Global container shipping schedule reliability fell to a record low of 27% in September 2026. Factors including seasonal storms and port congestion have driven up freight rates and demurrage costs.
According to Seatrade Maritime News, the schedule reliability index for container vessels dropped by 2 percentage points in September 2026, reaching 27%. This marks the fourth consecutive monthly decline this year, highlighting severe disruptions in international shipping networks. On key routes, such as East Asia to Europe, reliability has plummeted to as low as 4%.
Analysts attribute this crisis to severe monsoon storms, climate change, and port congestion. These factors have caused vessel bunching and delays, forcing carriers to cancel voyages. Consequently, shippers face rising spot freight rates and increased demurrage costs. Experts advise businesses to factor in longer lead times for the remainder of 2026.