Major container shipping companies under the Gemini Cooperation, including Maersk Line and Hapag-Lloyd, have announced a series of blank sailings in anticipation of the 2026 Chinese New Year slowdown. The holiday, which falls on 17 February 2026, traditionally causes reduced cargo volumes as factories and ports in China temporarily close.
The carriers plan to cancel 16 scheduled sailings across key east–west trade routes. Blank sailings — where a vessel skips a planned departure — are a common strategy to manage capacity, maintain freight rates, and prevent unnecessary congestion during periods of lower demand.
Industry analysts caution that these cancellations could affect shipping schedules and increase freight costs for shippers if bookings are not made well in advance. The Gemini Cooperation, launched earlier in 2025, continues to focus on schedule reliability and network efficiency, but seasonal adjustments like blank sailings remain a standard practice in the container shipping sector.
Shippers are advised to plan their cargo movements early to avoid potential delays and secure space before the holiday disruption.
