Global News
Competition in container terminal market hots up as concessions end
Concessions to operate container terminals around the globe are coming to an end and the competition between terminal operators to win the new contracts on offer is intensifying in a number of locations. Drewry Shipping Consultants conducted a global survey of 27...
Bleak times ahead for container shipping: analysts
A series of analyst reports over the last week from Xeneta, HSBC Global Research, and Sea-Intelligence present a downbeat picture ahead for container shipping with overcapacity leaving carriers subsidising shippers on key routes. Despite a spell of super-profits as...
Flurry of Activity Along Black Sea Corridor After Multi-Day Stop
Ships are again moving along Ukraine’s Black Sea corridor after what appeared to be a multi-day stop in all traffic as a result of reports that Russian forces were again dropping explosive devices in the area. Despite continuing Russian activity, the ships are again...
Environmental Hazard as Cargo Ship Loses Containers in Canadian Far North
The Nunavut government and Canada are scrambling to deal with a potential environmental issue and boating hazard in the northernmost territory, a region located south of the Arctic Circle but with a polar climate and freezing cold for much of the year. Late on Friday...
Containerships Reach Highest Average Age Despite Newbuilds BIMCO Reports
The global container shipping industry is at the cusp of a major configuration in terms of fleet age as newbuilds prepare to enter service over the next two years and replace an aging fleet. According to the industry trade group BIMCO, the container fleet has reached...
Report: Containership Overcapacity Could Last to 2030 or Beyond
The container shipping segment could be beginning a much longer and more challenging period according to a new analysis from Sea-Intelligence. The Danish analytics firm issued a forecast this week highlighting that the container segment’s current level of overcapacity...
How Middle East war could impact global LNG, LPG shipping
War in the Middle East changes the geopolitical calculus for ocean shipping, compounding existing threats from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Two of the top energy cargoes at risk in the Middle East are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — propane and butane — and liquefied...
Chinese Line Files First Carrier Complaint with FMC Over Congestion Fees
Most of the complaints over congestion surcharges have been leveled by shippers and trucking companies against carriers and terminals, but in a reversal of fortune, the Federal Maritime Commission yesterday received its first complaint from a carrier against a...
E-fuels and retrofits likely to underpin decarbonisation drive
Two-thirds of the respondents in a recent Accelleron survey see a competitive advantage in the use of e-fuels and no fewer than 93% of the 200 participants believe e-fuels will make a decisive contribution to more sustainable shipping. Retrofitting existing ships is...
The Panama Canal is ‘climate dependent’
The Panama Canal has reduced its maximum draught to 44 feet and is cutting the number of daily transits to 31 compared to 36 – 38 normally as it battles an extended dry season. Explaining the decision for an additional reduction in the daily transit maximum to 31 from...
Container lines set out EU ETS surcharges
Indications of charges to be levied by Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM to cover the costs of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) have been released this week, with estimates ranging from €7 to €105 per teu. Nick Savvides | Oct 13, 2023 From January the EU...
Fighting in Gaza Could Lead to Shipping Disruption in Strait of Hormuz
As suspicion grows of Iranian involvement in the planning of the terrorist attacks in Israel last weekend, analysts are turning their attention to the potential for the conflict to spread to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important...
War in Israel: The new geopolitical flashpoint for ocean shipping
Wars and pandemics — geopolitical and global health crises causing widespread suffering and death — have the side effect of hiking profits in certain industries. Wars inflate returns for defense contractors. The pandemic was a bonanza for certain pharmaceutical...
Rotterdam Reduced Port Fees for Early Adopters of Future Sustainable Fuels
The Port of Rotterdam announced it will begin offering a substantial port fee reduction for ships that bunker sustainable fuels as part of its efforts to support the early adoption of new green fuels including methanol and in the future ammonia. The effort is ahead of...
Panama Canal cuts again daily transits as drought continues
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced it will reduce daily transits to 31 from 32 as a severe drought continues and may last until next year. To avoid delays and ship backlogs, the ACP will also offer a new schedule for the Neopanamax locks and the Panamax...
Cartagena is the largest transhipment hub in the Caribbean
The Port of Cartagena Group (SPRC) is Colombia’s main export port, connecting over 840 ports in 140 countries making it the largest hub and most connected port in Latin America and the Caribbean. Michele Labrut | Oct 06, 2023 SPRC operates 3 port facilities...
ITF recovers nearly $120 million in unpaid seafarer wages over 3 years
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) recovered some $36 million in unpaid wages to seafarers in 2022, a figure very similar to the previous year. Publishing figures on World Maritime Day the ITF said it had recovered $118.5 million in wages to...
Surge in Chinese Trade Leads to Pileup of Empty Containers in Russia
Russia's trade with the West has plummeted since the invasion of Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions, and it has quickly substituted commerce with China instead. That exchange, however, is not evenly balanced - and it is resulting in a steady accumulation of empty...
Panama Canal adjusts freshwater charge
The Panama Canal has announced that it will modify the variable component of the Fresh Water Charge (FWC) which will take effect on 1st October. As part of the Canal's efforts to manage the maximum draught available for transit through the Canal, The Panama...
Container freight rates to hit 2016 levels
Overcapacity and stalling demand are driving container shipping rates to new lows, according to the latest Market Pulse report from consultant Linerlytica. Nick Savvides | Sep 27, 2023 Asia to Europe rates are already below 2019 levels and there is a real risk...
Container shipping has a Europe problem and it’s getting worse
With all the attention on U.S. consumers and inventory levels, Europe’s importance to shipping lines can get lost in the shuffle. The Asia-Europe trade is pivotal to container shipping operators — and this trade is now under severe pressure. Judah Levine, head of...
Trouble ahead: Container shipping rates sinking further into the red
Trans-Pacific spot rates have fallen by double digits over past month It’s not looking good for container shipping lines. Peak season is running out of whatever limited steam it previously had. Spot rates are sliding into loss-making territory. Rates “continue to lose...
New fuels, new risks
New fuels, new risks The rise of alternative fuels both for vessel propulsion and as part of cargo such as electric vehicles is resulting in new risks for marine insurers. Marcus Hand | Sep 20, 2023 The emerging risks come against the backdrop of a generally positive...
Container shipping market back in 2019
Alan Murphy, CEO and founder of Copenhagen supply chain analyst Sea Intelligence, has warned of widespread service cancellations on major trade lanes across the Pacific Ocean and between Asia and Europe between now and the end of the year. Paul Bartlett | Sep 22, 2023...
Container line blank sailings surge for Golden Week period
The number of blank sailings by container lines during China’s Golden Week has surged sharply according to analysts Sea-Intelligence. Despite concerns that shipping lines were failing to act ahead of the seasonal lull around the week-long Chinese Golden Week holidays...
Critical years ahead for container shipping
Increasing congestion at container depots and the end of the 2M alliance in January 2025 could see further supply chain disruption and another shake-up in carrier collaboration and operations. MSC and Maersk announced the break up of their alliance earlier this year,...
ESG Index for shipping launched at LISW
As shipping companies face mounting pressure to introduce or strengthen their environmental, social, governance (ESG) strategies, a new framework has been developed to assist in this process. Speaking at The Time for Change is Now, a joint WISTA UK and Seatrade...
Shipping needs 40% of global zero carbon fuels to meet 2030 target
In its latest research into the energy transition DNV estimates that between 44 and 62 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) production will be produced by 2030 with an estimated demand for carbon neutral fuels of 17 Mtoe by that date. Highlighting the challenges...
Vessels turned away from Brazil’s Port of Santos due to congestion
BTP was reported to have been unable to receive two scheduled container ships for operation last week. BTP is a joint venture between APM Terminals, part of AP Moller Maersk, and MSC’s Terminal Investment’s Ltd (TIL). Both vessels attempted to divert to the other two...
Capital Gas Ship Management Orders Two Very Large Ammonia Carriers
Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. announces the order for the world's first two 88,000 CBM (?) very-large ammonia carriers (VLAC) with KSOE. The innovative vessels will be constructed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan and are scheduled to be delivered by the...
Industry unites over battle against invasive species in cargoes
Shipping lines, shippers, and governments are working together to combat the global issue of pests carried in containers and bulk cargoes that can cause billions of dollars in crop damage. Nick Savvides | Aug 25, 2023 The spread of invasive species via the...
Containerships largely unaffected by Panama Canal delays
The number of vessels waiting to transit the Panama Canal has grown, however, containerships with reservations have seen minimal impact in terms of waiting times. Marcus Hand | Aug 31, 2023 The restrictions on transit numbers and draught put in place by the Panama...
Port of LA container volume improvement stalls in July with 27% drop
The improvement in volumes at the Port of Los Angeles came to abrupt end in July. Marcus Hand | Aug 24, 2023 An improving trend in monthly volumes at the Port of LA which had seen June volumes down just 5% year-on-year, compared to a 43% drop in February, has not...
Panama Canal Restrictions Likely to Last for the Next Year
The backlog at the Panama Canal has eased slightly but the drought is likely to mean the restrictions continue for at least the next 10 months (file photo) PUBLISHED AUG 25, 2023 3:44 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Restrictions on the draft of vessels and the...
As Japan Begins Releasing Water From Fukushima, Should We be Concerned?
PUBLISHED AUG 27, 2023 3:46 PM BY EDMOND SANGANYADO Japan’s decision to release water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant has been greeted with horror by the local fishing industry as well as China and several Pacific Island states....
Shandong Port Group creating port cluster of over 40 million teu
Shandong Port Group (SPG) is to accelerate efforts to establish a world-class port cluster in the Chinese province. Michele Labrut | Aug 23, 2023 “Currently, a coastal port cluster has formed in Shandong, with Qingdao Port as the leader and Rizhao Port and...
Ports Without the Right Infrastructure Need a New Shore Power Solution
PUBLISHED AUG 20, 2023 8:49 PM BY ROBERT SCHLUTER There's a growing demand for shoreside power, but many ports lack the electrical infrastructure to support traditional systems. A new solution is required. A series of global supply chain shocks have tested the...
Transporting people & cargo through space may start in Maine
Green 4 Maine is negotiating with HyperSpace Propulsion to make the former Loring Air Force Base their headquarters for their future SPACESTAR spaceplanes. There must be an easier way to space!” — Richard Lugg, FounderPORTLAND, MAINE, UNITED STATES, August 16,...
Taiwan inaugurates first automated container terminal at Kaohsiung port
The seventh Taiwanese container terminal - jointly developed by Taiwan International Ports Corporation and the shipping line Evergreen Marine Corporation – has been officially inaugurated at the port of Kaohsiung. Katherine Si | Aug 15, 2023 With a depth...
Shipping Industry Joins Relief Efforts for Maui Delivering Supplies
PUBLISHED AUG 11, 2023 5:29 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE The shipping community is joining in to provide relief and support after the devastating fires swept parts of the island of Maui this week. Even before the fires have been fully extinguished, the industry...
Road Freight Transportation Market Is Thriving Worldwide During The Forecast Period 2023-2030
PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, August 11, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- "Road Freight Transportation Market" [2023-2030] Research Report Analysis and Outlook Insights | Latest Updated Report | The Road Freight Transportation Market is segmented into Regions, Applications...
Russian Warship Fires Shots to Stop Neutral Merchant Ship: Kremlin
PUBLISHED AUG 13, 2023 7:40 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE In a step change for the escalating war risk for shipping in the Black Sea, a Russian patrol ship has fired upon and boarded a foreign-flagged ship on the route from the Bosporus to the Danube, according to...
New Tech Makes Maritime Domain Awareness Affordable for Small Nations
PUBLISHED AUG 6, 2023 4:50 PM BY THE STRATEGIST [By David Brewster] Understanding what’s happening in the maritime domain, known as maritime domain awareness or MDA, is an essential element for any country that wishes to govern its maritime zones. But in the...
Govt decision makers need to value shipping’s key role: UGS
Be it war, pandemics or other global disruptions, it is shipping that links the world, allowing for the smooth flow of vital goods, and the link that keeps the global economy ticking, declared Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) President Melina Travlou. David Glass | Aug...
Panama Canal’s Limits Force New “Largest” Boxship to Offload Before Transit
Ever Max became the largest capacity containership to transit the Panama Canal on August 1 but was required to offload boxes due to the draft restrictions (AMP) PUBLISHED AUG 2, 2023 6:11 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE The transit of the new containership Ever...
Panama Canal to reduce daily vessel transits due to drought
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced it will reduce daily vessel transits due to an ongoing drought and help conserve water. Michele Labrut | Jul 27, 2023 Starting from 30 July 2023, the daily transit capacity of the Panama Canal will be adjusted to an...
China Launches First 700 TEU Electric Containership for Yangtze Service
PUBLISHED JUL 28, 2023 4:06 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE China completed the float out of its first 700 TEU pure power containership. The vessel, which is being built for COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, is part of an effort to use electric-powered vessels...
Four Companies in Shipping and Logistics Emerge as Bidders for HMM
PUBLISHED JUL 26, 2023 3:55 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Four bidders have emerged as potential buyers from HMM as the first round of the process begins in South Korea. Media reports are suggesting that the government favors one of the largest conglomerates to...
Dry bulk shipping market outlook H2 2023
Any hopes that the dry bulk shipping market would improve in the first half of 2023 have failed to materialise as a bounce back in Chinese demand did not happen as expected. So, what does the second half of the year hold in store? Marcus Hand | Jul 21, 2023 In the...
Armed robbery on the rise in Singapore Strait
SINGAPORE (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – An Asia sea crime watch group has reported seeing a rise in armed robbery in the Singapore Strait for the first half of 2023, amid a worsened socio-economic situation in the region. There had been 38 incidents in one of the world’s...