The transpacific, transatlantic, and Asia-Europe trades are all set for a surge in blanked sailings as China’s new year celebrations get under way.
Shipping lines have confirmed a significant number of cancelled voyages for the remainder of February into March, anticipating a pronounced seasonal slowdown.
Industry reports indicate that 136 scheduled sailings across the major east-west trades transpacific, Asia-Europe and transatlantic have already been withdrawn this month as demand appears to have tapered off earlier than expected in 2026.
The transpacific trade has been hit particularly hard, with volumes down 7.5% year on year last month as US tariffs continue to weigh on cargo flows.
The capacity adjustments extend into March, with 53 additional blank sailings already announced as carriers attempt to manage capacity in line with softer forecasts. While some shipping lines may hope for a rebound similar to last year’s early peak season, most analysts expect overall volumes to remain subdued for much of 2026. Read more from the Loadstar >
