ports

Early Peak Season Triggers Rate Surge and Extra Sailings

Mainline operators are deploying additional loader sailings as an early peak season materializes across major trade lanes. Shanghai-Europe rates climbed 19% week-on-week to $3,076 per 40ft container, while US West Coast rates jumped 10% to $3,118 per 40ft. The US East Coast route gained 11% to reach $4,224 per 40ft, and Mediterranean rates surged 28% to $3,145 per teu. Maersk will launch a transpacific ad hoc service beginning June 8, deploying five to seven vessels of 3,500 to 4,600 teu capacity through September. The service will deploy the 4,395 teu Ren Jian 16 as the first vessel, with 10 sailings scheduled and more anticipated based on demand. Carriers are implementing fresh rate increases and peak season surcharges effective June 1. Port congestion in Northern Europe—exacerbated by Hamburg pilot strikes and low Rhine water levels—is supporting the upward rate trajectory. Capacity utilization remains elevated as demand outpaces supply growth across transpacific and Indian subcontinent routes.