Reduced trans-Pacific connectivity has become particularly acute for shippers in South Korea and Japan who have seen carriers omit calls or drop sailings as they seek to maintain or restore schedule reliability on mainline services.

Ocean Network Express reported 100 percent utilization on its major trades out of Asia, with the rising rate levels contributing to significantly improved profitability.

MSC has thrown its hat into the Asia-Europe rail ring, offering an intermodal connection that mirrors the sea-air service launched by Maersk two years ago.

Efforts to advance an Indian joint venture at Sri Lanka’s Colombo port have stalled because of port labor unions, though some believe the recent flare-up of border issues between India and China is also a factor.