According to Drewry, uncertainty over energy supply is pushing crude prices higher. rising marine fuel costs, higher war risk insurance premiums

After a period of decline, the spot freight market for container shipping recorded a moderate recovery in the week ending March 5, 2026. On March 5, Drewry published the World Container Index, which rose to $1,958 per 40-foot container — a 3% increase compared with the previous week's $1,899. Despite this rebound, the index is still 23% lower than during the same period last year. The increase was mainly driven by transpacific routes, while the Asia–Europe corridor continues to show signs of weakness. This reflects the gradual recovery of industrial activity in Asia following Chinese New Year and ocean carriers' rebalancing of shipping capacity

Performance on routes between China and the European Union.

Performance remains mixed on routes between China and the European Union. Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam decreased by 2% to $2,052 per 40-foot container, reflecting a 22% year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, the Shanghai–Genoa route saw a modest 1% increase to $2,844, though it remains 24% lower than a year ago. According to Drewry, rates on this corridor are under pressure but could rise in the coming weeks. Traditionally, March marks the resumption of shipping volumes after Asian factories reopen. Therefore, shipping lines are planning to increase capacity. On Asia–Europe and Asia–Mediterranean routes, only four blank sailings have been announced for the next two weeks, which is a limited number compared to previous months.

The most increase was recorded on routes between China and the US

The most significant increase was recorded on routes between China and the United States. Freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased by 10%, reaching $2,402 per 40-foot container. Meanwhile, the Shanghai–New York route rose by 7%, reaching $2,977. Despite weekly recoveries, both routes remain below levels recorded a year ago, with respective declines of 24% and 31%. The strengthening of transpacific routes is also linked to capacity management. According to the Drewry Container Capacity Insight report, only four blank sailings are scheduled for next week on routes to the U.S. east and west coasts, significantly fewer than the previous week. The gradual recovery of industrial production in China following Chinese New Year is expected to bolster demand for maritime transport and contribute to further increases in freight rates.

A different trend is evident on transatlantic routes

A different trend is evident on transatlantic routes. The Rotterdam–New York route saw a 2% decrease in price, dropping to $1,570 per 40-foot container. This marks a 33% year-on-year contraction. Conversely, the New York–Rotterdam route increased by 1% to $964, making it one of the few corridors showing year-on-year growth of 14%. Several return routes to Asia remained stable. The Rotterdam–Shanghai route remained at $543 per 40-foot container, and the Los Angeles–Shanghai route held steady at $724.

Geopolitical dynamics could also influence the freight market

In addition to seasonal and operational factors, geopolitical dynamics could also influence the freight market. For example, US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets have effectively frozen ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world's oil supply transits. According to Drewry, uncertainty over energy supply is pushing crude prices higher. If the situation persists, rising marine fuel costs, higher war risk insurance premiums, and possible operational disruptions could lead to higher overall transport costs. In this scenario, shipping lines could pass some of the additional costs on to container freight rates, creating further upward pressure in the coming weeks.

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Source : Transporto  Europa  Foto: Envato - Tampatra

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