UNCTAD reports that world fleet carrying capacity reached about 2.5 billion deadweight tons at the start of 2026, while its Review of Maritime Transport describes freight-rate volatility and rerouting costs. [1] [2]

Why capacity is not the same as available space

Fleet capacity can rise while a specific trade lane remains constrained by rerouting, port calls, equipment position, blank sailings or regulatory disruption. A global capacity statistic therefore cannot prove a fixed rate or an oversupply on one route.

Budgeting approach

  • Use a dated carrier or index quotation for the route and equipment.
  • Model base freight, surcharges, insurance and destination charges separately.
  • Run a normal-route and disruption-route scenario.
  • Document the validity period and assumptions in the customer quotation.