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The container shipping market shifts once again. What earlier in the year looked like a gradual easing into 2026, shaped by excess vessel capacity and expectations of more settled routing patterns, is now giving way to a more fragile and higher-cost operating environment. Ongoing disruption linked to the Middle East continues to affect both sea and air freight networks, and its impacts are spreading beyond regional diversions into rates, fuel costs, capacity availability and broader supply-chain planning.

For Australian cargo owners, the change is becoming more visible. Freight rates into Australia have moved sharply higher after a subdued start to the year, blank sailings remain elevated, and fuel-related surcharges are becoming more widespread. At the same time, jet fuel prices have risen to multi-decade highs, keeping air cargo capacity constrained and rates well above pre-conflict levels. While some global indicators point to pockets of stabilisation, the market is being shaped less by demand growth and more by cost pressure, disrupted networks and tighter effective capacity.

The report shows a market that is still operating, but under greater strain. Services are running, cargo is moving, and supply chains are adjusting — but at higher cost, with less certainty and reduced flexibility. Carrier discipline around capacity remains a key feature, while the expanding global orderbook raises longer-term questions once current disruption eventually fades.
In this environment, certainty remains limited. Planning horizons are shorter, volatility is higher, and disruption continues to shape commercial and operational decisions.

For the full report, please click HERE (downloadable PDF format)
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FTA / APSA Shipping Report - Edition 25 2026 Sponsored by Offshore Business Processing