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shipping
Logistics Tsakos Joins Greek Capesize Ordering Wave at Hengli Heavy Industries
Tsakos Group has contracted two 180,000 dwt capesize bulk carriers at China's Hengli Heavy Industries for about $78m each, with delivery in 2028. The order joins a wave of Greek dry bulk ordering at the yard, including Cape Shipping's separate deal for up to three similar vessels. The moves signal renewed Greek interest in capesize tonnage.
Logistics How US quietly kept Gulf crude moving despite Iran's Hormuz blockade
The US military has been overseeing secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers to keep Gulf crude exports moving despite Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which began in early May, involves smaller tankers carrying oil through the strait and transferring it to larger vessels at hubs off Fujairah and Sohar. An estimated 90 million barrels of crude and petroleum products have moved through this offshore network since early May.
Logistics Shipping Braces for Monster El Niño as NOAA Warns of Record-Intensity Event Threatening Global Trade Lanes
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared El Niño, with an 88% chance of reaching strong intensity by November–January, posing direct risks to shipping via Panama Canal draft restrictions, altered hurricane patterns, and shifts in dry bulk trade flows. The Panama Canal Authority has already pre-emptively reduced neopanamax draft to 49.5 feet effective July 3, citing potential El Niño development.
Logistics Fleets Reposition for Hormuz Reopening Ahead of US-Iran Peace Deal Signing
Tanker and LNG operators are repositioning vessels toward the Gulf ahead of a planned US-Iran peace agreement signing in Geneva. Vessel tracking shows over 75 tankers heading to the Middle East, and Iranian crude exports have resumed for the first time in two months. However, military authorities warn that security risks remain substantial, and Israeli involvement could derail the deal.
Logistics UK sanctions four LNG carriers as first direct strike on Russia's shadow fleet
The UK has become the first country to directly sanction Russia's LNG shadow fleet, adding four elderly LNG carriers to a broader package of 27 tankers. The move targets vessels acquired from a Middle Eastern shipowner and now used in Russian LNG trades, with Windward estimating Russia's LNG shadow fleet at around 23 vessels. Compliance teams are advised to monitor ownership changes and trading patterns as Western jurisdictions align ahead of EU measures in 2027.
Logistics Shenzhen's Mascot Ocean Enters Capesize Bulk Carrier Segment with Chin Shan Purchase
Shenzhen-based Mascot Ocean has purchased the 2004-built capesize bulk carrier Chin Shan from Taiwan's Sincere Navigation, marking its entry into the cape segment. The acquisition adds to its small fleet of panamaxes and reflects a broader trend of Chinese buyers dominating secondhand capesize purchases. Allied Shipbroking reports two investment tracks in the capesize market from March to early June, with China leading both newbuilding and secondhand activity.
Logistics Manta Marine Technologies CEO Says Shipping Needs Less Waiting, More Efficient Use of Existing Tools
Ina Reksten, head of Manta Marine Technologies, argues that shipping's immediate challenge is deploying existing solutions more effectively rather than waiting for a transformative technology breakthrough. She calls for consolidation of fragmented data systems and realistic expectations around AI, while noting that her company's FuelOpt platform has been adopted on more than 550 vessels.
Logistics Sanctioned Sovcomflot LNG Carrier Completes Earliest Northern Sea Route Transit in Years
Sovcomflot's sanctioned LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie has completed the earliest eastbound Northern Sea Route transit in many years, entering the route at the end of May. The 174,000 cu m vessel carried LNG from Novatek's sanctioned Arctic projects, breaking ice almost a month earlier than previous transits. The voyage highlights Moscow's efforts to maintain Arctic gas flows to Asian buyers despite sanctions.
Logistics Big Boxships Flood into Mediterranean Trades as Vessel Sizes Nearly Double
The number of containerships exceeding 8,000 TEU in Mediterranean trades has risen from nine to 16 over the past year, a 78% increase, according to Alphaliner. MSC operates nine of these large vessels, while COSCO and Hapag-Lloyd also increase deployments. The 9,962 TEU Maersk Sirac now holds the record as the largest boxship in the region.
Logistics Geneva Dry Returns for Fourth Edition with New Bauxite Blitz and Investment Masterclass Sessions
Geneva Dry, the premier commodities shipping conference, returns for its fourth edition on April 27–28, 2027, at Hotel President in Geneva. The event introduces two new sessions: a Bauxite Blitz and a Dry Bulk Investment Masterclass, alongside returning panels on minor bulks, agri-commodities, coal, and iron ore. Confirmed speakers include Andrea Olivi (Trafigura), Jan Dieleman (Cargill), and others.
Logistics CMA CGM Moves to Acquire Aircraft Maintenance Specialist Crystal Aero Solutions
CMA CGM has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Crystal Aero Solutions, a French aircraft maintenance company that supports its freighter fleet. The acquisition aims to strengthen CMA CGM's air cargo operations, with Crystal continuing as an independent provider. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Logistics US military runs secret ship-to-ship oil transfer operation near Strait of Hormuz to keep Gulf energy exports flowing
The US military has conducted scores of secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers off the coast of Fujairah, UAE, and Sohar, Oman, to keep Gulf energy exports flowing amid Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, involving at least 116 ships and using aerial and water drones as well as helicopters, started in early May. An Apache helicopter involved in the mission was shot down by Iran on June 9, triggering retaliatory bombings.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Mine Clearance Delays Threaten Weeks-Long Recovery for Oil Shipping
The US-Iran tentative agreement ends the three-month Middle East conflict, but the Strait of Hormuz faces a slow recovery due to mine clearance and shipping bottlenecks. Over 20% of global oil supply was disrupted, with 500 vessels stranded. Shipping resumes gradually, with analysts warning of weeks to months for normal flows.
Logistics Everllence Lands First Order for Next-Gen Methane Dual-Fuel Engine on Car Carriers
Everllence has received the world's first order for its new B&W ME-GI Mk10.7 dual-fuel methane engine. The engines will power four 8,600 CEU car carriers being built for Norwegian owner Global Car Carriers (GCC), with manufacturing by CSSC Engine in Qingdao and installation at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing. The engine promises high fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, and negligible methane slip.
Logistics Multiple Factors Set to Reset Ocean Rates in Coming Weeks
Spot ocean rates on the Asia-U.S. West Coast route held at $4,836/FEU while East Coast rates rose 4% to $6,558. The imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could ease fuel costs, but peak season surcharges and early demand frontloading are keeping upward pressure on container rates. Full normalization of shipping through the Strait may take months.
Logistics Europe needs 65 CO2 carriers and 33 ports by 2050 to meet carbon storage goals, Xodus report says
A new report by energy consultancy Xodus finds that Europe's carbon capture and storage ambitions will require a dedicated fleet of around 65 CO2 carriers and 33 ports by 2050. Captured emissions are forecast to rise from 70 mtpa in 2030 to 320 mtpa by 2050, with shipping volumes more than doubling to 79 mtpa. Logistics operators need to prepare for a new market in CO2 transport, including vessel construction, port infrastructure, and multimodal connections.
Business Historic Cammell Laird Name Set to Disappear After Balaena Takeover of APCL Group
Balaena's acquisition of APCL Group will see the historic Cammell Laird shipyard renamed Balaena Birkenhead, ending a nearly 200-year-old brand. The deal merges five shipyards and 12 dry docks across the UK and Gibraltar.
Logistics N-Sea appoints Pim Nelemans as chief executive, succeeding Martin Adler
Dutch subsea services specialist N-Sea has appointed Pim Nelemans as chief executive, replacing Martin Adler who stepped down on June 15. Nelemans, former COO, will lead a management board with CFO Ann Porte. Adler will stay on as shareholder and advisory board chairman.
Logistics Dali casualty exposes erosion of technical ownership in shipmanagement, warns veteran Kapoor
Industry veteran Sunil Kapoor, writing for Splash247, warns that the Dali bridge collision is a symptom of systemic failures in third-party shipmanagement as the focus shifts from technical expertise to fleet growth and profitability. The modern superintendent has become a node in an information chain, reducing the priority of vessel condition and repair.
Commodities US-Iran Peace Deal Could Push Brent Below $80 per Barrel, Boosting India's Crude Oil Supplies
A potential US-Iran peace deal, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, could push Brent crude below $80 per barrel within two to three weeks, according to Indian refinery executives. The Gulf region supplied 40% of India's crude imports before the conflict, and resumed flows would ease supply constraints and lower freight costs. Additional OPEC+ output and the return of Iranian crude are also expected to pressure prices lower.
Logistics Iolcos Returns to Newbuilding Market with Kamsarmax Pair in China, Adding Dry Bulk Capacity
Greek dry bulk owner Iolcos Hellenic Maritime Enterprises has placed an order for two 82,000 dwt kamsarmax bulk carriers at New Dayang Shipbuilding in China, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The order marks Iolcos' first newbuilding move since 2021 and adds to a wave of Greek newbuilding activity in the kamsarmax segment. The vessels will expand the company's current fleet of about 18 dry bulk vessels and provide additional capacity on major dry bulk trade lanes.
Logistics Euroseas Expands Feeder Containership Orderbook with Two Additional 1,800 TEU Vessels
Euroseas has exercised options for two additional 1,800 TEU feeder containerships at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific, continuing its fleet renewal. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in December 2028 and March 2029, at a cost of about $32.26 million each. The order brings Euroseas' total newbuilding backlog to 12 vessels.
Logistics Hormuz Threat Level Stays Severe Despite Peace Breakthrough as Explosions and Uncertainty Persist
The Strait of Hormuz remains at a severe threat level despite a diplomatic breakthrough, with explosions reported, vessels requiring military protection, and uncertainty lingering. Over 500 vessels are stranded, facing biofouling issues that could increase fuel consumption by 15-30%. Shipbroker BRS warns it may take four to five months for traffic to normalize even if a deal is signed.
Trade EU Sanctions Hit Shipping Arms of Gazprom, Lukoil in Latest Russia Package Targeting Shadow Fleet
The European Union expanded sanctions against Russia, targeting shipping arms of Gazprom and Lukoil. 34 individuals and 47 entities were added on Monday, including vessels and companies linked to the shadow fleet. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the measures continue to target Russia's military-industrial complex and energy revenues.
Logistics World's Largest Bulk Carrier to Container Ship Conversion Completed in China
The world’s largest bulk carrier-to-container ship conversion has been completed in China, transforming the 80,000 dwt Kuang Chi Delta into a 3,600 TEU containership. China Classification Society (CCS) inspected and certified the six-month refit at Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding & Repair. At least two more Diamond 53 supramax bulk carriers are slated for conversion to around 2,500 TEU, reflecting tight container market conditions.
Logistics Routing Guides Crumble as Truckload Rates Surge: ‘It Is Different This Time’
Routing guides are failing as truckload contract rates set in early 2026 bid season don't hold, sparking mini-bids and rebids. Carriers at the Wells Fargo Industrials & Materials Conference attribute the shift to heightened regulatory enforcement, including cabotage rules and a Supreme Court ruling, implying a structural capacity crunch that will keep rates elevated for longer.
Manufacturing Hengli on Track to Deliver 160 Ships in 2028, Becoming One of Shipping's Biggest Builders in Four Years
Chinese shipbuilder Hengli, which acquired the former STX Dalian yard in 2022, is projected to deliver at least 160 ships in 2028, according to SSY analysis. With a 395-firm order backlog of 12.2m cgt and a $1.9bn expansion, it has become one of the world's largest privately owned shipbuilders. The yard's rapid ascent reflects the scarcity of prompt newbuilding slots and strong local government support.
Logistics Cass Report: Freight Volume Recovery On Track for Second Half of 2026
The Cass Freight Index multimodal shipments component fell just 1.2% year over year in May, the smallest decline in 18 months, signaling a volume recovery in the second half of 2026. Expenditures jumped 7.5% YoY and the TL linehaul index rose 6.9% YoY, the largest gain in nearly four years. Supply constraints from tighter enforcement of driver rules are pushing rates higher.
Logistics 12 ships carrying 6 lt of urea and DAP may head to India once Strait of Hormuz opens
The Indian government announced sufficient fertilizer stocks for the kharif season, with 196.65 lakh tonnes available as of June 14. Twelve ships carrying 3.3 lt of urea and 2.57 lt of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) are awaiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, expected to take 7-10 days to reach India once reopened.
Commodities U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Reopens Strait of Hormuz, Unleashing Global Oil Supply
The United States and Iran have reached a peace deal to end the war and lift restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's crude oil flows. The agreement suspends sanctions on Iranian oil, releases $24 billion in frozen assets, and provides a 60-day period to negotiate a permanent settlement. The U.S. will lift its blockade within 30 days, but analysts caution it will take two to three months for shipping to fully normalize due to mines and supply chain bottlenecks.
Logistics Pan Ocean linked to four-VLCC order at Hanwha Ocean in $524m deal
Pan Ocean has been identified as the buyer behind a four-vessel VLCC order at Hanwha Ocean, valued at KRW800.1bn ($524m). The order follows a $700m VLCC acquisition from SK Shipping and highlights Pan Ocean's continued expansion into crude tanker shipping, complementing its core dry bulk operations.
Logistics Sallaum Lines Orders Its Largest Car Carriers Yet, Boosting Fleet Capacity
Sallaum Lines has ordered two firm and two optional 8,600 ceu car carriers from Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry, its largest vessels to date. The LNG/ammonia-ready ships will serve core routes across Europe, Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, supporting growing OEM flows and Asian exports.
Logistics Capital Tankers Expands VLCC Fleet with Three Newbuilds from Marinakis Affiliate
Capital Tankers, backed by Evangelos Marinakis, is acquiring three VLCC newbuilding contracts from parent company Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. The vessels are under construction at China's Hengli Shipbuilding for delivery in late 2027. The transaction involves an upfront payment of $111.8 million by end of June, with remaining balances due upon delivery, and is expected to strengthen the company's orderbook.
Trade Shippers Say Renewed Tax on Chinese Ships Could Put Some U.S. Ag Producers Out of Business
Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Elizabeth Warren are urging the Trump administration to reinstate port fees on Chinese cargo vessels, which were suspended until November 2026. The Agriculture Transportation Coalition warns the fees could put some U.S. agricultural producers out of business by dramatically increasing shipping costs and singling out exports for the harshest measures.
Logistics HD Hyundai and Malcon Partner to Develop Korean Offshore Wind Support Vessels
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a cooperation agreement with Malcon to jointly develop a Korea-type offshore wind support vessel (SOV) optimized for domestic wind farms. The partnership will leverage eco-friendly propulsion technologies and aims to localize vessel production and strengthen South Korea's position in the offshore wind market.
Logistics Varamar Enters Ship Ownership with Four-Vessel Acquisition, Marks Strategic Shift
Antwerp-based multipurpose and breakbulk operator Varamar has acquired four 5,200 dwt vessels, marking its first entry into ship ownership. The vessels will be integrated into its commercial network by early 2027, giving the company greater flexibility and reducing reliance on the volatile charter market. The move comes amid constrained modern MPP tonnage and lagging replacement orders.
Logistics Eitzen orders two all-electric 900 TEU boxships for Northern European green corridor
Norwegian investment group Eitzen, through its subsidiary Zen, has ordered two all-electric 900 TEU container vessels from Zhejiang Dongpeng Shipbuilding. The ships will operate on a green shipping corridor between Hamburg, Gothenburg, and Oslo, with first delivery in 24 months. The project is backed by NOK200 million in funding from Enova.
Logistics ESL Shipping to Absorb AtoB@C Under Single Brand, Simplifying Shortsea Dry Bulk Presence
Finland’s ESL Shipping is absorbing its Swedish subsidiary AtoB@C Shipping into a single ESL brand to simplify market presence. The gradual transition will not affect customer agreements or operations, according to the company.
Logistics Hormuz Ceasefire Deal Leaves Shipping in Familiar Wait-and-See Mode as Operational Hurdles Remain
Asian shipping stocks rallied Monday on a tentative US-Iran ceasefire deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after 107 days, but industry experts caution that a full return to normal navigation will be gradual and uncertain. Major operational questions remain over mine clearance, traffic control, insurance, and the durability of the ceasefire, with over 500 vessels still stranded and traffic almost non-existent.
Logistics Fredriksen Doubles Down on Newcastlemaxes with Four More Chinese Newbuilds at Dajin Heavy Industry
John Fredriksen-backed Seatankers Management has exercised options for four additional newcastlemax bulk carriers at emerging Chinese shipbuilder Dajin Heavy Industry, bringing its orderbook to eight 210,000 dwt vessels. Brokers estimate the total programme value at nearly $600 million, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2029. The move is part of a broader surge in newcastlemax contracting linked to expectations surrounding Guinea's Simandou iron ore project.
Logistics Emarat Maritime Orders Up to Six Feeder Containerships at Chinese Yard for 2028 Delivery
Dubai-based Emarat Maritime has ordered up to six feeder containerships at China's Guangji Xinneng Shipbuilding, with three firm 930 TEU vessels and options for three more, scheduled for delivery in 2028. The order marks the company's continued expansion beyond its traditional tanker and dry bulk markets into container shipping.
Trade Panama Flag Caught in US-China Crossfire as Shipowners Flee Rising Detentions
The Panama Ship Registry has shrunk by 3.3% so far this year as shipowners abandon the flag due to increased Chinese port state control inspections and geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing. China detained 135 Panama-flagged vessels in April, representing 82% of all detentions, and 85% in early May. Owners are migrating to Liberia and the Marshall Islands, which has widened its tonnage lead over Panama.
Logistics Shearwater Geoservices Secures $40M Capital Injection in Debt Restructuring Deal
Norwegian offshore seismic vessel player Shearwater Geoservices has reached an agreement with lenders and stakeholders to amend its capital structure. The deal includes a $40m capital injection, debt repayment extensions, and relaxed covenant terms, materially improving the company's liquidity outlook and financial flexibility.
Logistics UK Forces Seize Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in English Channel, Prompting Calls to Arm Vessels
British forces conducted their first-ever seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel, arresting an Indian seafarer on suspicion of sanctions offences. The operation has caused other sanctioned tankers to alter course away from the Channel. In response, Russian Senator Dmitry Rogozin suggested equipping shadow fleet tankers with explosives as a deterrent.
Logistics Maritime Healthcare’s Real Challenge: Routine Illnesses Delay Ships and Cost Operators
According to Splash247, the greatest healthcare risk at sea is not emergencies but untreated routine conditions. These common illnesses lead to operational disruptions, crew changes, and increased costs. Telehealth and early intervention are key to mitigating these risks.
Commodities Oil Supply Recovery May Take Months Despite Strait of Hormuz Reopening, Experts Say
Despite the agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, oil supply recovery is expected to take months due to stranded tankers, shut-in production, and security concerns. Experts from S&P Global, Wood Mackenzie, and Columbia University highlight slow logistics, insurance hurdles, and the need for a durable ceasefire before producers restart operations.
Logistics India Restricts Seafarer Deployment to Conflict Zones After Fatal Attack Off Oman Coast
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping has advised maritime recruitment agencies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict zones until further orders, following a US military strike that killed three Indian crew members off the Oman coast. The advisory also mandates heightened security vigilance for vessels in the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Logistics FreightWaves Today: Mergers, Fraud Rings, and the Mid-June Rate Pause Impact Operations
FreightWaves Today covers key logistics developments: a bipartisan push for rigorous review of the Union Pacific-Southern Pacific merger; Rock-It Cargo's management of 1,500 daily shipments for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; eight indictments in a $4.49M carrier impersonation ring; FedEx's strategic MOU with China Southern Airlines; the FMCSA's new carrier registry failing to register any carrier in three weeks; and the mid-June spot rate dip deemed a seasonal pause, not a systemic drop.
Logistics Diana Shipping Scales Back Genco Campaign Ahead of Crunch Shareholder Vote
Diana Shipping has withdrawn four of its six director nominees for Genco Shipping & Trading's board election, leaving only Jens Ismar and Paul Cornell. The move comes after all three major proxy advisory firms recommended shareholders support Genco's slate. The outcome of the June 18 vote could determine the future of Diana's tender offer for Genco.
Logistics Hybrid-Electric Ferries Enter Service: Faster, Cleaner Maritime Transit Arrives
New York's first hybrid-electric public ferry, the Harbor Charger, begins its first full summer service, cutting CO2 emissions by 600 tons annually and fuel costs by $200,000. San Francisco Bay Ferry prepares to launch the first high-speed, fully battery-electric passenger ferry in the US in early 2027. These vessels signal a shift in maritime propulsion technology with implications for fleet operators and port infrastructure.
Logistics Private Equity in Shipmanagement Sparks Debate Over Long-Term Safety and Operational Trust
Private equity's growing role in third-party shipmanagement is fueling concern among industry veterans about a mismatch between short-term investment horizons and the long-cycle, safety-critical nature of vessel management. Critics argue that cost-cutting driven by exit objectives can undermine crew training and operational reliability, while others see benefits in cost control and governance. The debate has direct implications for charterers and logistics managers who rely on managed vessels.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Closure Hits 100 Days as Dark Tanker Trade Masks True Oil Flow
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for more than 100 days, causing a 95% reduction in crude shipments from Arabian Gulf ports and a 99% drop in LNG carriers, according to WTO data. The 'dark trade' of vessels running without AIS transponders makes actual oil flows difficult to quantify, but analysts estimate 100 million barrels may have moved through since May 1. Despite the disruption, Brent crude sits at $87.55 per barrel due to buffers from China, the US, Brazil, and Canada. Recovery may take years, with IEA warning of up to two years for energy facility repairs.
Trade Conservative group AFP targets Jones Act repeal with six-figure ad campaign
Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the advocacy group backed by conservative billionaire Charles Koch, is launching a six-figure digital ad campaign urging Congress to permanently repeal the Jones Act. The century-old law requires U.S.-built, -owned, -crewed, and -flagged ships for domestic cargo transport. President Trump suspended the law for 90 days amid the Iran crisis, which AFP argues shows the law is outdated and costly.
Business Genco Softens Poison Pill Stance Ahead of Diana Shipping Proxy Fight
Genco Shipping & Trading has pledged to limit its shareholder rights plan ('poison pill') and seek investor approval for future extensions, responding to Diana Shipping's renewed proxy campaign. The move comes days before the June 18 annual meeting, where shareholders will vote on board nominees and the rights plan. Diana has raised its unsolicited offer to $24.80 per share but failed to gain support from major proxy advisors.
Logistics Former Norden Chief Launches Africa-Focused Shipbroking House Origin Brokers
Shipping executive Christian Vinther Christensen, formerly of Norden, Western Bulk and Maersk, has launched Origin Brokers, a shipbroking and advisory firm with a focus on Africa's commodity export and import corridors. The company will offer dry bulk and tanker chartering, market intelligence, and trade support from offices in Limassol, Dubai and Abidjan.
Logistics Hormuz Ceasefire Collapses After US-Iran Strikes, Tanker Hit Leaves 3 Missing
The fragile ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz has completely broken down following fresh US-Iran attacks. A US strike on the product tanker Settebello off Oman left three seafarers missing and one injured, while Iran claimed strikes on two tankers. The IMO condemned the attacks, reporting 43 verified incidents since late February.
Trade Splash Wrap: Trading Missiles and Maritime Milestones
This week's Splash Wrap covers the escalating Hormuz shipping crisis, with tanker strikes off Oman and a missile warhead extracted by the Indian Navy. Also featured: delivery of the world's first dual-fuel ammonia engine vessel and insights from the Container Port Performance Index.
Logistics Antwerp-Bruges Port Targets Bigger India Share as Cargo Volumes Slip
Cargo volumes between India and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges declined to 6.3 million tonnes in 2025 from 7.2 million tonnes in 2024, while container traffic dropped to 330,000 TEUs from 358,000 TEUs. The port's chairman, Johan Klaps, is examining why India's export growth has not translated into higher flows to Europe. The port is betting on green hydrogen to boost future trade.
Logistics Shipping faces talent crisis as aging workforce threatens global maritime operat
The global shipping industry is grappling with a severe talent shortage, as an aging workforce and recruitment gaps threaten operations. At a BIMCO seminar in Athens, leaders warned that around 20,000 seafarers remain stuck in the Persian Gulf, highlighting the human cost of geopolitical conflicts. Industry experts called for collective action to attract young talent, retain experienced personnel, and address seafarer welfare and criminalization issues.
Logistics Brake failures plague fireworks logistics as Fourth of July approaches
A June 6 fireworks truck fire on I-75 near Chattanooga, Tennessee, uncovered severe hazmat compliance failures. FreightWaves analysis of FMCSA data shows over 1,400 brake violations among fireworks carriers, with Evans Delivery Company and ContainerPort Group accounting for most. Nearly a third of fireworks loads move on hotshot equipment, raising safety concerns as the Fourth of July demand peaks.