WCI holds steady at $2,287 as carriers push for bunker surcharges

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) remained flat this week at $2,287 per 40-foot container, with rates holding steady on both Asia-Europe and Transpacific trades, according to Drewry’s assessment of April 2, 2026.

On Asia-Europe, Shanghai to Genoa edged up 2% to $3,529. Shanghai to Rotterdam stayed unchanged at $2,543. Only four blank sailings are scheduled on the Asia-Europe route next week, pointing to stable capacity. Drewry expects rates to rise in the coming weeks as higher bunker fuel costs push carriers to introduce emergency surcharges.

On the Transpacific, Shanghai to New York gained 1% to $3,434. Shanghai to Los Angeles slipped 1% to $2,663. Maersk is seeking US regulatory approval to waive the standard 30-day notice period and introduce an emergency bunker surcharge immediately, citing elevated and volatile fuel costs. The proposed surcharge stands at $200 per TEU on headhaul and $100 per TEU on backhaul dry shipments. Drewry expects spot rates to keep rising.

Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to tighten bunker fuel availability in key Asian hubs including Singapore and China. Carriers are responding with slow steaming, alternative refuelling strategies and emergency surcharges. Drewry expects these pressures to keep freight rates elevated in the short term.

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