Returning to Suez and rates: the shipping contract conundrum

21.01.2025

Shippers negotiating new contracts this year face a major rates dilemma as the maritime industry contemplates a return to using the Suez Canal.

When carriers revert to transiting the canal, the reduction in voyage tonne-miles will begin to expose the overcapacity in the market, pushing a significant downward trend in freight rates, especially on Asia-Europe trades.

Shipping analyst Drewry estimates rerouting round the Cape of Good Hope reduced effective capacity by around 9%, «which has helped carriers once again post some very strong quarterly profits in the past 12 months».

Analytics on topic
Article
29.03.2025
Overview of rail freight transport in January−December 2024

In 2024, rail freight transport in Russia faced a number of significant changes and challenges

Report
23.10.2020
Report
23.10.2020
Environmental Agenda for Rail Freight Transport

Environmental agenda permeates all spheres of human activity, and rail transport is no exception. In an effort to defend its position, railway transport is adapting to changes, where environmental friendliness and sustainable development are increasingly important