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 the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe.

94 sailings cancelled in the next five weeks

According to the latest data released by Drewry in this issue, in the next 5 weeks (weeks 37-41), out of a total of 748 scheduled sailings on major routes such as trans-Pacific, trans-Atlantic, Asia-Nordic and Asia-Mediterranean, the number of sailings in the 94 sailings were cancelled between weeks 37 (9.15-18) and 41 (10.10-16), a cancellation rate of 13%.

During this period, 64% of air travel will occur on the trans-Pacific eastbound trade route. 23% occurred on Asia-Nordic and Mediterranean routes, and 13% occurred on transatlantic westbound routes.

In the next five weeks (weeks 37-41), the world's three major shipping alliances cancelled a total of 89 sailings.

Among them, the 2M alliance has cancelled the most voyages with 31 voyages; THE alliance has reached 26.5 voyages, and the ocean alliance has the least cancelled 21.5 voyages.

Drewry said that in today’s hyperactive market, it is wise for shippers and BCO benefit shippers to anticipate any potential for unplanned disruptions and delays, and any escalation of events could have serious consequences for global supply chains.

Recently, some areas of Shenzhen and Dalian port cities have been affected by the epidemic. From September 2 to 4, some warehouses and container yards in Shenzhen have suspended access to warehouses and container yards, which may lead to more delays and interruptions.

In addition, the recent typhoon "Xuanlannuo" and the "Plum Blossom" in Zhejiang have also had a certain impact on the operations of Shanghai, Ningbo and Busan ports, and disrupted flights in Asia.

S&P Global Ocean Vessel Tracker data shows that 167 container ships are expected to head to the port of Shanghai, while the port of Ningbo expects 88 to arrive in the coming days. Currently, about 28 container ships are docked at Shanghai Port.

The shipping company cancels and adjusts the voyage

Shipping companies have implemented off-season shift reduction measures in the fourth quarter of each year, using the off-season to arrange for ships to enter the factory for maintenance, or to reduce the number of ships dispatched to avoid a sharp drop in freight rates. It will slow down the rate of decline in freight rates.

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.

Maersk issued a notice of reset and cancellation of voyages from Asia to North America:

On September 8, Maersk issued a notice saying that in order to better adjust its Asia-North America network service plan and cope with demand fluctuations, the company will reset or cancel (blank) the voyages listed below:

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.

Maersk issued a notice on the voyage adjustment of AE7 vessels on the Asia-Europe route:

On September 8, Maersk issued a notice saying that the bottleneck of the entire Asia-Nordic network has led to the accumulation of service delays. In order to adjust the network deployment of the entire market and improve the visibility of the shipping schedule, Maersk has adjusted the following shipping schedules:

Maersk plans to cancel two sailings from Asia to East Africa:

On September 9, Maersk issued a notice saying that in relation to the upcoming Chinese Golden Week holiday, in order to balance the network and deal with the expected drop in demand, the following voyages will be cancelled:

Maersk re-issues the reset and cancellation notice for voyages from Asia to North America:

On September 12, in order to better adjust the Asia-North America network service plan and cope with demand fluctuations, Maersk will reset or cancel (blank) the following voyages:

MSC issued an update notice for the sailing schedule for the Asia to Europe route:

On September 10, MSC issued a notice that due to the expected slowdown in demand during and after the Golden Week holiday, MSC plans to cancel the following sailings:

MSC also reminds that the following services may provide alternative navigation:

MSC has notified that it will adjust its sailing plans for its Asia-Mediterranean network:

On September 12, MSC notified MAERSK HOUSTON that the voyage QX237W, MSC's Phoenix service, would be canceled.