacuations. While the fires are not directly affecting the Los Angeles/Long Beach container terminal, the transportation of shipments may face delays due to road closures, smoke, and disruptions in the region. We will continue to monitor shipments arriving at or departing from Los Angeles/ Long Beach, advising customers of orders that may be adversely affected and we will share alternative freight solutions.

Overview by trade lane

FEWB summary:

Rate and capacity update as of January 10, 2025:

Oceania summary:

Rate and capacity update as of January 10, 2025:

Transpacific summary:

Rate and capacity update as of January 10, 2025: 

Asia port updates

Market intel: Europe

• 2025 is the year of the first major alliance-free carrier (MSC).

(Source: Alphaliner)

• Alliance reshuffle will increase box ship shortage as carriers hunt ‘buffers’.

(Source:TheLoadstar）

Market intel: Oceania

• Port of Melbourne handles 293,000 TEUs in Nov 2024, marking an increase of 20.7% compared to the same month of last year 
• 24.9% increase for full container imports in Nov 2024, rising by 24,200 TEUs compared to Nov 2023. For the FYTD, full imports were up by 43,400 TEUs, or 8% growth 
• 13% increase for full container exports in Nov 2024, rising by 6,100 TEUs. For the FYTD, full exports were up by 33,800 TEUs, or 12.8% growth 
• But Bass Strait with 4.3% decline of 800 TEUs in Nov 2024. For the FYTD, with a slight growth of 400 TEUs or 0.5% 
• Empty container movement increased 24.9% with 16,000 TEUs in Nov 2024
• Full transshipments rising by 4,800 TEUs or 30.4% in Nov 2024

(Source: Container News)

Equipment update by carrier

Correct at time of publication on January 10, 2025. Please find attached below.