Key Container Ship Data Trends Reported in March 2026 in International Shipping News , Uncategorized 25/05/2026 A series of data-driven developments reported in March 2026 using Alphaliner proprietary datasets and AIS-supported vessel tracking highlight how geopolitical disruption, fleet expansion, and market dynamics are reshaping the container shipping landscape. The latest insights reveal unprecedented AIS disruption levels near the Strait of Hormuz, constrained vessel mobility in the Gulf region, continued strength in the charter market, and new capacity milestones across the global fleet. AIS Signal Disruption Reached Record Levels Near the Strait of Hormuz AIS-based vessel monitoring reported in March shows that signal disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has reached peak levels. At one point, 65 container ships were recorded with lost or manipulated signals, representing the highest level of disruption observed in the region. This compares with a peak of just 32 vessels during the June 2025 conflict, highlighting a significant escalation. As of 10 March, 48 container ships in the area west of the Strait were still operating with AIS turned off or spoofed positions. Disruption remained consistently elevated over several days, indicating a sustained breakdown in reliable vessel tracking. This has created a highly opaque operating environment, complicating real-time monitoring and risk assessment for carriers and stakeholders. Container Ship Movements Through Hormuz Collapse as Vessels Remain Trapped The operational consequences of the Gulf disruption were clearly visible in vessel movement data. No container ships had exited the Persian Gulf since 5 March, when a sub-3,000 TEU vessel was last recorded transiting outward. At the same time, 131 container ships remain stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, unable to safely transit the chokepoint. Broader maritime data showed that over 1,000 merchant vessels were currently concentrated in the region, reflecting a