Strong demand continues across global shipping routes, with carriers managing capacity through blank sailings, and intermittent disruption at London Gateway Port is also ongoing. The UK has signed a new trade deal with India, which could bring long-term benefits for importers.
Strong Demand Continues Amid Ongoing Capacity Management
Global demand for container shipping remains elevated, particularly on Asia–UK routes. Carriers are continuing to manage vessel capacity by implementing blank sailings, resulting in pressure on space and keeping freight rates at higher levels.
Equipment availability is again becoming a concern, especially in East and South China, where container imbalances are resurfacing. These shortages are largely driven by the knock-on effects of blank sailings and disrupted equipment repositioning. In North China, adverse weather conditions and heavy fog have been impacting coastal vessel operations, leading to delays of several days in some cases.
That said, overall schedule reliability is holding steady, with performance across core trade lanes remaining more stable than earlier in the year.
Intermittent Disruption at London Gateway Port
Operational disruption at London Gateway continues to be unpredictable. While some days see smoother operations, others are marked by significant service disruption. Yard congestion remains high, and the Vehicle Booking System (VBS) continues to experience pressure, contributing to limited slot availability and long waiting times for hauliers moving empty and laden containers on some occasions.
These issues are affecting all users of the port. Other UK ports are currently functioning without disruption, and we’re actively working to minimise delays wherever we can.
New UK–India Trade Deal Signed
This week, the UK and India signed a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at strengthening economic ties and boosting trade between the two countries. The deal is expected to reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods including clothing and jewellery, streamline customs procedures, and create new opportunities for importers.
The FTA’s improved market access and reduced regulation are expected to create significant opportunities for both UK businesses and consumers. Over time, this could also drive increased demand along the UK–India trade lane. We’ll continue to monitor developments and evaluate the potential impact on freight volumes and supply chain planning in the months ahead.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 01376 533039 or email [email protected].
