Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have prepared the following report using practical efforts to ensure that the commentaries are accurate, generally using source intelligence and publicly available data.
Supply / Demand
Important Caveat:Although reliability scores are on the rise, the market remains guarded. Vessel rerouting - especially around the Cape of Good Hope - and ongoing geopolitical tensions could swiftly undermine progress if capacity and scheduling are not carefully managed.
Global: Between weeks 26 (23–29 June) and 30 (21–27 July), 49 sailings are expected cancelled out of 717 scheduled across key East–West trades, a 7% cancellation rate—slightly up from last month's 6%, but showing ongoing schedule stabilization. Most cancellations will be on the Transpacific eastbound route (47%), followed by Asia–North Europe & Mediterranean (35%) and Transatlantic westbound (18%). Spot rates on the Transpacific have fallen sharply, while Asia–Europe/Med rates rose modestly. Despite geopolitical risks, container flows remain stable for now.
Australia:On the China - Australia trade, June's data shows 13 blank sailings out of 128 scheduled, reflecting a cancellation rate of around 10% - an increase of May's that was just under 5%. The rise in blank sailings suggests a softening in demand or ongoing efforts by carriers to manage capacity and stabilise freight rates. It also highlights the continued volatility in the trade lane, with potential implications for schedule reliability and planning for importers and exporters alike.Orderbook / Scrapping
ONE Advances Sustainable Shipping with New Green Ship Recycling PolicyOcean Network Express (ONE) has launched a comprehensive Green Ship Recycling Policy ahead of the Hong Kong Convention's enforcement on June 26, 2025. Committed to responsible vessel end-of-life management, ONE will recycle ships exclusively at certified facilities that meet international standards, including HKC and EU regulations. As part of its 'Clean Ship Recycling' initiative, ONE also joined the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative (SRTI), emphasizing strict oversight through audits and yard visits to ensure environmental protection, safety, and human rights compliance. This move reinforces ONE's dedication to sustainability across its fleet of over 260 vessels.Shipping Industry Gears Up for Net-Zero TransformationThe global shipping sector is preparing for a sweeping net-zero transformation driven by new IMO regulations on ship fuels and emissions set for adoption in October 2025. Industry leaders emphasize that beyond regulations, significant investments are needed to develop alternative fuels, upgrade port infrastructure, and upskill the maritime workforce. Early movers have already invested heavily in low- and zero-emission ships, but scaling clean fuel production remains a critical challenge. The IMO Net-Zero Framework will enforce mandatory global fuel standards and emission pricing, signalling a decisive shift toward sustainable shipping and requiring coordinated efforts across the entire maritime ecosystem.
Patrick Terminals
FTA / APSA IN THE MEDIA
Amanda Bradfield - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSACopyright © 2025 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.