Weekly Ocean Operations Update: Asia to Europe, US and Australia 14/02/25

General overview:

The weekly normal capacity for the FEWB trade lane to North Europe is approximately 330,000 TEUs. In Week 7, we saw a decline of 17%, and in Week 8, the reduction will narrow further to 5%. Week 9 is expected to see a reduction of 21%, followed by a 10% reduction in week 10. Week 11 will see a significant reduction of 31%.

The Mediterranean’s weekly normal shipping capacity is about 189,000 TEUs. Week 7, saw a decline of 14%, and Week 8 will see a 6% reduction. In Week 9, the reduction will be at 7%, followed by no change in week 10 and 11. 

February bookings remain weak, with a very slow recovery following the Chinese New Year. Carriers have announced that they will continue routing via the Cape of Good Hope at this stage, as they closely monitor the situation and assess the broader impact on global ocean freight. This adjustment is expected to take another three to four months as carriers work to realign their networks.

CMA currently offers services via the Suez Canal for MEX and BEX (including the Turkish call), while routes to the Far East Westbound (FEWB) remain via the Cape. In response to market conditions, carriers have deployed additional blank sailings in March, primarily by MSC, PA, and the OCEAN Alliance.

Many shipments are being rolled or re-routed to accommodate the transition to new services and alliances. The actual transit times will become clearer in about two months, ie once the new alliances that commenced in February are fully operational. The market is also seeing Gemini take an aggressive approach to the spot market, particularly with Maersk, which has reportedly lost some business to Hapag-Lloyd for Gemini services.

It remains to be seen how well Gemini will improve schedule reliability. However, service disruptions are already being observed as part of the transition. March volumes are expected to slowly recover, but close monitoring will be necessary to track vessel schedules across all new alliances.

Overview by trade lane

FEWB summary:

Rate and capacity update as of February 14, 2025:

Oceania summary:

Rate and capacity update as of February 14, 2025:

Transpacific summary:

Rate and capacity update as of February 14, 2025: 

Asia port updates

Market intel: Oceania

Patrick terminals

• Brisbane: Delays approx. 0.5 days
• Fremantle: Delays approx. 0.5 days
• Sydney: Delays approx. 3-4 days
• Melbourne: Delays approx. 0.5 days

DP World Terminals

• Brisbane: Delays approx. 3 days
• Fremantle: Minimal delays approx. 0.5 days
• Sydney: Delays approx. 0.5 days
• Melbourne: Delays approx. 1 day

VICT

• Melbourne: Delays approx. 1.5 day

(Source: ANL)

Market intel: Americas

FMC Clears Premier Alliance for Launch : 

• FMC has approved the Premier Alliance (PA) for operation in the US. 
• The commission has now ruled that the agreement between HMM/ONE/YML complies with all statutory requirement. 
• The agreement will take effective on the 09 Feb, which allowing the lines to share vessels in trades between US and Asia/ Middle East / Europe.
• The 1st sailings by the PA to the US were originally schedule for 03 Feb, and most new loops destined for the US departed Asia between the 10 and 15 Feb 2025. (Source : Alphaliner)

Equipment update by carrier

Correct at time of publication on February 14, 2025. Please find attached below.