Capacity expansion across key Asia trade lanes continues to accelerate, with both the Far East–Mediterranean and Far East–Subcontinent corridors seeing the deployment of larger vessels and new service enhancements in response to strengthening demand and rates.

In the Far East–Mediterranean trade, stronger volumes and firmer freight rates are prompting carriers to shift toward higher-capacity tonnage. According to reporting from ShippingWatch, citing Alphaliner data, the number of containerships above 8,000 TEU operating in Mediterranean trades has risen sharply, up 78% year-over-year.   

This shift is visible in recent carrier deployments. As reported by The Loadstar, Wan Hai Lines has re-entered the Far East–Mediterranean trade after a 16-year absence. This time, it has deployed vessels exceeding 8,000 TEU, which are above the 4,300–5,000 TEU ships it previously operated on the route.

CMA CGM is also adding capacity to the corridor. According to The Loadstar, the carrier has introduced a third vessel above 16,000 TEU to its Far East–Mediterranean loop and has also turned it focus to network reach. According to reporting from Container News, CMA CGM has expanded its Eastern Mediterranean coverage by adding a call at Limassol, Cyprus, to its Egypt–Greece–Algeria (EGAL) service, broadening access to regional markets.

These developments are also unfolding on the Far East–Subcontinent trade. As reported by The Loadstar, freight rates from China to India have been elevated, supported by steady import demand across both industrial and consumer sectors. Seasonality is adding to the momentum, as shipments ramp up ahead of the August–September festival period.

Subsequently, carriers have responded with capacity additions. Interasia Lines, owned by Wan Hai, deployed a vessel above 7,000 TEU to its China–India service, according to The Loadstar. Maersk has also introduced an additional sailing on the route. These latest developments add to earlier network expansions. As reported by The Loadstar, CU Lines had launched two new services in April linking China and India with the Middle East, while regional carriers, including SITC and Sinolines, also increased capacity across intra-Asia routes feeding Indian demand.

According to The Loadstar’s report, India’s imports from China reached an estimated USD 132 billion in the 2025–2026 fiscal year, a 16% year-over-year increase.

Source: The Loadstar (June 25, June 26), Container News