Asia-Europe cost volatility turns ocean freight quotes into moving targets in International Shipping News 21/05/2026 Freight forwarders are facing growing difficulty predicting total landed costs on Europe-bound shipments, as instability across key Middle East corridors means the final bill is increasingly being settled in transit rather than at booking. Rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, fluctuating insurance premiums, and frequently adjusted fuel surcharges are widening the gap between quoted and final costs, particularly on Asia–Europe trades. “Freight costs are increasingly built during the shipment lifecycle, rather than established upfront,” said Oliver Gritz, founder and CEO of OntegosCloud, a forwarder profitability platform. Faster response separating performance As conditions shift during transit, the ability to respond quickly is becoming a key differentiator. “The difference comes down to data,” added Gritz. “The strongest forwarders quickly identified which customers were impacted, where cargo was located, and what actions were needed. They adjusted routing, introduced additional charges, and protected margins within days.” Forwarders with stronger data visibility are able to adjust pricing and execution in real time, while slower responses increase exposure to margin pressure as costs evolve mid-shipment. Trade disruptions driving cost variability Security risks in the Red Sea have led carriers to reroute Asia–Europe services around southern Africa, extending transit times by approximately 10–14 days. Longer voyages are increasing bunker consumption while tightening effective vessel capacity. At the same time, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are contributing to higher insurance premiums and additional risk-related surcharges. “Uncertainty does more damage in freight than the disruption itself. Disruption can be managed, but when costs, timelines, and outcomes become unpredictable, it affects every operational decision,” said Gritz. Costs accu