By Mike Wackett
The 2M, Maersk and MSC, are extending the suspension of their AE2/Swan Asia-North Europe loop by two weeks, until the end of November, suggesting that the traditional slack season could be softer than expected.
Ocean carriers plying the tradelane are struggling to match supply with demand as the forward booking outlook continues to disappoint.
Moreover, Maersk and MSC want to boost spot rates by squeezing out capacity and thus put them on a firmer footing for annual contract negotiations beginning soon.