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. […]
Port Congestion Delays Build Across Major Asia Trade Lanes
Global container shipping operations are facing renewed pressure as port congestion builds across several key port regions. Longer vessel queues, restricted berth availability, busy terminals and rising cargo volumes are all contributing to delays across major trade lanes. Market reports suggest port congestion is now at its highest level in four years, with around 11% […]
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Surge After Two Cargo Ships Attacked
The International Maritime Organisation has put on hold a planned evacuation of vessels and seafarers from the Gulf after a sudden escalation in violence in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision followed attacks on two commercial ships in the space of 24 hours. On Friday, the Evergreen containership MV Ever Lonely was reportedly hit by […]
Tightening Space Drives Further Asia-Europe Rate Increases
Asia–Europe ocean freight rates look set to rise again, with major carrier networks preparing to implement a new General Rate Increase from 1 July. Demand is still higher than available vessel capacity, giving carriers further opportunity to push through additional increases after the GRI applied earlier this month. The exact level of any increase will […]
Hormuz Due To Reopen, But A Return To Normal Will Take Time
Global markets have welcomed signs that tensions in the Gulf are potentially easing. Reports of a potential agreement between the United States and Iran, alongside expectations that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen as early as Friday, have already triggered a sharp reaction across commodity markets. Oil prices have been among the first indicators to […]
Ocean Freight Demand Strengthens As Asia Capacity Tightens
Global container shipping markets have entered a period of heightened activity, with demand gaining momentum earlier than expected across several major trade lanes. The strongest growth is being seen on export routes originating from Asia, where carriers are reporting a sustained increase in booking volumes. A combination of economic and geopolitical factors is contributing to […]
Carriers Propose June Rate Increases For Asia Ocean Freight
We may be about to get an update to a question we asked in an earlier article this month about the Asia peak season, as ocean freight prices seem set to climb from June 1st. Global shipping lines have announced a fresh wave of significant rate increases ahead of the anticipated peak season, with pricing […]