ports

Mainline carriers deploy extra loaders as peak season arrives early

Container lines are adding vessels to their schedules as demand surges ahead of the typical peak season cycle. Shanghai-Europe rates jumped 19% week-on-week to $3,076 per 40-foot container, while transpacific trades saw double-digit gains. Shanghai-US West Coast rates climbed 10% to $3,118 per 40ft, and East Coast rates rose 11% to $4,224 per 40ft. The Shanghai-Mediterranean corridor posted the sharpest increase at 28%, reaching $3,145 per teu. Maersk will launch an ad hoc transpacific service connecting Cai Mep, Busan, and Long Beach from 8 June. The service will deploy five to seven vessels of 3,500 to 4,600 teu capacity with a 49-day turnaround, with 10 sailings scheduled through September and additional sailings planned depending on market demand. Asia-Europe rates surged as new FAK rates took effect on 15 May, with Mediterranean rates notably stronger due to high demand. Port congestion in northern Europe has intensified demand, with pilot strikes creating backlogs at Hamburg and low Rhine water levels pressuring Rotterdam and Antwerp capacity. Carriers are restricting named account space to prioritise higher-margin FAK volumes.