Ocean freight market: unexpected surge in demand for containers

This month’s Ocean Freight Market outlines an unexpected surge in demand, leading to a shortage of containers and capacity. Despite a record increase in nominal capacity from new deliveries, effective demand exceeds current availability. Containership diversions to the Cape route remove another 7% of the total capacity. Container shortage has worsened in many Asian locations, with all new boxes fully booked until August. Capacity shortage could last through usual peak season until October.