Shipping Outlook

The container shipping market remains unpredictable, with space into Australia still tight and schedules continuing to move around.

Rates across South-East and North-East Asia have started to rise again, while congestion at Chinese ports and a succession of typhoons across East Asia are adding further pressure. Port closures, weather disruptions and vessel omissions are resulting in changes to sailing schedules across a number of services.

We are also hearing reports of some shipping lines pausing fresh bookings.

Transhipments through Singapore and Port Klang are also experiencing pressure, with congestion and weather-related disruption adding to already extended transit times into Australia. Conditions in Fremantle have contributed to further schedule disruption.

Landside here in Fremantle, there is potential for vessel bunching in the coming weeks due to the ongoing schedule disruption. This can mean several vessels arriving closer together than originally planned, placing additional pressure on terminals, transport availability and empty container movements. For importers, this could lead to delays in container availability, delivery bookings and ultimately getting cargo delivered.

Drewry’s World Container Index edged up 1%, while the Intra-Asia Container Index increased 6% to a six-week high. Around 2.4 million TEU of containership capacity is currently waiting outside Chinese ports, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Elsewhere, Europe is experiencing delays, with congestion compounded by low water levels on the Rhine. The US market remains relatively stable, while India is also seeing some congestion and delays.

The key message for importers and exporters is that ETDs and ETAs are increasingly fluid. A sailing that appears confirmed today can change due to weather, port congestion, vessel omissions, transhipment delays or changes to port rotations. Transit times therefore need to be treated as estimates rather than fixed dates.

For businesses moving freight over the coming weeks, booking early and allowing additional time remains important. If timing is critical, it is also worth building some flexibility into delivery schedules and staying in close contact as the shipment progresses.

We’ll continue to monitor the major trade lanes and keep everyone updated as conditions change.

Thanks - Amanda