Situation

There has been no significant change to exports out of Europe. This backhaul trade has seen some increases in rates due to higher bunker costs, but it is expected that carriers will prioritize moving vessels quickly back to Asia to return the needed equipment, benefiting from the current market surge in Asia. This could potentially create some space constraints on this trade lane.

Obstacles

Congestion in EU ports is expected to worsen during the summer months, driven by ongoing infrastructure challenges in the hinterland and shipping lines prioritizing the rapid return of vessels and empty equipment to Asia.

Outlook

Some carriers may try to use the Suez canal routing to speed up the return of vessels to the Far East. Rates are expected to remain relatively stable with some bunker adjustments in Q3.

Main Ports: North Europe to Far East

^{Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com}

Main Ports: Mediterranean to Far East