News / Transpac rates head north as carriers face Panama Canal restrictions

© Mircea Dobre

Transpacific spot rates from Asia are set to spike as a consequence of industrial action at US west coast ports and Panama Canal draught restrictions.

And the prospect of a lengthy period of labour unrest at the ports will accelerate the coastal shift of cargo to the US east and Gulf coast gateways.

However, the largest ships deployed on the Asia to US east coast Panama loops are facing new draught restrictions at the neopanamax locks. This will see vessels obliged to ...