Asia–Europe Carriers Add Blank Sailings to Halt Rate Slide as Shanghai–Rotterdam Eases

Summary

Drewry's September 10 reading showed Asia–Europe spot rates extending losses — Shanghai–Rotterdam fell 2% to $3,997 per FEU and Shanghai–Genoa 3% to $4,216 — as capacity returns via resumed Suez transits. To defend pricing, carriers will lift blank sailings on the lane from one this week to three next week, the third consecutive week of tightening. Drewry still expects only a modest decline near term given soft cargo demand, while transpacific routes hold firm on aggressive capacity management.