GLOBAL CONTAINER SHIPPING MARKET NEWS – WEEK 12/2026

1. Strategic Route Adjustments

• Hormuz Bypass: Due to increasing tensions in the Persian Gulf, carriers are restoring regional feeder services and launching new routes (India – UAE/Oman) to maintain cargo flow.Alternative Gateways: Increased vessel deployments through the Red Sea from China and India to access alternative gateways into the Middle East.

2. Freight Rates & Charter Market

• Rate Cooling: Despite volatility, freight rates are decreasing as carriers redeploy surplus vessels to compensate for delays. Mid-March General Rate Increases (GRI) have been withdrawn.
• Rising Costs: Trans-Pacific contracts remain stable in base rates, but total costs are pressured by fluctuating fuel surcharges.
• Charter Demand: High demand for small vessels (1,100 – 1,700 TEU) for alternative routes, while large vessel rates remain steady due to limited supply.

3. Industry Financial Performance

• Margin Compression: The industry’s average EBIT margin dropped sharply from 14.3% (Q3) to 5.7% (Q4).
• Maersk Performance: Maersk ranked at the bottom of 11 major listed carriers, recording a negative EBIT in Q4/2025.

4. Key Carrier Updates

• CMA CGM: Launching the PEARLAS1 service (merging AS1 and PEARL) starting March 30, 2026, connecting Asia – Indian Subcontinent – US West Coast.
• GT Lines: Resuming the ISX service via Khor Fakkan to avoid Hormuz disruptions, utilizing a landbridge into the UAE.
• Blue Ocean Shipping: Expanding its fleet through the Samudera – Imoto joint venture, focusing on coastal and Intra-Asia segments.