Global container fleet capacity will increase by approximately 3% in 2026, almost half the long-term average of approximately 6%. These figures are presented in the February Ocean Freight Market Update, prepared by DHL Global Forwarding. The company attributes the slowdown to port congestion and ongoing bypasses of the Suez Canal, which limit the effective supply of fleet in the market.
Meanwhile, container shipping demand increased by 5% from the beginning of 2025 to November, driven by stronger secondary trade flows from Asia. The possible resumption of full transit through the Suez Canal could support the Asia-Europe route, but analysts estimate the market will remain tense in 2026.
DHL also forecasts a decline in freight rates by early summer, following the traditional rise before the Chinese New Year. Futures indicators point to a return to the levels seen in the second half of 2025, with high volatility remaining in 2026. Vessel utilisation on the Far East–West route exceeds 90%, on trans-Pacific routes it is around 88%, and on Asia–Latin America routes, trade is expected to grow by 1.8%, with an average utilisation of around 80%.