Maersk has expressed concern over an increasing disruption to Red Sea container shipping. 

The company predicted that this disruption will result in a reduction of the industry's capacity between Asia and Europe by up to 20% in the second quarter.

Maersk: Shipping Capacity Cut Predicted by 20% in Asia-Europe Route

According to Reuters, shipping companies, including Maersk, have been rerouting vessels away from Africa's Cape of Good Hope since December to steer clear of potential attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi militants in the Red Sea. 

For several months now, there have been ongoing attacks on ships in the Red Sea, a crucial route for cargo vessels traveling from Asia to the Suez Canal. 

Ocean carriers have been compelled to bypass the sea and opt for a significantly lengthier route to Europe, circumnavigating the southern tip of Africa. 

Due to the longer route around Africa, shipping companies have made the necessary adjustments by increasing the number of vessels. This ensures that goods can be transported promptly and without any reduction in volume.

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Maersk Warns Surcharges Increase

Maersk announced on Monday that customers will notice an increase in surcharges on their shipping invoices due to the rising costs incurred by the shipping line. 

These costs are primarily driven by a significant 40 percent surge in fuel consumption per journey.

Last week, the average cost of shipping a container from Asia to a northern European port was $3,550, as reported by Freightos, a digital shipping marketplace. 

This is a significant decrease from the peak price of $5,492 in January and is much lower than the rates that soared above $14,000 during the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, New York Times reported.

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