Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has resumed but remains far from normal, while major acquisitions by CMA CGM and AP Moller Holding reshape the logistics landscape, according to Splash247's latest industry wrap.
Strait of Hormuz: Still Far from Normal
According to Splash247, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is moving again, but operators still face uncertainty over routing, approvals, and who controls passage. Iran continues to claim authority over traffic management, while the US rejects that position. The situation remains volatile for tanker and container traffic transiting this critical chokepoint.
M&A Activity Reshapes Maritime and Logistics
AP Moller Holding revealed it is acquiring Norwegian shipleasing specialist Ocean Yield from funds managed by US investment company Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR). Ocean Yield owns interests in more than 70 vessels across multiple segments:
- Gas carriers
- LNG carriers
- Containerships
- Crude, product, and chemical tankers
- Dry bulk carriers
- Offshore vessels
In a separate deal, French liner and logistics giant CMA CGM agreed to acquire FedEx Supply Chain for $1.4 billion. The acquisition will be added to CMA CGM's CEVA Logistics platform, giving the Marseille-based group a much bigger contract logistics footprint in North America, according to Splash247.
Leadership Change at Hafnia
Product tanker giant Hafnia announced a planned leadership change. Mikael Skov will step down as chief executive officer on September 1, 2026. The Oslo- and New York-listed company has appointed Søren Steenberg Jensen, executive vice president and head of asset management, as its next chief executive officer.
Energy Trading Joint Venture
Italian energy major Eni and Swiss commodities trader Mercuria agreed to set up a joint venture for global energy trading. The 50:50 venture will operate independently and cover oil, biofuels, gas, LNG, and related logistics and infrastructure rights, Splash247 reported.
Tech Spotlight: Guide2Inspections App
Navguide Solutions’ Guide2Inspections app turns ship inspections into practical onboard training. Founder Captain Debashis Basu spoke with Maritime CEO this week, stating the aim is to replace text-heavy training with point-of-work mentoring that helps crews understand what compliance actually looks like.
"The aim is to replace text-heavy training with point-of-work mentoring that helps crews understand what compliance actually looks like."
The app combines self-audits, checklists, short videos, photographs, and guidance notes in one offline tool. It gives owners photographic evidence of vessel condition before external inspections while helping seafarers improve competence and confidence.
Implications for Shippers and Operators
The Hormuz situation demands contingency routing and close monitoring of approvals. The CMA CGM-FedEx acquisition enhances CEVA's North American contract logistics, potentially offering shippers more integrated ocean-to-warehouse solutions. AP Moller's addition of Ocean Yield's diverse fleet strengthens its asset base. Operators should also note Hafnia's leadership transition and the new Eni-Mercuria JV, which may influence energy shipping demand.
Watch List
- Further developments on Strait of Hormuz passage authority and safety
- Integration progress of CMA CGM's FedEx Supply Chain acquisition
- CEO transition at Hafnia effective September 1, 2026
- Launch and scope of the Eni-Mercuria energy trading joint venture
Sources:
