World Container Index – 16th April 2026

THE DREWRY World Container Index (WCI) recently snapped a six-week rally—a surge initially triggered by higher bunker fuel prices following the late-February conflict in the Middle East. After trending downwards throughout January and early February, the index spiked in response to these geopolitical oil supply disruptions. That brief upwards momentum has now reversed, with the WCI falling 3% to $2,246 per 40ft container amid declining rates on Asia–Europe and Transpacific lanes.

Source: Drewry World Container Index

Spot rates from Shanghai to New York and Los Angeles decreased 3% to $3,552 and $2,810, respectively, per 40ft container. As per Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 9 blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for next week to maintain capacity. Few carriers have announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of around $2,000 per 40ft container, effective 1 May. Drewry expects freight rates to remain less volatile in the coming weeks before the implementation of the announced PSS.

Source: Drewry World Container Index

Spot rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam trade route decreased 3% to $2,229 per 40ft container, while rates on Shanghai–Genoa fell 2% to $3,343 per 40ft container. Carriers are increasing effective capacity on this trade, as only one blank sailing has been announced so far. Meanwhile, ZIM has announced a new bunker factor (NBF) of $850 per container, effective 1 May, but for now Drewry expects freight rates to remain stable next week. 

The US-led naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz has halted or restricted ships linked to Iran, with multiple vessels turned back. The disruption has strongly impacted global oil supply chains and pushed oil prices even higher. If ongoing negotiations fail, shippers should prepare for reduced schedule reliability, potential port omissions, longer lead times and upwards pressure on freight rates.