Maersk suspends TPX transpacific service ahead of Golden Week, cutting capacity over 10%

Maersk announced it will halt its standalone TPX extra loader service shortly before the beginning of China’s Golden Week holiday, after the September 29 sailing of the Maersk Boston from Vung Tau, with the suspension lasting through the rest of Q4 2026. The move reduces Maersk’s weekly transpacific capacity by more than 10%, from the current 32,200 teu, and leaves the Gemini Cooperation services as the sole offering on the route.

The TPX service operates a rotation of Busan, Long Beach and Vung Tau using seven vessels that each average 4,400 teu as an extra loader service. Originally planned to run until the end of November, the service’s early termination reflects carriers’ broader effort to keep spot rates firm as the peak season wanes. Freight Right warned that spot rates to both US coasts will stay elevated through October as importers rush to beat factory closures tied to China’s Golden Week. It advised shippers to extend booking lead times to two to three weeks, even for cargo not yet ready, to secure space early given low schedule reliability.

Carriers have been trimming transpacific sailings to preserve spot rates as the peak season ends, with MSC already blanking its Asia‑US east‑coast Emerald service in week 41. Freight Right noted that the window for US importers to restock before the traditional shopping season is narrowing, keeping rates high.

What we know

• The final sailing of the TPX service will be the departure of the Maersk Boston from Vung Tau on 29 September.

• Maersk’s weekly transpacific capacity will be cut by over 10%, reducing it from 32,200 teu.

• The TPX service deploys seven vessels with an average capacity of 4,400 teu.

• TPX will remain suspended for the balance of Q4 2026.