Topic
Container Shipping
Logistics East Asia faces $890bn maritime investment bill to 2040, World Bank warns
The World Bank estimates East Asia and the Pacific needs about $890bn through 2040 to modernize ports, replace aging fleets and build alternative-fuel supply chains. Ports need $12bn annually, container capacity may nearly double, and China accounts for 65% of port spending. The report warns that regulatory uncertainty has led to sectoral paralysis.
Logistics Carriers Gain Leverage: Become a Shipper of Choice to Win Capacity, Says Covenant SVP
Carriers have entered their strongest negotiating position in years, giving them leverage to prioritize shippers offering predictable, steady freight volumes. Covenant Transport SVP Tyson Wimberly shared strategies at the Univar Carrier Kickoff, highlighting regulatory constraints, insurance cost inflation, and driver pay variability as key challenges. Shippers must become a 'shipper of choice' to win capacity.
Logistics Blystad's Songa Box Orders Up to Six Feeders at Chinese Newcomer Shipyard
Arne Blystad's Songa Box has ordered two 1,300 teu feeder vessels at Hubei Guangji Green Energy Shipbuilding in China, with options that could bring the series to six ships worth $180m. The order expands Songa Box's pipeline to eight firm newbuildings and up to 12 with options, amid a broader feeder fleet renewal.
Logistics Celadon Bankruptcy Chaos: Stranded Drivers, $1M Monthly Legal Drain, and Lessons for Today's Freight Market
Former Celadon CEO Paul Svindland recounts the December 2019 bankruptcy, where early news publication stranded drivers with shut-off fuel cards. He now warns that a wave of newbuild vessels will make current container spot rates unsustainable. Svindland’s new venture, Mallory Alexander, targets middle-market shippers and is deploying AI for documentation.
Logistics Zhenghe Mainline Orders Six 4,600 TEU Boxships at Hengli Shipbuilding for Baltic Service
Chinese state-owned carrier Zhenghe Mainline has ordered six 4,600 TEU containerships from Hengli Shipbuilding in a deal worth over RMB3 billion ($443 million). The vessels will serve a new route linking Taicang with the Baltic, giving parent Jiangsu Port Group greater control over capacity for eastern China exporters. The order brings Zhenghe's confirmed orderbook at the yard to 11 ships with combined capacity of about 47,700 TEU.
Logistics Zodiac Maritime Orders Eight 6,400 TEU Boxships at Hengli Heavy Industry, Extending $1.6B Drive
Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Maritime has been linked to an order for eight 6,400 TEU containerships at China's Hengli Heavy Industry, worth about $640 million. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029. This order extends Zodiac's boxship newbuilding drive to 19 vessels since early 2025, with a combined capacity of around 135,200 TEU.
Logistics Geopolitics Drives CMA CGM Q2 Profit Surge of 42% as Volumes and Rates Climb
CMA CGM posted a 42.4% increase in second-quarter EBITDA to $2.26 billion, with maritime volumes rising 6% to 6.3 million TEUs. The carrier attributed the results to geopolitical instability, sustained freight rates, and network adjustments, including new services like the Mekong Transpacific Express.
Logistics US urged to create publicly backed container line to reduce foreign carrier dependence, report says
The Open Markets Institute report urges the US to create a publicly backed container shipping line to reduce dependence on foreign carriers, which control nearly 80% of global container capacity. The report alleges a 'container cartel' and proposes tighter FMC scrutiny, restored common-carrier protections, and expanded mariner training.
Logistics Asia-US Ocean Freight Rates Soar 234% Since February Amid Iran Conflict and Tariff Frontloading
Ocean container spot rates from Asia to the US have surged over 230% since the start of the Iran conflict in late February, driven by geopolitical disruption and tariff frontloading. While rates are now gradually softening, carriers are leveraging higher bunker costs to slow the decline. The peak shipping season appears to have ended early, and blank sailings are emerging.
Logistics Sinotrans Doubles Qingshan Feeder Order with Second Quartet of 1,800 TEU Vessels
Sinotrans Container Lines is doubling its feeder vessel order at China Merchants' revived Qingshan Shipyard, issuing a procurement invitation for four additional 1,800 TEU ships. The move follows a May contract for an initial quartet and brings the total programme to eight vessels with an indicative investment of around RMB1.88 billion.
Logistics Italian Police Seize $290 Million in Cocaine Hidden in Ecuador Banana Shipment at Port of Vado Ligure
Italian authorities seized nearly 1,700 pounds of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated shipping container carrying bananas at the Port of Vado Ligure. The container originated in Ecuador. The cocaine had an estimated street value of €250 million ($290 million). This bust is among the largest recent cocaine seizures at the port and highlights the use of legitimate refrigerated produce shipments for drug trafficking.
Logistics Nuclear container ships move closer with Port of Long Beach-Marad test program
The Port of Long Beach and the U.S. Maritime Administration have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to test small modular reactor technology for powering commercial vessels and port operations. The project could lead to the first U.S.-flagged nuclear container ship since 1959, with potential to transform maritime supply chain energy use.
Logistics Marten Transport Q2 Signals Reefer Market Tightening; Capacity Cuts and Rate Hikes Underway
Marten Transport reported Q2 results indicating a sharp tightening in the refrigerated truckload market. CEO Randy Marten said the freight market is breaking out from the longest recession on record, with regulatory enforcement removing capacity. The company raised rates, improved freight selection, and saw revenue per loaded mile increase 6% year-over-year in its non-dedicated TL fleet, despite an 8% reduction in tractor count.
Logistics Triple-Pronged War Threat Intensifies for Global Shipping in Hormuz, Red Sea, and Black Sea
Shipping faces simultaneous crises: Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi strikes on tankers in the Red Sea, and Russia-Ukraine attacks halting Ukraine's maritime corridor. New US tariffs and climate disruption on European rivers compound the risks.
Logistics Failed Containership Cocaine Drop in English Channel Leads to 11 Convictions
Eleven people have been convicted for a failed attempt to retrieve 500 kg of cocaine dropped from an unidentified containership into the English Channel. In a separate incident, Border Force officers seized 240 kg of cocaine hidden in banana crates aboard the reefer ship Atlantic Klipper at Portsmouth Docks.
Logistics China Launches Largest Hydrogen-Powered Inland Cargo Ship for Pearl River Commercial Network
China has launched the Yun Tao No 1, its largest hydrogen-powered inland cargo vessel, as part of a push toward commercial zero-emission shipping on the Pearl River basin. The 2,000-tonne ship, built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation, can carry 140 containers and claims fuel cost savings of 25-30% over diesel. The operator plans to deploy 100 standardized hydrogen vessels within four years, targeting subsidy-free operations by 2028.
Logistics Aberdeen Group Takes 5% Stake in Malaysian Liner MTT Shipping and Logistics
London-listed asset manager Aberdeen Group has acquired a 5.075% stake in Malaysian liner operator MTT Shipping and Logistics, becoming one of its largest shareholders. The investment, valued at RM123.1 million ($30 million), follows MTT's recent listing on Bursa Malaysia and its order of two 3,300 TEU containerships for fleet expansion.
Logistics Shanghai advances terminal projects after 6.2% box growth to 28.74m TEU in first half
Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) is accelerating two major container terminal projects after first-half throughput rose 6.2% to an estimated 28.74m TEU. Piling work at the Xiaoyangshan North terminal finished 66 days ahead of schedule, while Phase 2 of the Luojing conversion progresses. A single-day record of 187,312 TEU was set on June 9.
Logistics Freight Rates Surge and Ports Jam as West Asia Conflict Disrupts Shipping from India
The renewed West Asia conflict has sent ocean freight rates soaring from Indian ports, with rates to West Asia jumping from $400 to $3,500 and to Argentina doubling to $9,000. Port congestion at Nhava Sheva and Mundra is delaying berthing, while container shortages and vessel blank calls are disrupting exports. Exporters are urging government intervention as logistics costs spiral.
Logistics Freight Rattled by Delays, Ship Shortages and Port Congestion as West Asia Conflict Flares Up
Renewed West Asia conflict has caused severe disruptions on trade routes from India, with ocean freight rates more than doubling to Argentina and surging to West Asia from $400 to $3,500. Ports on India's west coast, particularly Nhava Sheva and Mundra, face congestion and vessel blank sailings. Exporters report container shortages, order cancellations, and mounting detention/demurrage costs, with some pausing bookings for Bahrain and Sydney.
Logistics Ocean Rates Weaken After Tariff-Driven Peak Season Amid Middle East Turmoil
Ocean freight rates on key Asia-US trade lanes declined after a tariff-driven peak season, with the Asia-West Coast route dropping 6% to $7,067/FEU. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including Houthi threats to close the Red Sea, and port congestion from Typhoon Bavi add uncertainty to supply chains.
Logistics Record 2 Million Cars Tipped to Move in Containers as China Outgrows Car Carrier Fleet
A record two million cars are expected to be shipped in containers and other non-dedicated vessels in 2026 as China's vehicle exports outpace the growth of the pure car carrier fleet. Veson Nautical reports the shift from temporary fix to structural feature, with China projected to export 10 million light vehicles this year. The first five months of 2026 saw 4.06 million vehicles exported, up 63% year-on-year.
Logistics Trucking Market Update: International Container Spot Rates Surge 400% as Retail Peak Season Looms
International container spot rates have surged 400%, according to FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller. The domestic trucking market remains quiet but strong intermodal activity and an anticipated surge of long-haul volume from the West Coast signal a tightening freight market ahead of the retail peak season. Regulatory crackdowns are further impacting capacity.
Logistics Bin Sulayem Takes Interim Control at MMC Ports After CEO's Abrupt Departure
MMC Port Holdings has appointed former DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem as interim leader after the departure of group CEO Azman Shah Mohd Yusof. Bin Sulayem will handle all CEO matters until a permanent successor is named, while day-to-day operations continue without disruption. The leadership change follows bin Sulayem's resignation from DP World in February after the US Department of Justice released emails with Jeffrey Epstein. MMC Ports, Malaysia's largest port operator, has also postponed its planned IPO.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Crisis Worsens as Containership Attack, Azov Drone Strikes Disrupt Trade Routes
The Strait of Hormuz crisis escalates with a Global Feeder Shipping containership attacked and traffic at five-week low. Ukraine’s drone campaign hits 116 vessels in nine days, suspending Azov-Don canal and Kerch Strait traffic. Sea Legend Shipping plans weekly Northern Sea Route container service; South Korea probes four container manufacturers for price-fixing.
Logistics U.S. Intermodal Slows as Class Is Struggle to Manage Peak Season Surge
The Association of American Railroads reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 11, 2026, with total volume up 1.5% year-over-year but intermodal growth slowing to 3% from 12.9% a week earlier. Containers at the Port of Los Angeles are waiting an average of five days for rail transit, and drayage demand in Chicago hit an all-time high of 3,618 clicks in a single day.
Logistics OOCL Q2 Revenue Surges 19.8% on Robust Trans-Pacific Volumes and Pricing
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) reported a strong turnaround in Q2 2026, with revenue rising 19.8% year-over-year to $2.537 billion. The trans-Pacific trade lane led growth with volumes up 21.5% and revenue up 29.3%. First-half revenue grew 5.5% to $4.675 billion.
Logistics J.B. Hunt Sees Record Intermodal Volumes, 'Massive Opportunities' in Eastern US Shift
J.B. Hunt Transport Services reported record intermodal volumes in Q2, with loads up 10% year-over-year, driven by an exodus of non-compliant drivers and a Supreme Court ruling on broker liability. The company sees 'massive opportunities' for intermodal conversion in the Eastern US, where intermodal is currently 30% cheaper than truckload. Operating income rose 32% to $259 million on revenue of $3.5 billion.
Logistics MPC Capital to Rebrand as MPC Oceanic Group Following Shareholder Vote in August
MPC Capital, the Hamburg-listed investment and operating group, will rebrand as MPC Oceanic Group subject to shareholder approval on August 28. The new name reflects the company's evolution from a traditional investment manager into a broader maritime and energy group spanning investment, vessel operations, and services, with a platform supporting around 500 vessels.
Logistics Chinese liner Sea Legend Shipping launches first weekly Arctic boxship service
Sea Legend Shipping is launching the first regular weekly container service on the Northern Sea Route, scheduling eight sailings between China and northern Europe from August to October 2026. The China-Europe Arctic Express will use seven small to mid-sized ships, targeting high-value time-sensitive cargoes with transit times of 20-22 days, significantly faster than Suez or Cape routes.
Logistics Hormuz and Red Sea Risks Converge as US Strikes Iranian-Bound Tanker, Houthis Threaten Bab el-Mandeb
The US military fired missiles into a commercial tanker attempting to reach Iran, while Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened to prevent regional energy exports if Iranian cargoes are blocked. Simultaneously, a senior Houthi official warned that Bab el-Mandeb could be closed if regional fighting escalates, raising the prospect of simultaneous disruption at the Middle East’s two key maritime energy exits.
Logistics J.B. Hunt Shares Surge 8.6% After-Hours on Strong Q2 Earnings Beat Across All Segments
J.B. Hunt Transport Services beat second-quarter forecasts, with revenue of $3.5 billion (+19% y/y) and EPS of $1.91, sending shares up 8.6% in after-hours trading. Intermodal revenue surged 22% to $1.75 billion, dedicated revenue rose 9%, and brokerage returned to operating profit for the first time in 14 quarters. Operating income increased 32% y/y to $259 million.
Logistics Maersk to Operate $100M Fulfillment Center in Boston Suburb for Major Retailer
Maersk will open a 617,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Hopedale, Massachusetts, in late August, serving a single large e-commerce customer. The $100 million facility features advanced conveyor and sortation technology and can process up to 330,000 parcels per day. The investment highlights Maersk's evolution from a container shipping line to an end-to-end supply chain provider.
Logistics Norfolk Southern Promotes Will DeShazor to VP of Intermodal and Automotive Operations
Norfolk Southern has promoted Will DeShazor to vice president of intermodal and automotive operations, effective immediately. DeShazor, a 21-year company veteran, previously served as AVP network optimization and has extensive terminal operations experience. He will report to Chief Operating Officer Brian Barr.
Logistics Minerva expands container fleet with four 6,000 TEU newbuildings at Hengli Heavy Industries
Greek shipowner Minerva Dry has ordered four 6,000 TEU container vessels at China's Hengli Heavy Industries, stepping up from its existing fleet of 1,760–2,400 TEU ships. The order, valued at roughly $320 million, brings Minerva's total containership orderbook to 13 vessels and its investment in the sector to nearly $1 billion. Eastern Pacific Shipping has also been linked to additional 6,000 TEU newbuildings at the same yard.
Logistics CSSF Report: Containership Fires Rise for Third Straight Year as Battery Risks Grow
The Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF) reports fire frequency rose for a third consecutive year among member fleets, even as other safety metrics improved. Engine room and machinery-space fires remain the largest category, but lithium-ion batteries hidden in cargo are an emerging risk. Navigational incidents, especially low-speed port contacts, also increased since 2022.
Logistics Port of Long Beach Posts Third-Busiest June on Record Amid Tariff Uncertainty and Front-Loading
The Port of Long Beach reported its third-busiest June on record, handling 779,000 TEUs, a 10.6% year-over-year increase, driven by front-loading ahead of the July 24 tariff deadline. Imports rose 11% while exports dipped 1%, and empty containers increased 14% as carriers clear docks. CEO Noel Hacegaba noted peak season has become a year-round strategy, with shippers moving holiday goods early and AI hardware imports strong. Intermodal surged but slowed rail transport. Trade policy uncertainties include the expiring temporary tariffs, USMCA renegotiation, and a new national security probe on copper.
Logistics Jaxport Adds New Asia-Latin America-Mediterranean Container Service with Zim and MSC
Jaxport welcomed the first call of the ZCP-Amberjack container service, operated by Zim and MSC. The weekly service connects Jacksonville with major Asian ports, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean via transshipment hubs. Transit times from North Asia are 28-32 days.
Logistics Indian Railways tightens contractor norms, unveils covered fly ash transport and unified licence regime
Indian Railways has announced a series of freight reforms including specialised covered containers for fly ash transport, a unified all-India licence regime for container train operators with a uniform fee of Rs 25 crore, and tightened contractor eligibility norms. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the measures aim to reduce environmental hazards, improve logistics efficiency, and encourage serious contractors.
Logistics DP World plans UAE port and container terminal near Fujairah to bypass Strait of Hormuz: Report
DP World plans to develop a new multipurpose port and container terminal on the UAE's east coast near Fujairah, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The project would lessen reliance on Jebel Ali, which has 19 million TEU annual capacity. The plan is early-stage with financing unresolved, according to a Financial Times report cited by FreightWaves.
Logistics Iran Conflict Drives Asia-US Container Spot Rates Up 276% Since Late February
Spot container rates from Asia to the US West Coast have surged 276% since late February, driven by the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Xeneta reports that while rates flattened in the week ending July 10, capacity injections are easing pressure. Carriers have increased capacity on key trades, but further rate increases are expected in mid-July.
Logistics Container Ship Attacked in Strait of Hormuz as Iran Widens War, Disrupting Global Trade
Iran attacked the container ship GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz, setting it afire and forcing crew to abandon ship. Iran declared the strait closed to vessel traffic and expanded missile/drone attacks on several Gulf states. Energy prices surged, and Maersk's planned Suez restart is threatened.
Logistics Jiangnan Shipyard Reveals Nuclear Floating Port Concept That Could Reshape Global Trade
Chinese shipbuilder Jiangnan Shipyard has unveiled a radical concept for a nuclear-powered floating logistics hub that would act as a container terminal, power station, and green-fuel factory far offshore, potentially reshaping global trade and port operations.
Logistics Burns Harbor Container Terminal Brings First All-Water Ocean Boxes to Chicago Market
Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor will open a new ocean container terminal in Portage, Indiana, serving the Greater Chicago market via the Great Lakes. The facility, part of a $100m expansion, could cut up to 10 days from European container shipments and reduce congestion. US Customs approved the terminal in 2024, and a trial shipment is planned before year-end.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Security Collapses After Boxship Attack; US and Iran Trade Strikes
The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz deteriorated sharply after a 7,000 TEU container vessel operated by Global Feeder Shipping was attacked and caught fire. The US launched further strikes on Iranian targets, and Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. Iran declared the strait closed while the US insists it remains open, creating uncertainty for shipping.
Logistics CONCOR and GAIL Sign 15-Year Deal for LNG Dispensing Station at Ahmedabad ICD
CONCOR and GAIL have signed a 15-year agreement to establish an LNG dispensing station at CONCOR's Inland Container Depot in Khodiyar, Ahmedabad. GAIL will operate the station while CONCOR provides land and utility connectivity, and commits to deploying 15 LNG-powered commercial vehicles in the first year. The round-the-clock facility will serve CONCOR's fleet and other commercial vehicles.
Logistics Rotterdam: Europe's Biggest Port Faces Growing Pressure to Cut Fossil Fuel Emissions
The Port of Rotterdam, Europe's busiest freight hub, is under increasing environmental pressure, including a lawsuit from Advocates for the Future. The port handles nearly as much cargo as all UK ports combined and its industrial cluster emits about 29 million tonnes of CO2 annually. The Port Authority has set a target to cut its own emissions by 90% by 2030 and is investing in carbon capture, hydrogen, and alternative fuels.
Logistics 2M+ Import Containers to Set New Record in July as Retailers Front-Load Ahead of Tariff Hikes
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts U.S. container imports will hit a new all-time record of 2.47 million TEU in July 2026, surpassing the previous record of 2.4 million TEU set in May 2022. The surge is driven by retailers front-loading inventory ahead of potential tariff increases in August and ongoing trade uncertainties. May volumes already reached 2.24 million TEU, up 14.9% year-over-year.
Logistics STG Logistics Emerges From Chapter 11 With 90% Debt Reduction as Intermodal Demand Surges
STG Logistics announced Thursday it has exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy after completing a financial restructuring that reduced its total funded debt by approximately 90%. The intermodal provider now has new ownership, a leaner balance sheet, and $150 million in new capital from investors including Fortress, Fidelity, and Invesco. The restructuring comes as U.S. intermodal rail traffic rose 8% year-over-year in the second quarter, with domestic container volumes up by double-digit percentages, and intermodal rates now 31% cheaper than over-the-road truckload.
Logistics New Zealand Set to Lose Last Flagged Container Ship as Swire Consulting on Pacifica Closure
Swire Shipping is consulting on ending Pacifica Shipping's coastal container operation, which would remove the last New Zealand-flagged container vessel, the 1,700 TEU Moana Chief, from domestic trade. The ship is due to leave for drydocking in Asia at the end of July with no domestic drydock available. The Maritime Union of New Zealand calls it a 'catastrophic milestone' for economic resilience and urges reform of Section 198 of the Maritime Transport Act.
Logistics Why Container Shipping's Resilience Strategy Misses the System-Level Problem
Container shipping is missing approximately 1.8m TEU of capacity due to delays, according to Sea-Intelligence. Schedule reliability has fallen to 50-65% from 70-80% pre-pandemic. While individual carriers have improved earnings resilience, the overall network remains fragile, relying on a few mega-hubs. Experts warn that 'shifting baselines' normalize decline, and the sector must expand resilience beyond individual companies.
Logistics Container Rates Near $9,000 on Asia-US East Coast as Iran War Flares
Container rates on the Asia-US trans-Pacific trade lane surged to nearly $9,000 per FEU on the East Coast, up 8% week-over-week, as renewed hostilities between the US and Iran disrupt shipping and delay Maersk's planned return to the Suez Canal. General rate increases and peak season surcharges have added over $3,000 per FEU since late May. Congestion is building at major Asian ports including Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Singapore, Busan, and Colombo.
Logistics DP World Expands India Coastal Fleet with 2,500 TEU+ Containership Acquisition
DP World has acquired the DP World Indus, a 2,500 TEU+ containership, to expand its Indian coastal fleet. The vessel will move domestic container cargo between Indian ports, supporting the country's Maritime Vision 2030. DP World's coastal network now spans 14 ports with 10 vessels, having handled over 473,000 TEU in 2025.
Logistics Seaspan and Maersk Expand Retrofit Partnership Across 18 Container Ships
Seaspan and Maersk are expanding their vessel efficiency partnership with a $75 million retrofit program across 18 container ships. The program includes a significant upgrade package for four 13,000 TEU vessels, expected to improve slot costs by 10-13%. Separately, WattSpan signed a cooperation agreement with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard on decarbonization technologies.
Australia dock workers demand 28-hour week as AI automation expands at DP World ports
Australian dock workers, represented by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), are demanding a 28-hour work week with no loss of pay as DP World expands AI and automation at its terminals. A study commissioned by the MUA warns that the automation programme threatens over 1,000 jobs, or more than 60% of the dock and maintenance workforce. DP World, which handles around 40% of Australia's container shipments, has proposed AI-assisted remote-control cranes and driverless vehicles.
Logistics Shanghai Minsheng adds two more 1,100 TEU feeder containerships at New Dayang
Chinese owner Shanghai Minsheng Shipping has declared options for two additional 1,100 TEU feeder containerships at New Dayang Shipbuilding, with deliveries scheduled in 2028 and 2029. The order follows a prior pair due in 2027, backed by BOC Financial Leasing. The vessels will serve Minsheng's domestic and nearsea liner services, including the Yangtze River basin, and add to New Dayang's growing containership portfolio.
Logistics Evergreen Marine Raided by Taiwanese Prosecutors in Insider Trading Probe
Taiwanese prosecutors raided Evergreen Marine's premises and questioned nine suspects in an insider trading probe tied to a 2023 related-party transaction worth NT$13.35bn ($417m). Evergreen confirmed the search, is cooperating, and stated there is no significant impact on its financial condition or business operations. The investigation adds regulatory scrutiny to one of the world's largest container lines, which benefited heavily from the pandemic freight boom.
Logistics EGPN enters containership market with feeder order at Huangpu Wenchong for two 1,900 TEU vessels
Hong Kong-based owner EGPN has entered the container shipping newbuilding market with an order for two 1,900 TEU feeder vessels at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, scheduled for delivery in 2029. The move adds another segment to EGPN's fleet expansion, which has already covered bulkers, product tankers, and chemical tankers. The yard's Swan design continues to attract newcomers and established operators alike.
Logistics CMA CGM on course to overtake Maersk as world's second-largest containerline by end of 2027
CMA CGM is on track to overtake Maersk as the world's second-largest containerline by end of 2027, according to CEO Rodolphe Saadé. Linerlytica data suggests the overtake will happen by July 2027. Maersk's disciplined fleet strategy and focus on integrated logistics contrasts with CMA CGM's aggressive capacity expansion across ocean, terminals, air cargo, and inland transport.
Logistics Container Spot Rates Hit Four-Year Highs on Tariff Frontloading and Congestion
Container spot freight rates have jumped to their highest levels since the pandemic-era peak of 2022, driven by tariff-driven cargo frontloading and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Drewry's World Container Index rose 9% week on week to $4,530 per 40ft, with significant gains on transpacific and Asia-Europe trades. Carriers including HMM and CMA CGM have introduced peak season surcharges, while Maersk raised its full-year forecast.