Over 4.3 million TEU of vessel capacity are currently tied up in port congestion, representing 12.6% of the global fleet capacity, according to Linerlytica. “In terms of total TEU, the stranded capacity is higher now compared to the previous peak of 4.0m TEU reached during the COVID pandemic in 2022,” the analyst assessed. Record levels
China’s ports handled a record 161.1 million TEU in the first half of 2026, growing 5.8% year-over-year, according to Alphaliner data cited by ShippingWatch. The growth has outpaced the 5.2% increase in the global container trade. In the first half of 2026, Ningbo-Zhoushan handled 22.9 million TEU, up 8.8%, and surpassing Singapore, which recorded 22.7
The Panama Canal handles approximately 5% of global trade and serves as a critical gateway for U.S. supply chains, connecting Asian manufacturing hubs with ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, according to reporting by American Shipper. Data from the U.S. International Trade Administration estimated that 72% of vessels transiting the canal are either
Container shipping markets continue to demonstrate resilience while ocean carriers are practicing capacity discipline against steady cargo demand across major East-West trades. According to Drewry’s World Container Index released on August 20, 2026, global container rates increased for a second consecutive week, supported primarily by gains on the Trans-Pacific trades. Drewry’s assessment noted seven scheduled
Sea-Intelligence reported that 1.7 million TEUs of container capacity were tied up in port-related delays in June, representing 5% of global deep-sea container capacity. This figure indicates the share of delayed capacity has more than doubled compared to the pre-pandemic average of 2.2% recorded between 2011 and 2019. Sea-Intelligence’s CEO, Alan Murphy pointed out that
China is moving forward with a new scheduled shipping service through the Northern Sea Route (NSR). According to reporting from splash247, the service, operated by Sea Legend Line, will connect Ningbo-Zhoushan with Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Gdynia. Reporting by The Maritime Executive, citing an article written by Edward Rhys Jones from the University of Oxford,
Istanbul Airport recorded the highest cargo throughput among European airports during the first half of 2026, surpassing one million tonnes of freight and posting double-digit growth compared to the same period last year. According to reporting from Air Cargo News, data released by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe shows the Turkish hub has overtaken Frankfurt
U.S. containerized import volumes demonstrated resilience in July despite continued uncertainty surrounding trade policy, tariffs, and geopolitical developments. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail sales recorded a tenth consecutive month growth in July, reflecting continued consumer spending even as broader economic indicators remain mixed. As reported by Descartes’, U.S. containerized imports rose 4.5%
According to reporting by gCaptain, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced additional draft reductions for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks due to declining water levels in Gatun Lake while adapting its operations in anticipation of a severe El Niño event. The Neopanamax locks accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels, including containerships, LNG carriers
Speaking at the Port of Los Angeles’ media briefing on July 15, Executive Director Gene Seroka reported that more than 1 million TEUs were processed in June at the port. This volume represents a 12% year-over-year increase, brought on by strong import demand. Seroka said shippers are changing how they move their cargo. “Importers aren’t
