As a provider of international container shipping services, the U-Freight Group notes that global teu liftings reached an estimated 89.2 million teu during the first six months of 2026, according to the latest EconDB operational estimates.
However, while container volumes remained above the levels recorded in 2022 and 2023, they fell behind the exceptionally strong performances seen in both 2024 and 2025.
Meanwhile, having reached its highest level since September 2024 when it reached USD4,639 per 40-ft container by July 10th, the Drewry composite World Container Index (WCI) started to fall as the month has progressed and the traditional peak season lost momentum.
In the China-Europe trade, the Chinese shipping line Sea Legend is planning to resume and significantly expand container services using the Arctic route during the summer navigation season. Potentially operating almost weekly, the first sailing of the season leaves Ningbo on August 12th headed for Felixstowe.
You can find more information about the U-Freight Group’s ocean freight services by visiting our website or speaking to your usual contact in our company.
