News / Capacity crunch on box ships to Asia: Maersk first to stop taking bookings, as air freight awaits boost

© Woraphon Banchobdi

Maersk Line today stopped booking export containers from Europe to Asia and the Middle East, according to market sources, while capacity is said to be extremely tight for other lines.

Air freight could feel the benefit, if the capacity crunch continues, according to one forwarder.

Maersk’s block on bookings runs until 27 March, but the situation will be reviewed on the 13th.

The only cargo exemption is when a prior space commitment has been given, according to a memo seen by The Loadstar.

A spokesman for Maersk said: “We ...