Shipping Lines Take Further Steps Towards Suez Return
More container services are set to use the Suez Canal as shipping lines look to reduce their reliance on the longer route around Africa, despite continuing uncertainty in the Red Sea region. Gemini Cooperation partners Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced the return of four additional services — AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2. These cover trade […]
Middle East Flashpoints Create Fresh Freight Uncertainty
International freight is facing growing uncertainty as risks increase around two of the world’s most important shipping routes: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The latest concern centres on Yemen, where Houthi forces have reportedly advanced to Dhubab after capturing the Red Sea port city of Mokha. Dhubab lies opposite Perim Island, […]
Indonesian Flights Resume After Volcanic Ash Disruption
Flight operations have resumed at Jakarta and other Indonesian airports following the volcanic ash disruption caused by Anak Krakatau, although normal air freight schedules are unlikely to return immediately. Indonesia’s principal international airport closed on Saturday 6 September after ash from the volcano moved into the surrounding airspace. It reopened at 00:30 local time on […]
Record Auction Signals Capacity Pressure At The Panama Canal
A shipper has reportedly paid a record $5.3 million to secure passage through the Panama Canal next week, highlighting the growing pressure on one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. The successful bid was placed by a South Korean shipper for an LPG carrier and considerably exceeded the previous record of $4.6 million […]
Growing Backlogs Disrupt China’s Major Ports
Severe congestion is continuing to affect container movements through China, with Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian and Shekou among the gateways experiencing the greatest disruption. Repeated storms and the seasonal increase in cargo volumes have created substantial backlogs across the country’s port network. Vessel bunching has left ships facing average waits of three to five days at […]
Carriers Balance Suez Route Benefits Against Red Sea Risks
Some of the world’s largest container shipping lines are beginning to increase their use of the Suez Canal again, even though the security situation in the Red Sea remains highly uncertain. The attraction is clear. Routing vessels between Asia and Europe via the Cape of Good Hope adds significant sailing time, fuel consumption and operating […]
Typhoon Dolphin Brings Further Disruption to Far East Freight
Far East shipping operations are once again being affected by severe weather, following Typhoon Dolphin’s landfall in China’s Zhejiang province yesterday. Port activity across parts of eastern China has been temporarily suspended or restricted, while hundreds of flights have been cancelled around Shanghai and Ningbo. Further heavy rainfall is expected over the coming days, raising […]
Wildfires Cause Freight Delays Across Regions Of France and Spain
Freight movements through parts of France and Spain continue to face disruption as wildfires, extreme temperatures and changing road restrictions affect regional transport networks. Temperatures exceeding 40°C have returned to south-west France, while prolonged heat and dry conditions across Spain are increasing the possibility of fires spreading or previously controlled areas reigniting. In France, road […]
Trump Administration Look To Alternative Powers As Tariff Expiry Looms
The future direction of US tariff policy is once again under scrutiny as the temporary 10% surcharge on global imports reaches its expiry deadline. Introduced under Section 122 of the Trade Act, the measure followed the Supreme Court’s decision in February to overturn tariffs previously imposed through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Section 122 […]
Hormuz Disruption Continues To Impact Global Supply Chains
Renewed conflict in the Strait of Hormuz is once again creating significant challenges for international shipping, as heightened military activity disrupts one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. Recent developments have seen US forces engage a Curaçao-flagged tanker operating near Kharg Island after reports that the vessel failed to respond to multiple warnings. […]