GLOBAL CONTAINER SHIPPING MARKET NEWS – WEEK 11, 2026

GET THE LATEST UPDATES AND KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GLOBAL CONTAINER SHIPPING MARKET – WEEK 11, 2026

Key Highlights:

• Port Congestion: Impact from the Strait of Hormuz is milder than expected. Singapore recorded delays of 3.5 days, while other Southeast and South Asian hubs remain stable (under 2 days).
• Freight Rates: Asia-Europe rates hold at $2,400–$2,600/FEU, with an expected increase starting April 1st. Transpacific rates remain flat due to weak demand; SeaLead has withdrawn from this route.
• Vessel Market: The small vessel charter market is thriving; MSC continues to acquire second-hand ships. Bunker prices surged, with VLSFO exceeding $1,100/ton.
• CMA CGM Updates: Resumed Suez/Red Sea bookings as of March 11th. The carrier is also prioritizing landbridge solutions via Jeddah (UAE) instead of the previous Mersin-Iraq route.