A new analysis by Sea-Intelligence, a leading shipping analytics firm, shows rising inefficiency in global container transport, with empty containers now accounting for 41% of all movements.

The study analysed empty containers compared to full ones using TEU-miles and found that for every 10 miles a full container travels, an empty one now moves 4.1 miles.

This is a significant increase from 2019, when empty containers traveled just 3.1 miles for every 10 miles of full container transport. Sea-Intelligence noted that this increase has been steady over the past five years, with only a small temporary dip in 2022.

Industry analysts say the rise in empty container movements is mainly due to structural imbalances in global trade. Karachi-based freight forwarder Acumen Freight Solutions explained that trade flows between countries are rarely balanced.

Some regions export much more than they import, while others are mainly import-focused. This leads to container shortages in some ports and surpluses in others.

Acumen noted that Asian ports often face shortages because of high export volumes, while North American and European ports frequently have too many containers as imports exceed exports.

Experts warn that if global trade doesn’t rebalance or container repositioning doesn’t improve, the number of empty containers could keep rising. This would put more pressure on shipping companies and ports, increasing costs and operational challenges across the supply chain.

Reference: Sea-Intelligence

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