Annual Review & Outlook 2026
Maritime
Executive Commentary as opting to source from lower tariff countries, unreliable solutions. Supply chains will need extreme operational flexibility, which is difficult to achieve given the complexity of multimodal global supply chains.
To build supply chains that can keep up with today’ s volatility, shippers, carriers and logistics providers must start with better data. That means re-instrumenting their networks with API-based integrations, real-time telematics and eBOL adoption to create a unified, high-quality data layer. This foundational data layer is the prerequisite for tools such as predictive ETAs, smart alerts and exception automation needed to manage volatility with speed, precision and resilience.
Volatility doesn’ t just affect ports. It travels inland and ultimately reshapes consumer expectations, making reliability the strongest competitive signal. With 45 % of consumers unlikely to shop again with a retailer after just one missed delivery, protecting on-time, in-full is non-negotiable.
This stress test will force the industry to optimize structurally. The companies that use this period to build this agile, technological operating model will be the ones who emerge stronger and more competitive.
more vessel and equipment capacity with shorter sailing times. The shipping container manufacturers, supported by lessors and shipping lines, also play a role here. The industry produced nearly 6 million TEUs of new dry containers in 2025, following a record year of over 7 million TEUs in 2024— frankly, more than is required. With newbuild prices stubbornly low, carriers and lessors continue to invest, despite excess inventories. The refrigerated cargo market remains resilient with solid growth and without the oversupply of equipment seen in the dry sector. People have to eat, and while tariffs may come and go, you can’ t move the equator. So, the 2026 outlook remains cautious with demand likely to grow, but modestly. The risk
Fresh To Market
Cold Chain Logistics To Lock in Freshness
SeaCube Container Leasing
Robert Sappio
CEO www. seacubecontainers. com
Last year on these same pages, many predicted that 2025 would be a year full of volatility and uncertainty. Those forecasts proved to be correct. Rapidly shifting trade policy, geopolitics, macro risks, persistent port congestion, new carrier alliances and changing environmental agendas all conspired to make demand and fleet planning for vessels and equipment an arduous task. Looking to the horizon, 2026 doesn’ t look much improved and most are even more cautious about the year ahead. While there are tailwinds, stiff headwinds persist, and once again uncertainty and volatility will be our constant companions. Tepid trade growth and moderating demand driven by an uncertain trade policy and global risk is front and center for 2026. Add to this an orderbook for new vessels standing at 30 % of the existing fleet, with newbuild deliveries outpacing demand growth out to 2029. This dynamic could be further exacerbated by easing tensions in the Red Sea which would release
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