Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com
Trade Analysis: Far East Westbound
Situation
Volumes are growing and after a very soft market in March, the outlook for April (especially the second half) is showing an upward trend. There have been a number of empty sailings scheduled for the end of March and the first week of April, reducing space availability and potentially leading to slightly higher rates this month.
Obstacles
Schedule reliability remains a major issue. While the formation of new alliances has led to some improvements, the overall situation is still far from ideal. Congestion at European ports is causing additional challenges.
Outlook/Solutions
Volumes are expected to pick up towards the end of April and the beginning of May. We may also see some ripple effects from vessels that have been delayed in European ports returning to Asia. This could have a negative impact on some sailings and affect equipment availability. On the other hand, there are some new services starting in Q2 which will bring additional capacity to the market. The expectation of an early comeback of Suez Canal services has not materialized. Given the current situation in the region, the routing via the Cape of Good Hope is likely to continue.
A shortcut through the Arctic?
- Insights
Find out more about one of the world’s most remote and probably coldest nautical routes, a “new try” this summer, and why it is still far from being used regularly.
27,500 TEU giants will roam the sea
- Facts
Today’s "maritime monsters" can transport over 24,000 containers and now there are plans for a new record-breaking ship.
A talk with Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag Lloyd
We had the opportunity to talk to CEO of the fifth largest container carrier worldwide about the recent developments in seafreight and acquisition plans.
