MSC announces blank sailings on Asia–North Europe route
The carrier will cancel two scheduled BRITANNIA service sailings in November as part of capacity adjustments, while arranging alternative transport options for customers.
MSC has announced plans to adjust capacity on its Asia–North Europe trade by introducing two blank sailings on its BRITANNIA container shipping service in November 2026.
According to a customer advisory issued on 14 October, the carrier is responding to what it describes as ongoing market challenges affecting the trade.
The adjustments will affect two consecutive scheduled sailings, although MSC has indicated that customers can continue placing bookings while alternative service arrangements are being prepared.
BRITANNIA service to skip two sailings
The announced blank sailings concern the BRITANNIA service during weeks 45 and 46 of 2026.
The affected voyages are QB645W, scheduled for week 45, and QB646W, scheduled for week 46.
| Week | Service | Cancelled voyage |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | BRITANNIA | QB645W |
| 46 | BRITANNIA | QB646W |
The cancellations form part of MSC’s planned capacity adjustments between Asia and North Europe.
The carrier has not disclosed the amount of capacity being withdrawn or provided individual vessel departure dates in the advisory.
Alternative services being arranged
MSC said it is preparing contingency arrangements through alternative services to accommodate shipments affected by the cancelled sailings.
Customers have been advised that bookings can continue as usual, although the company has not specified which alternative services will be used or whether shipment transit times will change.
The announcement does not indicate a permanent modification to the BRITANNIA service or its port rotation.
The adjustments are currently limited to the two identified voyages, with no additional blank sailings confirmed in the advisory.
