Schedule Reliability Slips as Delays Begin to Build Again

Schedule reliability has taken a dip again, and it’s unlikely to come as a surprise to anyone managing cargo right now.

In February, global schedule reliability fell to 59.0%, a decline of 3.2 percentage points month-on-month. While this still represents an improvement compared to the same time last year, it is the lowest level recorded since April 2025.

The shift isn’t limited to reliability figures alone. Vessel delays are also beginning to stretch out once again, with average delays increasing to 5.49 days, the highest level seen in the past 12 months.

Looking at carrier performance, Hapag-Lloyd ranked as the most reliable among the top carriers, achieving 67.4% schedule reliability. At the other end of the spectrum, Wan Hai Lines fell below the 50% mark.

From an alliance perspective, Gemini Cooperation is currently leading the way, reporting reliability levels around 80%. This places it well ahead of MSC, which is tracking in the low 60% range.

While the year-on-year improvement is encouraging, the month-on-month decline serves as a reminder that consistency across global shipping networks remains a work in progress.

It is also worth noting that the full impact of ongoing disruptions in the Middle East has yet to be reflected in these figures. As networks continue to adjust, it may take several months before these effects are fully visible in schedule reliability data.