SE Asia Vessel Traffic Hits Record Levels: 2026 Outlook
Port throughput up 12% in Q1 2026 across ASEAN. What surging vessel traffic means for maintenance demand and service capacity.
Southeast Asia’s maritime sector is posting numbers that confirm what operators on the ground have been feeling for months: vessel traffic is surging, and the infrastructure supporting it — including marine maintenance services — is being tested.
The numbers
Q1 2026 data from the ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group shows:
- Port throughput up 12% across the top 15 ASEAN ports compared to Q1 2025
- Vessel calls up 9% at Singapore, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, and Tanjung Pelepas combined
- Average vessel age in the regional fleet continues to climb, now at 14.3 years — the oldest in a decade
These numbers reflect both global trade recovery and the structural shift of manufacturing supply chains deeper into Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
What this means for freight forwarders and shippers
Higher vessel traffic creates both opportunities and challenges for companies moving cargo through the region:
1. Carrier capacity is tightening
More vessels calling at ASEAN ports means higher demand for container slots. Shippers who don’t book early are finding longer wait times for both FCL and LCL space — particularly on popular routes to the Middle East and Europe.
2. Port congestion affects schedules
With throughput up 12%, container terminals at Laem Chabang, Singapore, and Port Klang are operating at higher utilization rates. Terminal congestion can add 1–3 days to container dwell times, making schedule planning and cut-off compliance more critical than ever.
3. Freight rates are under upward pressure
Higher demand combined with the ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruption is pushing ocean freight rates upward across Southeast Asian trade lanes. Carriers have implemented emergency surcharges on several routes, and spot rates remain elevated above contract levels.
How we’re responding
Polaris Line has adapted our freight forwarding operations to match the evolving market:
- Expanded carrier partnerships — diversified booking across Maersk, Evergreen, and Hapag-Lloyd to secure container space even during peak periods
- Earlier booking windows — we now recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead of vessel cut-off, up from 1 week previously
- LCL consolidation capacity — increased frequency on our Bangkok–Jebel Ali consolidation to accommodate growing Middle East trade volumes
Combined with our Dubai partnership, we’re positioned to serve clients across the two busiest trade corridors — Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Planning ahead
If you’re shipping from or through Southeast Asia, the best advice we can offer is to plan your freight bookings early. Container space, port berth availability, and carrier schedules are all tighter than they were a year ago. Early booking means better rates, better scheduling, and fewer disruptions to your supply chain.
Get in touch to discuss your 2026 shipping requirements.
