Cancelled Sailings Tracker - 18 Sep

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Source: Container Capacity Insight

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Weekly analysis: 18 Sep 2026

Container networks are being reshaped on several fronts, as geopolitical disruption, changing vessel routings and seasonal cargo flows influence the market

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) stood at $4,500 per 40ft on 17 September, up 1% WoW. Transpacific rates rose 6% WoW, while Asia–Europe/Med rates fell 7% WoW. However, Transatlantic rates remained broadly stable. 

Against this backdrop, carriers continue to adjust capacity across the major East–West trades, 77 blank sailings are expected from week 39 (21–27 September) to week 43 (19–25 October), out of 720 planned sailings, representing an 11% cancellation rate, with 89% of scheduled sailings still expected to operate. Disruptions are concentrated on the Transpacific eastbound trade (55%), followed by Asia–North Europe/Med (31%) and the Transatlantic (14%).

As Golden Week approaches, pre-holiday cargo front-loading and further carrier capacity adjustments could influence October space availability and schedules. Meanwhile, Middle East security risks continue to affect regional shipping flows, even as more services return to Suez. Erratic port congestion and schedule reliability will remain important considerations for shippers as networks adjust.

The next edition of Container Capacity Insight will continue to assess how Golden Week cargo flows, capacity adjustments and evolving Suez routings shape freight rates, available space and schedule reliability across the major trades.