The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved, with no further developments in diplomatic discussions following the expiry of the 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) without a permanent resolution. Reports of attacks on commercial vessels in the region continue, including a fatality this week, while security risks also remain across the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Ocean Freight
The run-up to China’s Golden Week holiday, from 1 to 8 October, is beginning, with rates traditionally strengthening as shippers bring cargo forward ahead of the holiday shutdowns. Asia-Europe spot rates are currently stable, although carriers are beginning to proactively manage capacity. The Premier Alliance has announced blank sailings for weeks 40 and 41, with further schedule adjustments possible from other carriers as the holiday approaches.
The effects of Typhoon Dolphin continue to impact schedules, with vessel delays, localised space shortages and cargo rolling reported despite overall demand remaining stable. Rates from the Indian Subcontinent remain elevated and are increasing again for September, supported by strong demand alongside ongoing equipment shortages and vessel scheduling issues.
The Panama Canal Authority has also announced reductions in transit capacity and additional draft restrictions as part of its water management measures. Rainfall between May and August was reported to be 34% below average, with water inflows 44% below normal. The Canal remains operational, although the restrictions may affect vessel scheduling and cargo loading.
Air Freight
Air freight capacity from Vietnam and Cambodia remains constrained, with dwell times of up to five days. Rates from China are stable, with strong demand for technology and Apple shipments supporting current levels. Rates from India remain unpredictable, partly reflecting the ongoing challenges affecting ocean freight.
UK air exports continue to be affected by fluctuating fuel costs, while capacity is tightening as increased passenger demand reduces available freight capacity.
Origin Ports
Shanghai and Ningbo have resumed normal operations following Typhoon Dolphin, but carriers continue to work through vessel backlogs and schedule recovery programmes. Delays remain, with vessel waiting times at Shanghai still reaching up to nine days, although conditions at Ningbo are improving, with waits currently up to two days.
Shekou and Qingdao are experiencing knock-on disruption from bunching arrivals following the typhoon. Qingdao is also undertaking dredging work, which may cause further delays. At Yantian, only containers with an estimated time of berth (ETB) within seven days are currently being accepted for gate-in.
Singapore remains busy, with vessel waiting times increasing to more than two days. Across the Indian Subcontinent and South Asia, JNPT/Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Colombo and Chittagong continue to experience congestion and schedule disruption linked to regional vessel delays and transshipment pressures.
European Ports
Low water conditions on the Rhine continue to restrict inland barge capacity, with severe limitations on loading and Low Water Surcharges remaining in place.
A 24-hour warning strike took place at six German ports: Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, Emden and Brake on 17 and 18 August, causing some operational disruption. Residual delays may continue to affect schedules, while further strike action remains possible if ongoing negotiations do not reach a resolution.
For further information regarding specific shipments or trade lanes, please contact your usual company representative.
