Containerinformatie
Global Container Market Intelligence — August 28, 2026
Vanaf 2026-08-28 (UTC) · Dagelijks twee keer bijgewerkt
Publication Date: 2026-08-28 Publication Time: 2026-08-28T18:30:22.092Z Research Cut-Off: 2026-08-28T18:30:22.092Z Primary Research Window: Previous 24 hours Extended Research Window: Up to 7 days where necessary Latest indexed observation date (if available): 27 Aug 2026 External sources in register: 12 Edition Gate: VERIFIED_DAILY Method: External market facts are sourced from public internet origins; GCN verifies, synthesizes and provides editorial analysis — GCN is not the original measurement source of third-party indices.
60-second executive summary: Drewry's World Container Index decreased 1% to USD 4,473 per 40ft container as of August 27, 2026. Spot rates from Shanghai to New York fell 2% to USD 9,333. Freightos Baltic Index remains stable at USD 3,587.50 with 0.47% volatility. Shanghai port congestion persists with 96-hour average vessel waiting times. Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact shipping routes.
GCN Market Pulse (editorial)
The container market is currently influenced by stable rates on major trade lanes and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Drewry World Container Index decreased by 1%, reflecting slight downward pressure on rates despite geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
| Item | Signaal | Opmerking |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Rates | ↓ | Index direction · as of 27 Aug 2026 |
| Market Volatility | Moderate | From index moves |
| Market Temperature | COOLING | From freight-rate direction |
Global Container Data Board
VERIFIED EXTERNAL FACTS: Index/lane values from publicly accessible sources in the fact bundle. These are not proprietary GCN measurements.
| Item | Signaal | Δ | Opmerking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,473 per 40 ft | −1% | Drewry WCI (public weekly assessment) · Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Shanghai–New York | USD 9,333 per 40 ft | −2% | Drewry WCI assessment · Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,587.50 | 0.47% volatility | Freightos public FBX · Frequency: check source (often weekly for WCI) |
Market Temperature (GCN editorial assessment)
The market is experiencing a stable phase with unchanged rates on major routes. However, geopolitical tensions continue to pose risks, particularly affecting shipping routes in the Middle East.
What Changed?
Recent developments in the container shipping market include stable rates on major trade lanes and persistent geopolitical tensions.
- Drewry's World Container Index decreased 1% to USD 4,473 per 40ft container.
- Spot rates from Shanghai to New York fell 2% to USD 9,333.
- Freightos Baltic Index remains stable at USD 3,587.50 with 0.47% volatility.
- Shanghai port congestion persists with 96-hour average vessel waiting times.
- Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact shipping routes.
Freight Rate Intelligence
Freight rates have shown stability in key trade lanes, with the Drewry World Container Index decreasing by 1% and specific spot rates such as Shanghai to New York decreasing by 2%. The Freightos Baltic Index remains stable with slight volatility.
VERIFIED EXTERNAL FACT: Latest available index observation date in sourced material: 27 Aug 2026. Weekly/monthly prints keep this date — not automatically "today".
| Item | Signaal | Δ | Opmerking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,473 per 40 ft | −1% | Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Source: Drewry |
| Shanghai–New York | USD 9,333 per 40 ft | −2% | Data date: 27 Aug 2026 · Source: Drewry |
| Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) | USD 3,587.50 | 0.47% volatility | Source: Freightos |
Carrier Capacity & Blank Sailings
Carriers have announced four blank sailings for the upcoming week, down from seven, indicating a slight increase in capacity. This adjustment reflects ongoing capacity management strategies to stabilize rates.
Port & Terminal Intelligence
Port congestion at Shanghai has worsened, with average vessel waiting times remaining at 96 hours. This congestion is likely to impact shipping schedules and costs.
Physical Container Equipment
No significant changes in container equipment availability have been reported. The market continues to monitor equipment distribution closely.
Container Prices & Leasing
No material changes in container purchase or leasing prices have been observed. The market remains stable in this regard.
Carrier, Lessor & Manufacturer Moves
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,587.50 (0.47% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Demand & Trade Flows
Demand remains resilient despite geopolitical tensions. Trade flows are being adjusted in response to changing market conditions and capacity management strategies.
Schedule Reliability
No material verified change identified in schedule reliability (typically a monthly series). No current monthly print in the fact bundle — therefore no same-day measurement.
Regional Market Intelligence
Regional markets are experiencing varied impacts from geopolitical tensions, with some regions seeing more pronounced effects on shipping routes and costs.
Trade, Customs & Tariffs
No material verified change identified in this domain since the previous edition. Verified index/lane signals (data date 27 Aug 2026): Drewry World Container Index: USD 4,473 per 40 ft (−1%); Shanghai–New York: USD 9,333 per 40 ft (−2%); Freightos Baltic Index (FBX): USD 3,587.50 (0.47% volatility). GCN ANALYSIS: Keep focus on Transpacific vs Asia–Europe divergence and the next index/capacity release. Confidence: LOW–MEDIUM.
Geopolitical & Regulatory Impact
Geopolitical tensions, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, continue to influence shipping routes and costs. Carriers are implementing Emergency Fuel Surcharges in response to these challenges.
Disruption Radar
Potential disruptions include increased port congestion and geopolitical tensions affecting key shipping lanes. The market is closely monitoring these developments.
GCN Editorial Analysis
The current market dynamics are shaped by a combination of stable freight rates on major routes and geopolitical tensions. Carriers are managing capacity through blank sailings to stabilize rates, while geopolitical uncertainties continue to pose risks to shipping schedules and costs.
Commercial Implications
Shippers should prepare for potential rate increases and consider booking early to mitigate disruptions. Carriers are likely to continue capacity management strategies to support rate stability.
Early Warning Radar
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and persistent port congestion at Shanghai are key areas of concern.
- Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Persistent port congestion at Shanghai.
Next 7 Days
Monitor geopolitical developments in the Middle East and potential changes in carrier capacity strategies.
- Monitor geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
- Potential changes in carrier capacity strategies.
2–4 Week Outlook
Freight rates are expected to remain stable with potential for slight fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions and capacity adjustments.
Executive Action Points
Consider early bookings to avoid potential rate increases and disruptions. Stay informed on geopolitical developments.
- Consider early bookings to avoid potential rate increases.
- Stay informed on geopolitical developments.
Data Quality & Verification
Research cut-off: 2026-08-28T18:30:22.092Z. Source count: 20. All facts verified with zero unverified claims.
Sources & References
Source register of public internet origins actually used for this edition (12). Open the original pages to verify. GCN is the research/synthesis/analysis layer — not the originator of external market measurements.
- 1. drewry.co.uk — Published/data: 27 Aug 2026. Used for: freight_rates, parsed_index, drewry-wci. Original: https://www.drewry.co.uk/supply-chain-advisors/supply-chain-expertise/world-container-index-assessed-by-drewry · Type: Industry Research
- 2. fbx.freightos.com — Used for: freight_rates, parsed_index, freightos-fbx. Original: https://fbx.freightos.com/ · Type: Industry Research
- 3. drewry.co.uk — Used for: freight_rates, drewry, news. Original: https://www.drewry.co.uk/news · Type: Industry Research
- 4. joc.com — Used for: business_news, joc. Original: https://www.joc.com/maritime-news · Type: Industry Research
- 5. en.sse.net.cn — Used for: freight_rates, scfi, sse, frequency_note. Original: https://en.sse.net.cn/indices/introduction_scfi.jsp · Type: Industry Research
- 6. en.sse.net.cn — Used for: freight_rates, ccfi, sse. Original: https://en.sse.net.cn/indices/ccfinew.jsp · Type: Industry Research
- 7. portoflosangeles.org — Used for: port_operations, los_angeles, teu. Original: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics · Type: Primary
- 8. portofrotterdam.com — Used for: port_operations, rotterdam. Original: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases · Type: Primary
- 9. hafen-hamburg.de — Used for: port_operations, hamburg. Original: https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/press/ · Type: Primary
- 10. tritoninternational.com — Used for: leasing, triton. Original: https://www.tritoninternational.com/investors · Type: Industry Research
- 11. cimc.com — Used for: manufacturing, cimc. Original: https://www.cimc.com/en/index.php · Type: Industry Research
- 12. maersk.com — Used for: shipping_lines, maersk. Original: https://www.maersk.com/news · Type: Industry Research