When demand slumps and rates collapse, the ocean shipping industry turns to its sharpest tool: blank sailings. Ocean Alliance (OA), one of the world’s top carrier groupings, recently implemented a 37% blank sailing rate, signaling a massive contraction of capacity. While this move may sound like a setback for global trade, it can actually work in shippers' favor—if you know how to play the game.
OA’s 37% blank sailings reduce space but stabilize rates—offering shippers predictable schedules and pricing amid market volatility.
It’s a deliberate tactic to balance the supply-demand curve and avoid a total collapse of freight rates. For Chinese exporters and U.S. importers, this could mean better planning, premium equipment access, and even faster transits on leaner services.
As a freight forwarder navigating this market with clients every week, I’ll explain what blank sailings really mean, how OA's strategy affects you, and how to turn it into a competitive advantage.
What Are Blank Sailings and Why Do Alliances Use Them?
What Does “Blank Sailing” Actually Mean?
A blank sailing (or void sailing) is when a carrier cancels a scheduled vessel departure—either by skipping a port call or cancelling the entire loop. It's typically used when booking volumes are too low to fill a ship profitably.
For example, if a vessel in the OA Asia-USWC service was supposed to depart Ningbo on Week 32, but no cargo is available to fill even 60% capacity, the carrier might announce a blank sailing.
You can track announcements through Sea-Intelligence's blank sailing monitor or Alphaliner’s capacity reports.
Why Do Carrier Alliances Like OA Choose to Blank Sail?
The Ocean Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen, and OOCL) operates shared vessels and schedules. Instead of sailing half-empty and depressing freight rates further, they pull ships out of rotation to reduce supply and protect profitability.
This keeps spot rates from freefalling, stabilizes transit windows, and reduces unnecessary fuel consumption. Learn more at CMA CGM alliance strategy page or Drewry’s market insights.
How Do Blank Sailings Affect Transit Times and Space?
Will My Cargo Be Rolled Because of Blank Sailings?
If your forwarder isn’t prepared—yes. Blank sailings remove entire ships or port calls from the schedule, often resulting in cargo rollovers to the next available vessel. For high-volume exporters, this can mean delays of 7 to 10 days or even longer during peak congestion.
However, experienced forwarders like GeeseCargo book in advance, use alternate OA strings, and reroute through secondary ports like Xiamen or Yantian to ensure minimal disruptions.
More info on cargo rollovers at Freightos Rollover Index or Project44’s shipping performance dashboard.
Can Blank Sailings Actually Speed Up Deliveries?
Surprisingly—yes. Some blank sailings consolidate volumes onto faster, more direct sailings with fewer intermediate stops. This can result in a net transit time reduction of 2-4 days for select ports.
For example, if Shanghai to LA typically takes 16 days with two transshipment stops, a consolidated OA express service might complete it in just 12–13 days.
See express schedules from OOCL’s service network and Evergreen Line's optimized loops.
What Are the Strategic Benefits for Shippers?
Does Reduced Capacity Mean More Predictable Rates?
Yes. When alliances like OA blank sail, it sends a signal: they're controlling rate erosion. This helps avoid the wild swings we saw in early 2022 and May 2025. For shippers, this means:
- Easier long-term planning
- Fewer last-minute pricing shocks
- Stable landed cost forecasts
Freight buyers using fixed-rate contracts during blank sailing periods can often lock in rates just above spot, while enjoying space guarantees.
Learn more at Flexport's blank sailing guide and check rate trends at Xeneta.
Are There Negotiation Advantages During Blank Sailings?
Yes—if you move consistently. Carriers reward volume shippers with:
- Priority space access
- Lower rate markups
- Waived peak season surcharges
GeeseCargo uses weekly OA capacity forecasts to bundle client bookings and increase leverage. Even SMEs benefit when their cargo rides on consolidated containers.
More on capacity pooling at Container xChange and Lloyd’s List shippers' guide.
How Should I Adjust My Booking Strategy?
Should I Book Earlier During Blank Sailing Weeks?
Definitely. With 37% of OA sailings blanked, available space is tight. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance is now the norm—especially on Asia-USWC and Asia-EUR lanes.
Here's a sample timeline for smart booking:
| Booking Stage | Recommended Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Space Request | 21+ days before ETD |
| SI & Docs Submission | 10 days before ETD |
| Container Pickup | 5–7 days before ETD |
We also advise clients to avoid weekend cut-offs, as some port terminals now use rolling ETDs during capacity tightening.
Use Maersk Spot Tools and CargoSmart's booking manager to plan smart.
Should I Consider Alternative Ports or Carriers?
Yes. If you're locked out of an OA sailing from Ningbo or Qingdao, look at:
- Feeder service to Shanghai for onward transshipment
- Port of Fuzhou or Lianyungang for inland factory zones
- 2M or THE Alliance sailings as backups, if rates align
GeeseCargo provides daily vessel schedule comparisons and can alert you to blank sailing updates within 24 hours of announcement.
Stay ahead by using MarineTraffic tracking and BlueWater Reporting.
Conclusion
Blank sailings might seem like a bottleneck, but they are a strategic tool used by carrier alliances to protect rates and reset balance in volatile markets. OA’s 37% blank sailing adjustment signals an industry trying to stabilize. For savvy shippers, this is an opportunity: book early, work with informed forwarders, and use blank sailing periods to secure better long-term shipping terms. At GeeseCargo, we help clients ride out the waves and win in tough cycles like this.
