News / Europe-Asia ocean rates hit new heights as exporters fight for what space remains

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North European exporters to Asia are paying the price of the extensive headhaul blank sailing programmes of ocean carriers.

Rates are skyrocketing on the route as they scramble for space.

According to the latest assessment by freight rate benchmarking platform Xeneta, short-term 40ft rates from North Europe have hit a high of $2,000, from a low of $500 in January, as shippers “fight for space” on the few export vessels with port calls that change daily.

One freight buyer commented that the space ...