THE DREWRY World Container Index (WCI), remained stable fore the second consecutive week, finishing at $4,476 per 40ft container.
Source: Drewry World Container Index
Source: Drewry World Container Index
On the Asia–Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Genoa fell 3% to $4,216 per 40ft container while they decreased 2% to $3,997 per 40ft container from Shanghai to Rotterdam. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, three blank sailings are announced for next week, up from one this week, indicating tight capacity. While congestion at Shanghai port remained elevated, it improved from 94 hours in Week 35 to 64 hours in Week 36. With low demand, persistent congestion in Asia and continued capacity management by carriers, Drewry expects rates to remain stable next week.
Iran–US tensions continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The Panama Canal Authority has postponed a 0.15-metre draft reduction for Neopanamax vessels, although transit restrictions remain. Carriers are supporting rates through capacity management, while congestion at Asian ports continues to disrupt schedules. Meanwhile, the selective return of services to the Suez Canal is restoring effective capacity on Asia–Europe routes, putting downwards pressure on freight rates. Early booking remains important as congestion and blank sailings can tighten capacity.