How DB Schenker guarantees excellent sea freight services during unpredictable times: Global Sea Freight trends and challenges in 2025

DB Schenker has and has had a steady course through a long period of time of how to respond to major challenges in global sea freight. Our customers’ goods are necessary deliveries, which need to be shipped on-time and safe. And we take our customers’ trust seriously, so that every shipment is handled with the most thorough care – even in challenging times.

Christian Flatum, Head of Ocean for DB Schenker in the Nordic region, reflects on the past few years:

"There is nothing better than being able to maneuver well into port in turbulent times, but it requires effort and insight. There are now new warning signs in the market, but we are well equipped and offer high-class, complete solutions for sea freight also in the future."

Uncertain market
The global ocean freight market has been characterized by significant uncertainty in recent years. Global events like the pandemic, followed by economic downturns and geopolitical tensions, have created an unpredictable environment for international trade. Freight volumes have fluctuated, and freight rates have been volatile, making it challenging for companies to plan and budget this part of their business. 

Geopolitics are playing an increasingly important role in global ocean freight. Tensions in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, as well as sanctions against countries such as Russia, have impacted trade routes and increased insurance costs for ships. Countries are increasingly making trade decisions based on political considerations rather than economic benefits, leading to the fragmentation of global trade blocs. 

In global trade everything is interconnected – for example, the foreign policies of US can create uncertainty in international trade relations when tariffs and trade restrictions are imposed. Not only having an impact on the world trade, but these measures can also alter trade routes and increase costs in the ocean freight market.

Supply chain disruptions
As experts working with sea cargo, we know very well that port congestions, strikes, and weather-related events can delay shipments in spite of careful planning. In an increasing manner, high freight rates and disruptions to key maritime routes such as the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal have also created a potential trade threat.

The Panama Canal is a critical trade route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It handles about 5% of the world's maritime trade. However, the canal faces challenges such as water shortages due to climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, which has led to reduced capacity and longer wait times for ships. Simultaneously, the blocking of The Suez Canal – an important route that connects Europe and Asia - in 2021 showed how vulnerable global trade is to such events, as it led to economic losses and long itineraries.

Cyber attacks
During the pandemic, we saw a dramatic increase in cyber-attacks on ports against shipping. Hackers can disrupt entire supply chains by attacking critical computer systems, which can lead to significant financial losses and delays.

This has made cybersecurity a priority for maritime companies and port operators. This underlines the need for robust contingency plans and alternative transport routes.

Safety on the move with DB Schenker’s sea freight solutions
Global sea freight will face a number of challenges also in 2025, but also opportunities for innovation and growth. Your deliveries are our priority: we offer support to you all the way, with every shipment, going anywhere. By understanding and addressing the ongoing environment with a reliable logistics partner, companies can navigate the complex landscape of international trade and ensure a stable and profitablefuture.

DB Schenker is known for its outstanding sea freight solutions due to its extensive global network and strong partnerships with players in the sea freight market. This ensures reliable and efficient services worldwide – here are a few benefits we guarantee.

Tailored solutions 
Tailored solutions Our customized solutions, such as Full-Container-Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container-Load (LCL), provide flexibility for different shipping needs. If you are shipping temperature-sensitive goods, such as fish, fresh flowers, beauty products or pharmaceuticals, our reefer management solutions allow you to sit back and chill. We also assist you with pre- and on-carriage services, such as customs clearance, delivery services and warehousing solutions.

Simplified Logistics & Tracking
We simplify your logistics by managing the complete shipping process from pickup to final delivery. Our experts do the hard work for you: identify the best routes and rates by coordinating with multiple carriers and oversee scheduling to ensure timely shipments.?

For superior tracking and visibility for our customers, easy-to-use digital tools like DB SCHENKER connect, offer easy ordering and real-time tracking and updates when the shipment is on its way. Our tracking solutions are known for their valuable functionalities, which help you to monitor shipments and anticipate possible delays.

Cost Savings & Negotiation Power 
As a major player in the sea freight market, DB Schenker leverage bulk shipping volumes to negotiate better rates with carriers. For businesses, this is helpful as they can choose the most cost-effective sea freight solutions for their own needs. Collaboration with a worldwide logistics partner with strong foothold in the industry reduces hidden costs, including customs fees, penalties and storage charges.

Regulatory & compliance issues 
When it comes to customs regulations, stringent import and export rules along with changing policies, can cause delays. Also variations in tax policies across different countries can result in unexpected costs for ocean freight. With DB Schenker’s customs expertise in clearance and compliance, we give our customers a compass to navigate in:

• managing essential documentation, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin
• ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations to avoid fines or delays
• providing guidance on import and export duties and tax structures in various countries. import/export duties and tax structures in different countries 

Our responsibility is to ensure the flow of goods at all times – safely, reliably and sustainably to get your goods transported when it should, where it should. We are not only experts in finding the best solutions for our customers in a cost-efficient manner, we also response to worldwide challenges in the global trade and make a social impact in global phenomena – such as reducing carbon footprint with biofuels in ocean shipments – also in 2025.

Do you want safety on the move? Our sea freight experts are ready to help you.

Contact us now!