The knock-on effects of recent typhoons in China are continuing to disrupt vessel schedules, with equipment shortages now emerging in some areas, while blank sailings and high fuel costs are adding further pressure to the market.
Typhoon Disruption Continues to Affect Schedules
Although the typhoons that affected South and East China have now passed, the disruption they caused is continuing to work through shipping networks.
Vessel schedules remain heavily affected, with delays at major Chinese ports feeding through to onward services and transhipment connections elsewhere in Asia. Late arrivals are resulting in some cargo missing planned connecting vessels, while carriers continue to adjust rotations and port calls as they work to bring schedules back into line.
There are also now pockets of equipment shortages. With vessels running behind schedule, containers are not moving through the network at their normal pace and empty equipment is taking longer to return to key locations. This is creating shortages of certain container types in some areas, making equipment availability more challenging.
The knock-on effects are expected to continue over the coming weeks, with delays likely to remain evident in subsequent sailings and arrivals. UK and European ports are currently operating relatively well, but pressure could increase as vessels affected by the earlier disruption begin to arrive.
Where individual shipments are affected, we will continue to keep customers informed.
Potential Shift Towards Red Sea Routings
There are some early indications that limited use of the Red Sea and Suez Canal route may begin to increase, with one scheduled change due to take effect this weekend. The shorter routing is being introduced in part to help vessels recover time lost as a result of the earlier typhoon disruption in China.
For now, however, this should be seen as a cautious operational adjustment rather than a wider return to the route. Security conditions in the region remain a key consideration, and carriers will continue to assess individual sailings closely before making further changes.
If the revised routing operates successfully and conditions remain stable, other services may gradually begin to follow. In the meantime, a mixed approach is likely to continue, with some vessels using the Red Sea and Suez Canal while the majority remain routed around the Cape of Good Hope.
Capacity and Fuel Costs Remain Under Pressure
Available space remains tight, with blank sailings continuing through the rest of September and around China’s Golden Week holiday in early October. With factories closing and cargo volumes reducing during the holiday period, carriers are adjusting capacity accordingly, which will continue to affect space availability over the coming weeks.
Fuel costs are also adding further pressure. Crude oil prices have risen once again and recently returned to levels last seen in May, reflecting continued uncertainty in the Middle East and concerns around supply. Higher oil prices are having a direct impact on vessel fuel costs and are also feeding through into wider transportation costs across the supply chain.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team on 01376 533039 or email [email protected].
