After a strong start in the first quarter, container volumes in the trans-Atlantic trade have declined, and average vessel utilization has dropped sharply, eroding freight rates. As a result, container lines are likely to start canceling vessel sailings in October, according to Drewry.

The deliveries of new ultra-large container ships that are scheduled later this year will further depress Asia-Europe freight rates unless carriers make more radical changes, Drewry Shipping Consultants report.

China Shipping Container Lines plans to order five 18,000 20-foot-equivalent unit container ships, the world's largest, becoming the first carrier to challenge Maersk Line, which will deploy the first vessel of this size in the Asia-Europe trade in June.