MSC Announces Six Golden Week Blank Sailings Across Asia–Europe and Transpacific Routes

MSC has announced a series of blank sailings around China’s 2026 National Day Golden Week, with six voyages cancelled across major Asia–Europe and Asia–North America trade lanes. The adjustment follows an expected slowdown in export demand during the holiday period and may temporarily reduce available capacity on several key shipping routes.

On the Asia–Europe trade, MSC will cancel four sailings, including Week 39 JADE (GJ639W), Week 40 SWAN (FW640W) and BRITANNIA (QB640W), as well as Week 41 LION (GL641W). These services connect major Asian export markets with European destinations, making the changes particularly relevant for shippers planning China-to-Europe ocean freight around Golden Week.

Two additional sailings will be withdrawn from Asia–North America services: Week 40 ORIENT (GO640N), serving the U.S. West Coast via Busan, Ningbo and Shanghai, and Week 41 PEARL (GO641N), serving the U.S. East Coast. Importers and exporters should monitor space availability, cut-off dates and alternative sailings as holiday-related capacity adjustments may affect shipment schedules.

MSC stated that the blank sailings are temporary capacity adjustments linked to weaker demand around Golden Week, while customers can continue booking cargo through available services. Businesses shipping from China to Europe or the United States are advised to plan bookings early and maintain flexible schedules to minimize potential disruption during the holiday shipping period.