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 occurring in Week 5, with a sharp decline of 49%, which coincides with the Chinese New Year holiday.
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 latest updates regarding the Red Sea and the Suez Canal indicate that there is a possibility of the canal reopening soon. Carriers are carefully reviewing and studying timelines to determine whether re-routing their vessels is feasible. At present, carriers like MSC, Cosco, and OOCL have issued statements confirming that they will continue to route their ships via the Cape of Good Hope rather than risk navigating through the Suez Canal at this time.
February will see the introduction of new service loops, but the transition is expected to be complex and not entirely seamless. This shift has already resulted in significant cargo rollovers and re-routing to align with the new services and alliances. Carriers are aggressively adjusting FAK and spot rates for February, with expectations of volume recovery beginning in weeks eight and nine.
By March, shipping volumes are predicted to return to normal levels. However, careful monitoring of vessel schedules and the operations of the newly formed alliances will be necessary to ensure smooth logistics during this period of adjustment.
The TPEB (Transpacific Eastbound) trade line is currently overbooked and rolling, with huge rollover pool for all vessels across all regions. For PSW (Pacific Southwest) capacity will be reduced over 50% on week 6 after Chinese New Year. PNW (Pacific Northwest) capacity will be reduced over 43% on week 6 after Chinese New Year. USEC (US East Coast) capacity will be reduced over 48% on week 6 after Chinese New Year.
Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and assurances of reduced threats in the Red Sea, container lines remain cautious about resuming use of the Suez Canal due to ongoing instability. CMA CGM clarified its recent transit through the canal was a one-off, maintaining its MEX and BEX services—including the Turkish port call—via the Suez Canal, while its FEWB (Far East-West Bound) services continue to be routed via the Cape. Analysts predict a large-scale return to the canal will take months, contingent on improved safety and market stability. A gradual slowdown in bookings is also anticipated as factories enter holiday schedules around weeks four and five, resulting in reduced shipping activity during week 5.
Wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area, have caused significant destruction and widespread evacuations. While the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach remain operational and are outside the Red Flag Warning zones, transportation routes to and from these hubs have been affected. Road closures, power outages, and evacuations have disrupted local distribution networks, leading to potential delays in shipments. 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 24, 2025:
Oceania summary:
Rate and capacity update as of January 24, 2025:
Transpacific summary:
Rate and capacity update as of January 24, 2025:
Asia port updates
Market intel: Europe
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Market impact of Middle East ceasefire yet to be felt (Source: Alphaliner)
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Gemini Cooperation unveils intra-Asia shuttle loops
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The two partners have revealed at least ten intra-Asia Gemini shuttle services. These confirmed shuttles consist of four Northeast Asia to Southeast Asia loops, two dedicated East Asia shuttles, and four Southeast Asia services (Source: Alphaliner)
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Service return to using Suez Canal 'just a one-off' says CMA CGM
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"Despite positive ceasefire developments, stakeholders should not expect container lines to immediately return to using the Suez Canal ,due to a “highly unpredictable year”. (Source: eeSea)
Market intel: Oceania
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Patrick Terminals
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Brisbane: Delays approx. 0.5 days
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Fremantle: Delays approx. 0.5 days
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Sydney: Delays approx. 3-4 days
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Melbourne: Delays approx. 0.5 days
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DP World Terminals
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Brisbane: Delays approx. 3 days
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Fremantle: Delays approx. 0.5 days
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Sydney: Delays approx. 0.5 days
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Melbourne: Delays approx. 1 day
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VICT
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Melbourne: Delays approx. 1.5 day
(Source: ANL)
Market intel: Americas
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Port Houston facilities closed due to wintry weather conditions:
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20-21 January, 2025 - Port Houston reported limited vessel activity and all public facilities will remain closed through Wednesday as winter storm Enzo sweeps through Texas.
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23 January, 2025 - All Port Houston facilities resumed normal operations on Thursday, January 23. Container terminal resume container vessel operations Wednesday, January 22 at 7 p.m. The port committed the container terminal gates will open this Saturday, January 25 from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. with ingate closing at 4 p.m.
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TPEB terminal update:
(Source: CMA)
Equipment update by carrier
Correct at time of publication on January 24, 2025. Please find attached below.
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