Topic
Shipping Freight
Logistics IACS chief Robert Ashdown appointed chair of trustees at seafarer charity Stella Maris UK
Robert Ashdown, secretary-general of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), has been appointed chair of trustees at seafarer charity Stella Maris UK. He succeeds Captain Esteban Pacha, who steps down after eight years and becomes the charity's first ambassador. Ashdown previously served nine years as a trustee of the charity, which provides practical, pastoral, and spiritual support to seafarers, fishers, and their families.
Logistics UPS Labels Allegedly Diverted $2 Million in Nike Shoes in Memphis Cargo Theft Conspiracy
Federal prosecutors indicted 12 people for allegedly stealing at least $2 million in Nike products from Memphis distribution center using unauthorized UPS labels. The conspiracy ran from July 2021 to June 2024, involving Nike employees and external accomplices who rerouted shipments to addresses across the U.S.
Logistics Bangladesh Advances $1 Billion Shipbuilding and Repair Hub at Matarbari Deepsea Port
Bangladesh has granted in-principle approval for a $1 billion privately financed shipbuilding and repair complex at the emerging Matarbari deepsea port. The project, backed by Australia-based AIS Marine Investments and China Harbour Engineering Company, aims to reduce the need for large vessels to dock in Singapore, UAE, or China. The facility will include a 600m by 95m drydock and is expected to create up to 3,900 jobs.
Logistics Houthis Declare Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia, Escalating Red Sea Shipping Risk
Yemen's Houthi movement declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia on Monday, widening a conflict that has disrupted Red Sea shipping since November 2023. Security firm Ambrey warns that Saudi-flagged vessels and ships calling at Saudi ports face high risk. The move threatens key energy export routes and could further strain global supply chains.
Logistics DEME Wins €150M-€300M Foundation Role on 1GW Zeevonk Offshore Wind Project in Netherlands
Belgian marine contractor DEME has been awarded a substantial contract for the Zeevonk offshore wind project in the Netherlands, covering transport and installation of 69 monopile foundations. The contract, valued between €150 million and €300 million, involves marshalling services, scour protection, and use of specialized vessels including the Orion. Offshore construction is scheduled to start in 2028, subject to final investment decision.
Logistics Woman Sentenced to 2.5 Years for $150M Counterfeit Postage Scheme Shipping China Parcels
A Los Angeles-area woman was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for operating a $150 million counterfeit postage scheme that shipped tens of millions of parcels from China through the U.S. Postal Service. The case highlights the risks of fraudulent postage in cross-border e-commerce and the need for logistics operators to verify postage authenticity.
Logistics FBI: Billion-Dollar Criminal Network Included Cargo Theft and Electronics Trafficking
The FBI announced a billion-dollar criminal network involving transit and cargo theft rings. Abdullah Anwar was extradited from Qatar and faces conspiracy charges for allegedly supplying stolen electronics that were exported to the UAE and Hong Kong. The indictment details thefts from trailers, warehouses, and distribution centers across the U.S.
Logistics J.B. Hunt Q2 Earnings Signal Freight Market Trends Across Intermodal, Dedicated, and Last-Mile
J.B. Hunt's Q2 earnings serve as a key barometer for the freight market, highlighting conditions in intermodal, dedicated, and last-mile operations. The report underscores the impact of fuel costs, capacity tightness, and legal liabilities on logistics operations, offering critical insights for supply chain professionals.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Risk Soars: War Risk Insurance Premiums 33 Times Normal, Shipowners in 'Absolute Confusion'
War risk insurance premiums for the Strait of Hormuz have surged to 33 times normal levels amid unprecedented geopolitical tensions and misdeclared hazardous cargo, according to FreightWaves. Shipowners are in a state of 'absolute confusion' as the industry shifts from efficiency to resilience. The development threatens supply chain stability for oil and containerized trade through one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.
Logistics Freight Profitability: Why Machines Outperform Humans in Fleet Optimization
According to FreightWaves, focusing only on miles per truck overlooks critical profitability opportunities. Jake Dettmer of Optimal Dynamics explains how advanced decision automation and forward yield optimization help fleets maximize revenue per hour across their network, securing better margins even in tight markets. Machines are set to outperform human decision-making in complex freight optimization.
Logistics Windcat Secures Long-Term Crew Transfer Vessel Contracts with Ørsted for UK Offshore Wind Operations
Windcat, part of CMB.TECH, has signed firm five-year contracts (with optional extensions) to supply seven crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to support Ørsted's offshore wind farm operations based out of Grimsby. The vessels, a mix of four 12-seaters and three 24-seaters, will serve Ørsted’s Generation UK Hub, which operates six offshore wind farms.
Logistics Freight Distress Report: Carrier and Logistics Closures Erase Over 245 Jobs
Four logistics and distribution companies are cutting nearly 250 jobs across New Jersey, North Carolina, Illinois, and California. Meanwhile, nine transportation-related companies have filed for bankruptcy protection, highlighting continued financial stress in the freight sector.
Logistics Quantix Names Nate Gesse as CEO After Completing Lender Restructuring
Quantix has named Nate Gesse as its next CEO, effective July 20, succeeding John Labrie who led the company through a lender restructuring. Gesse, formerly president and COO, will drive the chemical logistics provider's next phase of growth in a market projected to reach $683.3 billion by 2031.
Logistics Landlocked Kyrgyzstan Passes Merchant Shipping Code, Creates National Ship Registry
Kyrgyzstan's parliament has passed the country's first Merchant Shipping Code in its third reading, creating the legal basis for a national ship registry. Vessels will list Bishkek as their port of registry, overseen by a new maritime administration and operated by a private company, Maritime Register. The move follows similar steps by other landlocked states like Mongolia and San Marino.
Logistics Defense Spending Surge to $1.5 Trillion Signals Major Freight Demand for Flatbed Carriers
The US defense budget is set to reach $1.5 trillion, a 50% increase with 80% allocated to weapons procurement, signaling significant new demand for flatbed freight transportation. According to FreightWaves, carriers and shippers should prepare for a surge in defense-related freight movement, while flatbed tender rejections are normalizing amid construction season activity.
Logistics Peninsula and Itochu Launch Ammonia Bunkering Joint Venture for European Ports
Marine fuel supplier Peninsula and Japanese trading house Itochu have launched a joint venture, I&P Marine Ammonia, to develop ammonia bunkering across key European and Mediterranean ports. The venture follows an earlier MoU focused on Spain and has received EU merger clearance. Peninsula brings its fuel supply network across 500+ ports, while Itochu contributes production and supply chain expertise, backed by its order of the world's first ammonia bunkering vessel.
Logistics Eight Indicted in $10 Million International Cargo Theft Conspiracy Targeting U.S. Freight
Federal prosecutors in New York have indicted eight individuals in an alleged $10 million international cargo theft conspiracy that targeted commercial freight across the United States from March 2023 to present. The group allegedly impersonated legitimate carriers, diverted shipments, and sold stolen goods, including electronics, liquor, meat, eggs, clothing, and cryptocurrency mining machines. Arrests were made in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York, with one defendant still at large.
Logistics Norway Awards Contract for World's First Ship Tunnel Through a Mountain
The Norwegian Coastal Administration has awarded AF Gruppen a turnkey contract worth NOK 5.6bn ($564.5m) for the Stad Ship Tunnel, the world's first ship tunnel. The 1.7 km tunnel will allow freight and passenger ships to safely transit between the Norwegian Sea and North Sea year-round, bypassing hazardous waters. Construction begins in early 2027 and is expected to take about five years.
Logistics Livestock Carriers Remain Shipping’s Worst-Performing Fleet, Report Finds
A sweeping new report from Robin des Bois, the Animal Welfare Foundation, and Tierschutzbund Zürich documents that livestock carriers remain the worst-performing ship category in port state control for six consecutive years. Of 159 vessels, 84% are converted merchant ships averaging 45 years old, with 242 deficiencies and four detentions each on average. The Paris MoU 2024 annual report shows a 15% detention rate for livestock carriers, nearly four times the all-ship average.
Logistics Decarbonisation Shifts from Regulatory Burden to Commercial Strategy, OceanOpt Analyst Says
According to an analysis by Anil Jacob of OceanOpt, decarbonisation in maritime has evolved from a compliance cost to a strategic commercial lever that can improve profitability and competitiveness. The shift is driven by regional regulations like EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, while the IMO Net-Zero Framework provides long-term direction. Operators now focus on financial clarity and data quality to turn emissions management into profit.
Logistics Freight Fuel Forecast: Is Your Budget Ready for $70 Brent? Analysts Warn of Looming Crisis
Despite diesel prices falling to $4.83 per gallon, a freight fuel analyst warns that oil markets are masking a structural supply problem. Bank of America estimates over 1 billion barrels of supply lost since March, sustained by inventory draws. A tank-bottoms crisis could emerge within 4-6 weeks, and shippers should budget for Brent crude near $70/barrel in 2026.
Logistics ITS Logistics warns shippers budgeting flat face capacity reckoning as pain builds
ITS Logistics president Ryan Martin warns that shippers budgeting flat transportation spend face significant pain as market tightens. Driver exits, carrier closures, and high inventory carrying costs are building pressure. The post-pandemic inventory overhang is clearing slowly, with SKU rationalization and a shift to wholesalers like TJX Companies.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Reopens Under US-Iran Deal, Future Transit Fees Uncertain for Shippers
The Strait of Hormuz reopens following a US-Iran interim agreement, with a 60-day toll-free passage period. However, Iranian officials warn that future transit fees will be imposed, creating uncertainty for global shipping costs and timelines.
Logistics 2026 State of Logistics Report: Volatility Becomes Permanent as U.S. Logistics Costs Fall to $2.4 Trillion
The 2026 State of Logistics Report, released Tuesday by Kearney and Penske Logistics for CSCMP, declares supply chain volatility the new normal. U.S. business logistics costs fell to $2.4 trillion (7.8% of GDP) from $2.6 trillion in 2025. Five structural forces—including asymmetric growth and tariff volatility—drive the environment, while AI reaches commercial returns in defined applications.
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 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 GE Offshore Marine Services Secures Five-Year AHTS Charter with Trident Energy in Equatorial Guinea
UK oil and gas operator Trident Energy has awarded GE Offshore Marine Services a five-year charter for the anchor-handling tug and supply (AHTS) vessel Red Tiger to support operations offshore Bata, Equatorial Guinea. The 2008-built, 120-tonne diesel-electric vessel also features a newly installed 50-tonne crane and will support ROV operations with DeepOcean. The vessel has departed Vigo, Spain, and is scheduled to arrive in Bata on June 27.
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.
Equasis adds ship-to-ship transfer records from DYNAMARINe - Splash247
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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.
Logistics Framework Laptop 13 Pro Shipments Delayed One Month Over Touchpad, Display Issue
Framework has delayed shipments of its Laptop 13 Pro by about one month after discovering manufacturing flaws in the haptic touchpad and custom display. The delay pushes delivery from late June to late July, with some orders possibly not shipping until August. Pre-order customers can cancel for a full refund, and those seeking RAM can modify orders due to LPCAMM2 availability constraints.
Logistics Nominations Opening Soon for 2027 FreightTech Awards
FreightWaves will open nominations for the 2027 FreightTech Awards this fall, culminating at the Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga. The program, now in its ninth year, recognizes top disruptive technology companies in North American freight through a rigorous judging process. The 2026 awards highlighted trends in automation, fraud prevention, and consolidation.
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.
The DVIR: The Hidden Compliance Risk in Your Trucking Operations
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Logistics Truckload carriers eye multiyear rate upcycle as capacity tightens
The truckload market is entering a multiyear rate upcycle as capacity constraints tighten due to regulatory enforcement and cost inflation. Carriers like J.B. Hunt, Schneider National, and Werner Enterprises report accelerating contract renewals and double-digit rate hikes, while routing guides crumble and spot rates surge. Shippers face urgent need to secure sustainable carrier partnerships to mitigate rising costs.
Logistics Containerlines Cash In as Chinese Car Exports Surge 73% in May
Chinese passenger car exports surged 73% year-on-year in May to approximately 809,000 vehicles, driven by a doubling of new energy vehicle shipments. The booming export volume has pushed car carrier charter rates to fresh highs, forcing Chinese OEMs to divert growing volumes onto containerships, with around 1 million cars now shipped via container.
Logistics Zhejiang Yonghang orders up to six ultramax bulkers at Yangfan Group
Chinese owner Zhejiang Yonghang Shipping has contracted with Yangfan Group for up to six ultramax bulk carriers, with four firm and two optional vessels. The 64,500 dwt ships, designed by SDARI, will be Chinese-flagged and meet latest environmental rules. Estimated newbuild cost is around $34m per vessel. This follows Yangfan Group's recent containership order from Baozhou Shipping.
Logistics Sea Cargo Charter Signatories Hold Emissions Line Amid 2025 Shipping Turmoil
The Sea Cargo Charter’s 2025 annual report shows signatories maintained climate performance, averaging 11.6% behind IMO’s minimum decarbonisation trajectory, an improvement from 12.2% in 2024. Despite geopolitical turmoil and shifting trade patterns, 20 of 29 reporting companies lowered carbon intensity. Operational optimizations remain the primary tool, with growing interest in low-carbon fuels and wind propulsion.
Logistics Greek Capesize Owner NGM Flips Vintage Bulker for $17.4M in Firm Market
Greek capesize owner NGM sold the 2003-built vessel Charm to Chinese interests for around $17.4 million, more than $7 million above its purchase price in 2020. The sale is part of an accelerating shake-out of Greek capesize owners cashing in on historically firm asset values. Several other vintage capesize bulkers have changed hands recently.
Logistics Emotional Toll on Seafarers Poses Structural Risk to Global Shipping
A growing body of research, including surveys by Nautilus Federation and ISWAN, reveals that family separation and relationship strain among seafarers are becoming structural risks to the shipping industry. Nearly one in three seafarers has experienced a serious relationship breakdown linked to time away from home, and divorce rates are 20–30% higher than the national average. Welfare organisations report rising calls for relationship support, and experts warn that emotional distress affects concentration, retention, and operational safety.
Logistics Fortescue Revises Fleet Procedures After Bulker Loses Propulsion Off Port Hedlan
Fortescue's shipping arm has introduced fleetwide engine management changes after its bulk carrier FMG Nicola lost propulsion while departing Port Hedland on February 7, 2025. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found the shutdown was caused by an erroneous activation of a low lubricating oil pressure emergency shutdown switch. FMG International has upgraded testing procedures and introduced a standardised rapid-response protocol.
Logistics Why Human Behavioural Competence Is Critical in Modern Maritime Operations
According to Splash247, the maritime industry is increasingly recognising that technical competence alone is insufficient for safe operations. Behavioural competencies such as communication, situational awareness, and teamwork are now seen as integral. The Nautical Institute Academy has launched a Behavioural Competency Assessor Course to help bridge this gap.
Amazon's LTL Gap: Buying Forward Air Could Solve Expedited Tier
Amazon launched a national economy LTL network, but lacks a premium expedited tier. FreightWaves argues that acquiring Forward Air — which operates a scheduled, airport-centric road feeder network — would instantly fill that gap and create a formidable competitor to incumbents like Old Dominion and FedEx Freight.
Logistics Structural Flaws in Crew Travel Budgets Exposed
Crew travel budgets in the shipping industry are plagued by structural inefficiencies, leading to unmanaged costs. The lack of competitive re-tendering and visibility into decision-making processes are key issues.
Logistics Amazon's LTL Entry Unlikely to Disrupt Market
Amazon's expansion into the less-than-truckload (LTL) market is not expected to significantly disrupt existing carriers, according to analysts. Despite Amazon's asset-light model and extensive network, the market's high barriers to entry and established players' strong service offerings limit immediate impact.
Logistics SONAR's New Index Tracks Accepted Truckload Volumes
SONAR has launched the Accepted Truckload Volume Index (ASTVI) to provide a clearer view of freight that moves through the market. This index helps distinguish between tendered and accepted freight, offering valuable insights for logistics professionals.
Logistics Hong Kong Firm Synelysia Orders Eight Feeders at Xinle
Synelysia Limited, a new Hong Kong company, has ordered up to eight feeder containerships at Xinle Shipyard. The vessels are expected to be delivered starting in 2028, with each ship costing approximately $32 million.
Logistics Amazon Expands LTL Network to All Businesses
Amazon has expanded its less-than-truckload (LTL) network to serve all businesses, offering a full-scale logistics solution. This move positions Amazon as a competitor to traditional LTL carriers.
Logistics Purus Expands LNG Fleet with New Samsung Order
Purus Marine is linked to a new LNG carrier order at Samsung Heavy Industries, expanding its fleet. The $252m contract for a 174,000 cu m vessel is set for delivery in January 2029.
Logistics Huaxia Financial Leasing Seeks Yard Slots for Six Newcastlemaxes
Huaxia Financial Leasing is seeking yard slots for six newcastlemax bulk carriers, marking a significant expansion in the dry bulk sector. The Beijing-based company has launched a tender for vessels with a price cap of $79.5 million each.
Logistics Lohmann Sells Final Feeder Ships to Lila Global
Hermann Lohmann Bereederung has sold its last two container vessels, Marina L and Theodor, to Lila Global, marking its exit from container shipping. The vessels are currently chartered to CMA CGM and X-Press Feeders.
Logistics Exmar's Ammonia-Powered Vessel Marks New Era in Shipping
Exmar has launched the world's first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine, marking a significant milestone in sustainable shipping. The vessel, named Antwerpen, is part of a series of four ships designed to operate with low emissions.
Logistics ICS Endorses Onboard Carbon Capture for Shipping Emissions
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) endorses onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) as a viable near-term solution for reducing vessel emissions. The ICS report highlights OCCS's potential amidst limited availability of green fuels.
Logistics PV Drilling Expands Fleet with New Jackup Rig Acquisition
Petrovietnam Drilling and Well Service Corporation (PV Drilling) has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a new jackup drilling rig, increasing its total to eight. The rig, named PV Drilling X, will be transported to Vietnam for upgrades and is expected to enter service in 2027.
Logistics Samsung Heavy Secures $2.9bn Contract for US FLNG Project
Samsung Heavy Industries has signed a $2.9 billion contract to construct the Delfin FLNG Unit 1, the first floating liquefied natural gas unit in the United States. The project, involving Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Delfin Midstream, is set to begin production in 2030.
Logistics Moscow's Shadow Fleet: A Secret Network of Watchmen
An investigation reveals a network of Russian watchmen aboard tankers carrying sanctioned oil, ensuring compliance and evasion of Western authorities. These individuals, often with military backgrounds, play a crucial role in Russia's shadow fleet operations.
Logistics MSC Achieves Record 21.6% Global Market Share
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has set a new record by capturing 21.6% of the global container market. This achievement surpasses Maersk's previous high and highlights MSC's aggressive expansion strategy.
Logistics SplashTech: Navigating Shipping's Digital Transformation
SplashTech magazine offers a comprehensive guide to the technological changes in the shipping industry. It targets shipowners and operators, providing insights into digital advancements and strategic investments.