Under the circumstances of weak demand, sharp drop in spot freight rates and continuous port congestion, shipping companies have recently cancelled several voyages on major routes such as trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe.
According to Drewry's latest statistics, 94 out of 748 scheduled sailings were cancelled between weeks 37 and 41 on major routes such as the Trans-Pacific, Asia to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, a cancellation rate of 13%. 64% of the blank sailings will occur on trans-Pacific eastbound routes and 23% on Asia to Europe and Mediterranean routes.
During this period, the three major alliances cancelled a total of 79 sailings, including 31 cancellations by the 2M alliance, 26.5 cancellations by the THE alliance and 21.5 cancellations by the Ocean alliance.
Shippers and beneficiary cargo owners are likely to see more operational disruptions in Asia, even as the shipping industry is facing a downward trend that is likely to continue as spot ocean freight rates soften.
Recently, MSC and Maersk have issued a number of schedule updates and adjustment notices, announcing the cancellation or postponement of some voyages from Asia to Europe and North America.
• The departure port is Shekou Port, and the ETD is the TP2 eastbound voyage MSC EMANUELA / 240N on October 6, which will be cancelled due to delay. Pre-ordered goods will be transported by TP2 MAERSK EINDHOVEN 241N and will be delayed by two days.
• The departure port is Ningbo Port, and the ETD is the TP3 eastbound voyage MDV MSC TBN 1/241N on October 14, which will be cancelled due to delay. The scheduled cargo will be transported by TPX MAERSK VIRGINIA 241N and TP2 MAERSK EINDHOVEN 241N, stopping in Shanghai.
• The departure port is Vung Tau Port, and the ETD is the TP6 eastbound voyage MAERSK EUREKA / 240N on October 6, which will be cancelled due to delay. The scheduled cargo will be transported by TP2 MAERSK EINDHOVEN 241N, docked at Xiamen Port.
On September 12, MSC notified that it would adjust its sailing plan for its Asia-Mediterranean network, and MAERSK HOUSTON, voyage QX237W, also known as MSC's Phoenix service, would cancel the sailing
