The way that transport prices have developed so far in 2023 gives a significant benefit to sea shipping over intercontinental rail freight. Rail prices to transport a 40-foot high-cube container are currently three-four times higher than sea transport prices. The considerable cost gap has resulted from the combination of low consumer demand and increased capacity in sea vessels. However, the situation could intensify until the end of 2023 and result in a “price war,” according to Christian Roeloffs, CEO of Container xChange.