Topic
east coast
Logistics Panama Canal Draft Cut to 47.5 Feet Threatens East Coast Port Volumes
According to FreightWaves, the Panama Canal Authority will reduce maximum vessel draft from 49.5 feet to 47.5 feet by September 3, cutting payload capacity for neo-panamax ships on Asia-U.S. East and Gulf Coast routes. MSC and CMA CGM have already imposed Canal-related surcharges, while low water on the Rhine River is pressuring European inland barge networks. Shippers face higher costs and should evaluate West Coast and Canadian intermodal alternatives.
Logistics New President Named at Busy East Coast Container Gateway Port of Savannah
Kevin Price assumed the role of president of the Georgia Ports Authority on July 1, 2026, succeeding Griff Lynch. Lynch will continue as CEO until his retirement in August 2027. Price, formerly COO of Gateway Terminals of Savannah, brings 30 years of industry experience to the leadership of one of the busiest East Coast container gateways.
Logistics Port of Virginia Deepens to 55 Feet, Sets East Coast Benchmark with $450M Project
The Port of Virginia officially became the deepest commercial shipping channel on the U.S. East Coast after completing a $450 million dredging project. The milestone allows ultra-large container vessels to transit fully loaded, supporting higher export volumes and lower shipping costs. The port's Gateway Investment Program includes rail expansion and terminal conversions, boosting annual throughput capacity to 5.8 million TEUs.
Commodities First Urea Vessel for India Sails via Hormuz, Set to Reach East Coast in 7-9 Days
The first of 16 stranded fertilizer vessels has begun sailing via the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to reach an Indian east coast port in 7-9 days. Industry sources said 7 more urea ships will depart in the coming days, with all 3 lakh tonnes of imported urea likely to arrive by July 15. Meanwhile, new tender rates have dropped sharply, with NFL's June 8 bids at $449/tonne west coast and $445/tonne east coast, far below April's $935/tonne.