Current sea freight market situation

The sea freight industry continues to play a vital role in global trade, ensuring goods reach their destinations worldwide. However, the market is currently under substantial pressure, and we are experiencing price increases from shipping companies. One contributing factor is the early dispatch of shipments for the Christmas holiday season. Combined with extended transit times, this has resulted in a reduction in the number of available departures.

Impact of the situation in the Red Sea

Adding to the complexity, the situation in the Red Sea has forced ships on the Asia-Europe route to detour around the Cape of Good Hope. This detour has led to longer voyages and an increase in the number of ships required to maintain service levels, thereby partially absorbing the newly delivered capacity since the start of the year.

Capacity constraints and blank sailings

The market is also dealing with a shortage of available containers, worsened by extended transit times. To further complicate the situation, shipping companies have announced blank sailings, which reduce the number of departures and deepen the capacity constraints. These market conditions are primarily driven by the dynamics of supply and demand.

Recommendations for customers

Given these challenges, we strongly recommend that customers pre-book their shipments well in advance to secure availability. Planning ahead is crucial in navigating these market conditions effectively. FREJA is available to assist you during these challenging times. If you have any further questions or want to learn more about our sea freight solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us.