1、Ocean Freight Rate Tracker Q1 2026Ocean Freight Rate Tracker Q1 20262Q1 2026 presents a complex picture for global ocean freight,shaped by seasonal weakness,geopolitical disruption,and persistent overcapacity.At the start of the year,freight rates were under pressure due to softer demand following t
2、he year-end shipping peak and the Lunar New Year slowdown.This seasonal decline reduced cargo volumes across major trade lanes,particularly on Asia-Europe and transpacific routes,resulting in weaker spot rates in February.Compared to 2025,the market entered the year with higher vessel availability a
3、nd improved schedule reliability,reinforcing a broader downward trend in freight rates.The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has added a significant layer of disruption.Tensions around the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz have forced vessels to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope,increasing transit
4、times and raising operating costs.These conditions have tightened effective capacity and introduced delays across global networks.At the same time,higher bunker fuel prices and the introduction of war-risk surcharges have further increased costs for carriers,contributing to greater volatility in fre
5、ight pricing.Capacity remains the dominant structural factor.Global capacity has stabilised at around 1.25-1.26m TEUs,but oversupply continues due to ongoing fleet expansion.As A.P.Moller-Maersk has indicated,global container demand growth in 2026 is expected to remain limited at 2-4%,reflecting rel
6、atively weak demand conditions.Similarly,Hapag-Lloyd has highlighted continued pressure from excess capacity,while C.H.Robinson has emphasised ongoing volatility driven by disruptions and longer transit times.GLOBAL INTRODUCTIONOcean Freight Rate Tracker Q1 2026306-JUL-2513-JUL-2520-JUL-2527-JUL-250