Drewry forecasts 57 blank sailings for container ships in late July–August

Consultancy Drewry estimates that container ship operators have scheduled 57 blank sailings between week 31 (27 July–2 August) and week 35 (24–30 August), representing an 8 % cancellation rate out of 726 planned departures. The cancellations are concentrated on the Trans‑Pacific eastbound route (54 % of the blank sailings), followed by Asia–North‑Europe/Mediterranean (25 %) and trans‑Atlantic services (21 %).

Drewry notes that vessel capacity is returning and freight rates are falling on major routes, but uncertainties remain high due to renewed geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, ongoing port congestion, and network adjustments. Carriers Gemini Cooperation and MSC have the lowest blank‑sailing ratios at about 1 %.

The analysis suggests that while capacity growth is easing pressure on freight prices, disruptions and route‑specific volatility continue to affect global supply‑chain stability.