Ocean container spot rates rose ahead of the holidays, with Asia traffic stronger to the US east coast while carriers anticipate improvement on the west coast, reported Saint Petersburg's PortNews.

Asia-West Coast spot rates for the week ending December 14 climbed US$366, or 21.3 per cent, to $2,086 per TEU on capacity that was broadly steady at 301,668 TEU, according to Xeneta and eeSea. Rates were narrowly higher from November, up 2.2 per cent, as capacity fell seven per cent.

On the east coast, weekly spot rates gained $463, or 18.4 per cent, to $2,982 per TEU as capacity rose 7.2 per cent to 186,898 TEU. Rates increased 8.6 per cent month-on-month and are 4.8 per cent higher since December 1.

Xeneta chief analyst Peter Sand said Far East to west coast capacity is expected to increase 10.4 per cent in January, with blanked capacity down 48.5 per cent. By contrast, 162,219 TEU of blanked capacity had been announced for the east coast over the next eight weeks, reflecting stronger demand.

North Europe to east coast rates held steady at $1,566 per TEU even as capacity fell 6.2 per cent to 46,773 TEU. Rates were slightly lower year-on-year as offered capacity slipped nearly seven per cent.

Asia-Mediterranean routes saw rates climb 18.9 per cent for the week, 38 per cent month-on-month and 18.4 per cent year-on-year, with capacity growth of up to 26.1 per cent. Contract talks on Europe trades have already begun.

Departure delays from the Far East to Europe averaged 12.5 days, the second-highest in three years, driven by port congestion and inefficiencies. Mr Sand warned shippers to manage risks if they return to just-in-time supply chains in 2026.

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, through their Gemini cooperation, have introduced premium pricing for on-time delivery. Market sources said Ocean Network Express, Hyundai Merchant Marine and Yang Ming are considering similar pricing models.