What Awaits Us in 2026 in the Field of Shipping Containers
The topic “What awaits us in 2026 in the field of shipping containers” represents a comprehensive overview of fundamental trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the landscape of global logistics, maritime transport, and the shipping container market in 2026. It is not merely a prediction of transport prices, but a synthesis of changes in regulation, technology, sustainability, geopolitics, and economics that will affect the entire supply chain – from manufacturers through freight forwarders to retailers and customers.
At its core lies the question of how the fundamental building block of world trade – the steel shipping container in standardized sizes (20′ and 40′ feet) – will adapt to new requirements for sustainability, safety, efficiency, and flexibility. The analysis is based on data and insights from 2025, which in 2026 are followed by fundamental regulatory and market shifts, including the full impact of European environmental regulations, digitalization of processes, and changes in container manufacturing and recycling.
Key Aspects and Predictions for 2026
Full Impact of Regulatory and Environmental Changes
Expansion of EU ETS to Maritime Transport
2026 brings full integration of maritime transport into the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS):
- Since January 2024, all ships with a gross tonnage exceeding 5,000 GT entering EU ports are included in the EU ETS, regardless of flag.
- In 2025, carriers pay for 40%25 of allowances for CO₂ emissions from 2024; in 2026 already 70%25 of emissions from 2025, and from 2027 a full 100%25.
- In addition to CO₂, from 2026 the ETS will also include methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions.
- The system distinguishes between intra-European routes (100%25 of emissions) and routes to/from third countries (50%25 of emissions within the EU).
Consequence:
Transport costs to and from the EU will increase significantly, as carriers pass on the price of emission allowances to so-called ETS Surcharges. Pressure is expected for fleet modernization, investment in more efficient technologies, and alternative fuels.
FuelEU Maritime – Decarbonization of Maritime Transport
- From 2025, all ships over 5,000 GT are required to reduce the so-called greenhouse gas intensity of energy used on board – in 2025 by -2%25 compared to the 2020 average, in 2030 already -6%25, in 2040 -31%25, and in 2050 up to 80%25.
- The targets apply not only to CO₂ but also to methane and nitrous oxide, calculated over the entire fuel lifecycle (well-to-wake).
- From 2030, containers and passenger ships must mandatorily use on-shore power supply (OPS) or other zero-emission technologies at designated ports during their stay in port.
Effect:
Demand increases for low-emission and renewable fuels (LNG, methanol, biofuels, hydrogen), innovative technologies (e.g., hybrid drives, sails, battery systems), and more efficient route planning.
Mandatory Reporting of Lost Containers and Safety
- From 2026, the obligation to report lost containers at sea comes into force according to the amendment to the SOLAS convention, with mandatory data for the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- Stricter rules for the transport of dangerous goods (IMDG Code 42-24) harmonize safety standards within the IMO.
Benefit:
Transparency increases, analysis of incident causes improves, and prevention against losses and cargo damage is strengthened.
Geopolitical Instability and New Logistics Models
Bypassing Risky Routes
- Due to instability in the Red Sea, Suez Canal, or South China Sea, routes around the Cape of Good Hope are becoming not only temporary but for some carriers also permanent solutions.
- The result is extended voyage times, increased fuel consumption, and the need for a larger number of containers in circulation.
Diversification of Manufacturing and New Trade Routes
- There is a significant growing trend of shifting manufacturing from China to India, Vietnam, Mexico, and other countries, which strengthens new trade routes and increases pressure on port logistics in these regions.
- Transport of goods from China through Mexico to the USA is becoming increasingly common, leading to greater strain on Mexican infrastructure.
Resilience and Flexibility of Supply Chains
- Companies invest in larger safety stocks, route diversification, multiple carriers, and more flexible contracts.
- The ability to quickly change carriers and routes becomes a key competitive advantage.
Container Market: Prices, Manufacturing, and Recycling
Container and Transport Prices
- Transport prices: In 2026, prices for transporting a 40′ container from Asia to Europe are approaching the 4,500–5,500 USD/FEU (Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit) threshold, with routes to the USA holding around 5,300 USD/FEU.
- Growth factors: Higher prices are driven by capacity shortages, longer routes, commodity demand, geopolitical shocks, and emission allowance costs.
- Container prices: While prices for new containers from China remain relatively stable due to massive production, prices for used (cargo worthy) containers are rising slightly due to higher demand and extended circulation cycles.
- Manufacturing: China is the dominant manufacturer – its factories cover over 80%25 of global ISO container production.
Source: HZ-Containers – Global Container Trends and Prices
Recycling Trend and Secondary Use
- The use of decommissioned containers as building units, shipping container houses modular offices, shops, sanitary facilities, or temporary warehouses is growing.
- Building units for rent are a common service – containers can be quickly converted into shipping container homes, equipped, and re-rented.
- The sustainable trend is also supported by legislation and emission fees, which increase the cost of inefficient storage and transport.
Digitalization and Technological Innovations
Smart Containers and IoT
- Smart Containers – equipped with IoT sensors enable real-time monitoring of location, temperature, humidity, vibrations, and unauthorized opening.
- IoT technology increases security, facilitates shipment management, and accelerates claims processing in case of damage.
- For sensitive commodities (pharmaceuticals, electronics, food), the use of smart containers is already almost standard.
Digitalization of Processes and SRO Platforms
- Secure Release Order (SRO) – digital, encrypted platforms for container release in port significantly reduce the risk of theft and fraud compared to traditional PIN codes.
- SRO is expanding in 2026 from German ports to the entire EU.
Port and Warehouse Automation
- The share of fully automated ports (robotic cranes, AGV vehicles, autonomous warehouse systems) is growing.
- In warehouses, automated stackers, miniload systems, VNA (very narrow aisle) vehicles, and picking robotics are common.
Source: Logistics Systems, September/October 2025
Intelligent Tachographs
- Road transport is subject to the obligation from 2025/2026 to use second-generation tachographs (G2V2), which automatically record location, driving time, and border crossings.
Case Study: Importing a Container from China to the Czech Republic in 2026
A Czech company imports a 40′ container from Shenzhen to Prague:
| Phase | Description | Specifics of 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Booking and price | Freight forwarder calculates price including BAF and ETS Surcharge | 4,500–5,500 USD per FEU, significant component of emission fees |
| Route selection | Two options: Suez (risky, faster) or around Africa (safer, longer) | Route around Africa takes 45–50 days, Suez 35 days; preference for safer route |
| Documentation | Container release via SRO platform | Everything digital, encrypted, minimizing fraud |
| Customs clearance | Customs at Hamburg port, followed by truck/train to Prague | Truck must have G2V2 tachograph |
| Total costs and time | 60 days, higher price than before, need for larger reserve | Due to emission fees, longer route, higher container demand |
Related Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) | Standardized unit for container transport volume, corresponding to a 20′ container. |
| ISO Certification of Container | Defines dimensions, strength, and structural properties for safe international transport. |
| FCL (Full Container Load) | Fully loaded container by one customer; the most common transport mode for larger volumes. |
| SOLAS | International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea; in 2026 mandatory reporting of lost containers. |
| Hub-and-Spoke Model | Logistics model with a central transshipment point (hub) and distribution to smaller ports (spokes). |
| Cargo Worthy | Container condition suitable for maritime transport of goods, meets ISO standards and is watertight. |
Conclusion and Outlook
2026 will be a year of fundamental changes in logistics and maritime transport: higher prices, longer routes, stronger pressure on sustainability and digitalization, but also greater security and transparency. Successful companies will be those that manage to plan strategically, diversify their supply chains, and quickly adapt to new conditions. Shipping containers remain the fundamental building block of global trade – their safety, durability, and versatility are timeless.
Czech Republic, Vsetín 
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