By Maria Kalamatas | July 23, 2025
Section: International / Maritime & Trade Flows
Rotterdam, July 23 — Ocean freight rates across major trade lanes remain stable even as fuel prices climb, as carriers absorb higher operating costs to maintain market share during the busy mid-summer shipping period.
“Fuel prices have gone up significantly, but we’re holding rates for now,” said Erik Janssen, commercial director at a European shipping line operating on the Asia–Europe route. “Shippers need predictability, and we’re prioritizing long-term stability over short-term gains.”
Margins under pressure
While average spot rates have remained largely unchanged, carriers confirm that profit margins are tightening, especially on routes to North America and Europe where bunker fuel surcharges are rising. Some operators are compensating by optimizing vessel speeds and tightening schedules.
“We’re running slower steaming programs and maximizing vessel utilization,” Janssen explained. “It’s the only way to offset the added fuel burden without shocking the market.”
Impact on shippers
For exporters and importers, steady freight rates are providing much-needed relief after two volatile years of pricing swings. However, logistics managers warn that sustained fuel increases could eventually force adjustments.
“If bunker prices keep climbing, carriers will have no choice but to adjust rates by the end of the quarter,” said Clara Moretti, supply chain head at an Italian retail group. “For now, the stability is welcome.”
Carriers tread carefully
Larger shipping alliances are monitoring market demand closely, avoiding capacity cuts to prevent price spikes that could disrupt peak season planning for retailers.
“We want to avoid a repeat of the volatility we saw in previous years,” Janssen noted. “For now, the strategy is steady pricing and tighter operations.”
Outlook for late summer
Industry analysts suggest that if oil prices remain elevated through August, bunker surcharges may gradually rise. For now, the focus remains on keeping rates stable to maintain shipper confidence during peak shipping season.
