The global shipping industry is constantly evolving, and the COVID-19 pandemic began a marked shift in how container shipping operates. Disruption caused by the pandemic has forced the industry to expand its capacity and reduce costs to remain profitable.
At the peak of the pandemic, containers essentially stopped moving. As manufacturers went into lockdown and closed factories, many of the containers used to ship those manufactured goods were left stranded at ports or storage depots, where they weren’t needed. Simultaneously, freight shippers were reducing the number of vessels in use due to the manufacturing slowdown. This limited global shipping capacity and disrupted the worldwide flow of containers and goods. As a result, some regions were left with an excess of stored containers, while other places were left with no containers at all.
As the pandemic slowed and the global economy began to rebound, labor shortages and congestion at ports have left many of these stored containers stuck where they aren’t needed. Now, instead of a shortage of shipping containers, the industry is dealing with too many. Many container storage depots are turning away new clients due to lack of space, and some shippers are even giving containers away to make room. Blank and cancelled sailings are increasing as well, as shippers decide to skip a port or cancel a trip altogether in order to manage changes in demand and capacity.
Check back here for the latest news and insights on the state of the container shipping industry. You can also visit our maritime news archive to learn more about cargo shipping, or our American Shipper archive for air cargo shipping industry news.
South Korea’s Arctic shipping trial demonstrated a faster Europe route, but commercial viability remains uncertain.
Container rates rise as the Red Sea return threatens to worsen oversupply in 2027.
Maersk is studying the safety and regulatory requirements for nuclear-powered container ships, including a potential U.S.-Europe route.
Ocean shippers face worsening reliability across major trade lanes, with tighter trans-Pacific capacity adding to booking risks, according to WiseTech Global’s latest outlook.
Matson christened Makua in Philadelphia, the first of three new containerships in its $1 billion fleet upgrade.
Container ships are being increasingly targeted in the Strait of Hormuz, with one Singapore-flagged vessel sinking after a strike.
The Port of Long Beach set an all-time monthly cargo record in September as shipper managed soaring diesel costs.
Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure have raised the risk of renewed Red Sea shipping disruption ahead of 2027 contract negotiations.
DP World has appointed Morten Johansen as chief executive officer of its Americas region, placing a longtime ports and logistics executive in charge of the company’s operations across North America, South America, and the Caribbean. Johansen made the announcement in a LinkedIn post Oct. 13. He succeeds Brian Enright, who served in the dual positions […]
Public-private investment of nearly $1 billion will support PhilaPort’s largest-ever expansion.
After the busiest month in its 118-year history, tariffs and sourcing shifts roil the trans-Pacific trade lane.
Global container schedule reliability fell for a fourth straight month as the average vessel delay neared one week, according to Xeneta.
The Port of Los Angeles handled record container volumes in September, marking the busiest month in its 118-year history
OOCL saw higher revenue per container and increased cargo volumes across all four of its trade regions.
NRF says the extended peak shipping season is winding down, with most holiday merchandise already in and U.S. container imports expected to ease through year-end.
Xeneta: Asia-US West Coast rates showed the first sign of softening since mid-September.
Global container volumes hit a record 17.46 million TEUs in August, while ocean pricing reached a two-year high, CTS reported.
Samsung is seeking $186 million from CMA CGM alleging improper container charges and failed inland deliveries.
The Port of Savannah handled a September record as box traffic improved 3.7% y/y.
Liner operator Zim raised its 2026 earnings guidance, citing strong demand and rising freight rates.
