Will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz? The big question in international shipping today has been whether Iran's responses to the U.S. Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on its nuclear facilities will include closing the Strait of Hormuz - the
Maritime Geopolitics is now the market In the once-quiet engine room of globalization maritime logistics a silent revolution is underway. According to maritime strategist Punit Oza, advances in port productivity have unlocked a staggering 25% to 50% increase in the effective container fleet. Not by adding new ships, but by minimizing turnaround times in hyper-efficient ports, particularly across East and Southeast Asia
Cavotec unveils flexible shore power solution Cavotec has launched PowerAlign, a new modular and mobile shore power solution purpose-built for container terminals. The unveiling took place at TOC Europe 2025 in Rotterdam, where the system was introduced as a forward-looking answer to rising environmental and operational demands in the maritime sector. Each unit can cover up to 140 meters, with additional modules allowing for extended reach.
Latvia and Germany strengthen maritime innovation ties Public and private sector partners from Latvia and Germany have signed a Memorandum of Understandin in Hamburg this week to boost cooperation in digital innovation for maritime technology, with a particular focus on advancing port infrastructure and connectivity. The MoU brings together key players from both countries, including Latvian telecommunications leader LMT, the Freeport of Riga, Port of
Kota Oasis makes inaugural call at Lomé PIL has announced that its latest "O"-Class vessel, Kota Oasis, made its inaugural call at the Port of Lomé, Togo. Following a successful first stop in Ghana, Kota Oasis continues its debut journey along PIL's South West Africa Service route. The vessel is scheduled to make further calls in Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire before returning to Asia. With a capacity of 8,200 TEUs, Kota Oasis is one of PIL
MSC reaches capacity milestone further cementing its position MSC has crossed a significant milestone, with its total container fleet capacity exceeding 6.6 million TEUs, securing a commanding 20.5% share of the global container shipping market. MSC's current capacity is 6,656,469 TEUs according to Alphaliner. This achievement reaffirms MSC's status as the world's largest container shipping line and highlights its aggressive expansion strategy in recent yea
Shipping risks rise as Taiwan Strait emerges as strategic flashpoint China's military blasted the Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Spey for its deliberate attempt to cause trouble as the vessel threaded the Taiwan Strait. Britain's Royal Navy insists the transit was routine and fully compliant with international law, yet Beijing's sharp rhetoric underscored how even a single foreign hull can light the fuse of a regional standoff. Those nerves are already frayed. This co
Maersk suspends calls to Haifa amid rising regional tensions Maersk has decided to temporarily suspend vessel calls to the Port of Haifa, Israel, as well as halt cargo acceptance for this destination. In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and after a thorough assessment of current threat risk reports, Maersk continuously monitors geopolitical developments that may impact logistics operations. This decision has been made with the safety
Strait of Hormuz tensions put global shipping and markets on edge The weekend US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities have pushed the maritime community onto what one operator called maximum alert. Regional naval commands warn that Tehran could lash out at commercial traffic, especially vessels with US ties, and the Joint Maritime Information Center is telling ships transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that the risk of attack is now high
Latin America trade volumes increased in 1Q 2025 Latin America's containerized trade volumes increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to provisional data from Container Trades Statistics. Import volumes led the growth, rising by 8%, while exports grew by 4%. The smaller intra-Latin America trade segment, however, experienced a slight decline. Source: DynaLiners Export volumes from the region ro
GXO appoints Patrick Kelleher as Chief Executive Officer GXO Logistics has announced the appointment of Patrick Kelleher as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 19, 2025. Kelleher joins GXO with more than three decades of global supply chain leadership, having spent much of his career at DHL Supply Chain, a division of Deutsche Post DHL Group. Most recently, he served as CEO for North America, where he led substantial growth and operationa
Louis Dreyfus Armateurs pays tribute to Philippe Louis-Dreyfus Louis Dreyfus Armateurs announces with deep regret the passing of Philippe Louis-Dreyfus on June 17, 2025, following a sudden illness. Philippe Louis-Dreyfus was a key figure within the company and the maritime industry at large. Known for his strategic vision and long-standing commitment to responsible shipping, he played a leading role in promoting innovation, sustainability, and the well-being
Maersk suspends calls to Haifa amid rising regional tensions Maersk has decided to temporarily suspend vessel calls to the Port of Haifa, Israel, as well as halt cargo acceptance for this destination. In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and after a thorough assessment of current threat risk reports, Maersk continuously monitors geopolitical developments that may impact logistics operations. This decision has been made with the safety
Gemini Cooperation extends AGX/FM1 service to Northern China The Gemini Cooperation has announced an extension of its Jebel Ali-Far East AGX/FM1 service, which will now reach further north into China with the addition of Tianjin and Qingdao. The updated port rotation for the AGX/FM1 service is: Tianjin, Qingdao, Busan, Ningbo, Shanghai, Tanjung Pelepas, Jebel Ali, Singapore, and returning to Tianjin. This extension enhances connectivity between the Middle
Unimed launches shuttle service between Ambarli and Constanta Unimed has introduced a new shuttle service connecting Istanbul (Ambarli) with the Port of Constanta in Romania. The service is operated by a single vessel with a capacity of 1,400 TEU, providing a direct and efficient short-sea link between Turkey and the Black Sea region. If you liked this post, please consider donating The post appeared first on Container News .
CMA CGM reinstates the Mona Express 2 CMA CGM has reinstated its Mona Express 2 service discontinued a year ago and has revised its Mona Express 1 to create a clearer division of coverage between the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The updated structure assigns Mona2 to Red Sea operations, while Mona focuses on Gulf connections. The revised Mona2 now connects Saudi Arabia with Sudan and Eritrea on a fortnightly basis, operated by a sin
Wan Hai 503 fire: "negligence" accusation from Indian resident Wan Hai Lines has clarified that the Indian police charges against the Taiwanese liner operator for negligence in relation to the Wan Hai 503 fire were due to a Kerala resident's complaints about environmental pollution resulting from the June 9 incident. On 19 June, Indian police said Wan Hai and Wan Hai 503's crew have been charged with negligently operating a ship with hazardous cargoes. This
MSC launches new Singapore-East Africa service MSC is introducing a new service linking Singapore with East Africa, named the Oryx service. The new route will be operated with six vessels, each with a capacity of approximately 3,500 TEU. The port rotation for the Oryx service will be: Singapore, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and back to Singapore. This new connection is expected to enhance trade flows between Southeast Asia and East Africa, improvi
Maersk and ZIM adjust Far East-ECSA service Maersk and ZIM have announced revisions to their joint Far East-East Coast South America service. As part of the changes, the northbound call at Singapore will be removed, and the sequence of port calls in Hong Kong and Shenzhen (Yantian) will be adjusted. Under the updated rotation, the revised port itinerary will be as follows: Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Shenzhen (Yantian), Santos, I
Famous VLCC sold for ninth time The 300,000 dwt Alter Ego-a vessel with a storied past-has changed hands for the ninth time in its 19-year lifespan. Greek outfit Cavalli Marine, known for its preference for vintage tonnage, reportedly sold the Chinese-built tanker to Chinese buyers for around $42m, netting an estimated $3m profit, excluding any gains from chartering. The transaction highlights ...
Saudi prince launches bunker company Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, a Saudi prince, has launched Eleven Energy, a new global bunkering company. Positioned to play a key role in supporting the Kingdom's international energy ambitions, Eleven Energy will spearhead Saudi Arabia's entry into the global bunker and marine fuels market, with a focus on innovation, reliability, and strategic expansion. At ...
Fugro scores German wind site survey work Fugro has won contracts to carry out geophysical and geotechnical site surveys for the development of two large-scale offshore wind farms in the German North Sea. The projects, known as Windbostel Ost and Windbostel West, and jointly developed by RWE and TotalEnergies, will have a combined installed capacity of 4 GW, making them among the ...
US airstrikes on Iran spark memories of previous tanker wars Shipping stock prices surged in Asia today on the back of the fast-escalating geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, with Iranian politicians threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz after US airstrikes on key nuclear sites. Iran's parliament has voted to block the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would need final approval from ...
TSM Windcat bags contracts for CTV pair French crew transfer vessel (CTV) player TSM Windcat has secured long-term contracts for two of its hydrogen-ready units. The partnership between TSM Group and Windcat, part of Antwerp-based shipping and logistics giant CMB.TECH will provide the CTVs to Les éoliennes en Mer Services, a consortium of Ocean Winds, Sumitomo Corporation, and Caisse des Dépôts. The ...
Former PSV outfit Standard Supply dives into crypto as StandardCoin Former platform supply vessel (PSV) investment outfit Standard Supply has transitioned to the cryptocurrency market. The Oslo-listed company has rebranded as StandardCoin and announced a $5m investment in bitcoin. Earlier this month, StandardCoin, backed by prominent Norwegian investor Øystein Stray Spetalen, revealed it will be shifting its focus to digital assets after closing the chapter ...
Shandong Marine signs for 10 VLOC newbuilds Shandong Marine Group has swelled its orderbook of very large ore carriers (VLOCs) at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding. The Chinese state-run shipping firm has contracted for ten 325,000 dwt guaibamax units to take its newbuilding series booked at the yard to 16 vessels. In December 2023, Shandong Marine signed a contract to build four VLOCs, with ...
West Africa Gas inks VLAC orders in South Korea West Africa Gas is expanding its fleet with a pair of very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) newbuilds in South Korea. The joint venture between Nigeria's state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Sahara Group has contracted 93,000 cu m vessels at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries with delivery from the flagship Ulsan yard ...
Seatrade books 2,800 teu newbuild series Dutch reefer specialist Seatrade has placed a newbuilding order for a series of up to eight 2,800 teu vessels at Huanghai Shipbuilding in China. The initial contract covers two firm vessels scheduled for delivery in 2027, with options for six additional ships. Financial terms have not been disclosed. The Groningen-based firm is listed with ten ...
ClarkSea Index hits year-high ahead of American strikes on Iran The cross-sector ClarkSea Index, a weighted average of tanker, bulk carrier, containership and gas carrier earnings managed by Clarksons Research, hit a new high for 2025 on Friday, ahead of the decision by the US to strike Iran, something that will likely see the index, seen as a key shipping barometer, climb higher this week. ...
Edison Chouest Offshore to build boxships with HD Hyundai HD Hyundai has entered into a strategic partnership with an American shipbuilder. South Korea's largest shipbuilder will work with Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) to get mid-sized LNG dual-fuel containerships built in the US by 2028. ECO operates five shipyards across the US and is best known for its production of offshore support vessels. HD Hyundai ...
NYK buys German crew payment platform Japanese shipping major Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is buying Kadmos, a global end-to-end maritime salary payments platform founded four years ago in Germany. No price has been disclosed. In 2019, NYK established MarCoPay in Manila as a financial services platform. MarCoPay has since evolved to offer loans and insurance designed to support the well-being of ...
ENEOS Xplora extends gas deal in Malaysia ENEOS Xplora, formerly JX Nippon Oil and Gas, has announced a major new agreement to keep producing natural gas in Malaysia for another 10 years. Malaysian subsidiary, ENEOS Xplora Malaysia, has signed a deal with Petronas to extend the current contract for offshore gas field Block SK10. The agreement has been extended to run through ...
VLCC rates shoot higher but tanker stocks retreat after restrained Iranian response The US attacked Iran, Iran retaliated and fired missiles at a US base in Qatar, the Strait of Hormuz is...
Caution, U-turns and rising rates, but tanker traffic continues largely unscathed for now The maritime threat level remains 'elevated' as the world waits for Iran's inevitable military response to US missile strikes, but...
Sevastopol exports: how Russia circumvents sanctions programmes A Lloyd's List exclusive reveals the companies and processes that enable Russia to continuously export grain from occupied Crimea despite...
Shadow fleet aframax and woodchip carrier sold for scrap as Hong Kong Convention imminent Hong Kong Convention 'stands to make significant improvements to a much-maligned industry', says cash buyer GMS
Regulating alt fuels for gas carriers is harder than it seems The Maritime Safety Committee was split on how to update gas carrier safety rules to help usher in alternative fuels
Buying ships in 2025: what the average owner needs to think about Lloyd's List's insurance editor David Osler asks how on earth can the average shipowner make informed decisions on their next...
Chinese lessor ditches ultramax order linked to Cosco as US port fees loom The move reflects growing pressure on Chinese ship lessors and owners, as new US levies threaten the economic viability of...
The week in newbuildings: Shandong Shipping boosts GuaibaMax ore carrier orderbook Orders for two bulkers, two gas carriers, four tankers, six boxships and 10 ore carriers recorded in the past week
The week in charts: Transpacific spot rates rapidly slump | Tanker execs lay out Strait of Hormuz scenarios | Boxship charter rates sustain their strength Predicted cargo transport boom following the pause in higher US tariff levels is turning into a bust; Strait of Hormuz...
South African 'state hostages' released after two years Two FPSO engineers jailed in Equatorial Guinea on bogus drugs charges have returned home after being pardoned, a spokesperson for...
HD Hyundai supports Edison Chouest in building LNG-dual fuel containership in US The alliance aims to boost US shipbuilding competitiveness and support the recovery of its maritime industry through technical collaboration rather...
The Daily View: Sorry, but Russia does have the right to a reset
China orders fleet to report Hormuz voyages amid protection speculation Beijing has demanded its merchant fleet report transits through the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating Middle East tensions and renewed...
Daily Briefing Tanker execs lay out Strait of Hormuz scenarios as spot rates double | Russia redraws territorial waters baseline in Baltic...
Port Houston implementing reefer dwell fees to encourage container flow The fees come as dwell times for refrigerated containers in Houston exceed a week, and reefer volumes topped 10,000 TEUs for the first time in three years.
CPKC acknowledges service woes to US regulators, vows remediation The railroad said the disruptions were the result of the switchover to a new operating system in early May, with the technology integration intended to unify old KCS systems into the CP network.
Ocean carriers flex tonnage control, but overcapacity is mounting Internal and external forces in the first half of 2025 mitigated container vessel overcapacity, but steep challenges lie ahead, writes Journal of Commerce Executive Editor Mark Szakonyi.
Carriers 'stand ready' to cut Persian Gulf calls as security threat escalates Iran has yet to make good on its threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, but nervous carriers are preparing contingency plans as the region moves onto a war footing.
Tanker stocks, oil price reverse gains following Iran's limited response Hope grows for containment of Middle East conflict as broader markets rise
Iran targeted attack on US base in Qatar appears to fizzle Iran says six missiles landed, but Qataris say attack fully intercepted with no injuries
US-listed tanker stocks, broader markets inch up after attacks Markets shrug off weekend turmoil as uncertainty swirls around next actions
OLT's FSRU Toscana ready to kick off small-scale operations Offshore Livorno regasification unit completes commissioning work
Flex LNG set to delist from Oslo Bors in mid-September Company has previously cited cost and complexity of dual listing
New round of Russia sanctions blocked by Hungary and Slovakia Dissident member states want Brussels to drop plan to end all energy imports from Russia
Italy's DIS banking $31m as it confirms double MR tanker sale Owner wants to focus on newer ships after offloading 2011-built duo
Tidewater redeeming Nordic bonds in private offering, pushing debt back Offshore player sunsetting three debt instruments in $650m fundraise
Will Trump's deepsea mining push catapult a nascent sector in US waters? First offshore lease sale in the works as Washington targets seabed minerals
Golar LNG 'accelerating' work on next FLNG units as new vessel hits commercial operations Company signs off study to determine price and delivery of its first 5-mpta newbuilding
Container ship hijacked by Iran in Strait of Hormuz returns to Europe after being released Giant container vessel sailed before US strikes and arrives in Europe
First export vessel due at LNG Canada midweek as historic shipment nears Shell-chartered ship 'spoofing' position for voyage to new plant
NYK snaps up German seafarer pay company Acquisition is seen as complementing shipowner's financial services platform MarCoPay
US bombing of Iran spikes war risk insurance rates Middle East Gulf rates remain below the peak during Houthi Red Sea campaign
HD Hyundai Samho rakes in tanker orders worth close to $178m Mokpo shipyard to deliver pair within two years
Product tanker owners enjoy 'incredibly punchy' market as Israel refinery closure to boost demand LR2 earnings continue to rise in volatile Middle East Gulf market
Angeliki Frangou launches $400m bond sale for South American unit Arctic Securities hired to set up investor meetings starting Tuesday
Ukraine auctioning cargo vessel seized for alleged illegal grain shipping State asset management agency tendering for companies to handle disposal of the Usko MFU
LNG carrier rates surge on security concerns and mounting term business War risk premiums rise for single vessel call at Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal
Owners 'laddering up' VLCC market as Greek tanker reported at $92,000 for Middle East loading Brokers report rates shifting from 'sentiment' to concrete deals at year-high levels
Japan to jump-start its declining shipbuilding industry with $7bn funding spree Japan aims to revive shipbuilding with creation of 'national shipyard'
Russian tanker abandoned for eight years to be scrapped Khatanga has been docked in Poland since arriving for repairs in 2017
Greek owner linked to rare suezmax S&P play to replace Houthi-bombed ship Reported deal would mark the first Greek S&P acquisition of a suezmax in four months
Shadow tanker diverts after false-flag threat Group of 14 European governments say they will take appropriate action against falsely-flagged ships
Tanker and gas stocks edge up as US-Iran tensions escalate DNB Carnegie sees crude tankers benefiting from stronger earnings potential
World's oldest cruise ship heading for the breakers' yard Galloo shells out $230,000 for a piece of maritime history
Scorpio Tankers banks $27m from selling piece of VLCC owner DHT Holdings US-listed product tanker specialist's deal outlines pure investment play rather than consolidation move
VLCCs swerve Strait of Hormuz as tanker traffic plummets Crude exports falling as tensions spike
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure 'unrealistic', Fearnley Securities says Analysts say continued GPS spoofing more likely scenario
Cut time in Middle East Gulf, NYK and MOL tell ship masters as Iran threat looms Transits being made on a case-by-case basis, major owners say
US calls for China to ensure Iran does not shut Strait of Hormuz This comes after Washington bombed three nuclear sites in Iran
Golden Ocean and CMB.Tech ink $2bn loan facilities with banks ahead of merger Loans will refinance Golden Ocean's outstanding debt
New Adam Polemis deal points to rising values for vintage VLCC tonnage Greek owner's New Shipping tied to yet another asset play for a 20-year-old vessel
HD Hyundai teams with Edison Chouest on US construction of dual-fuel container ships Companies aim to build first two LNG-fuelled boxships by 2028
Shandong Marine splashes out $1.3bn on 10 VLOC newbuildings Methanol dual-fuelled bulker giants to be built at Qingdao Beihai against employment with Vale
First LNG carrier of summer season takes Northern Sea Route eastbound With all eyes on Strait of Hormuz, Russia starts prepping its gas fleet for export push
Alang recycler buys rival as Hong Kong Convention poised to kick in Sources say consolidation has become rife in the world's largest ship recycling centre
Shandong Marine spalshes out $1.3bn on 10 VLOC newbuildings Methanol dual-fuelled bulker giants to be built at Qingdao Beihai against employment contracts from Vale
Asia tanker stocks show positive sentiment despite potential closure of Straits of Hormuz Asia accounted for 69% of all Hormuz crude oil and condensate flows in 2024, according to EIA data
Maersk stops Haifa service prior to Iran missile attacks Maersk said it was suspending service to Israel's busiest port just prior to Iran's missile attack.
FedEx names new chairman to replace founder Fred Smith FedEx has named a new chairman after founder Fred Smith died over the weekend.
Qantas Freight adds freighter connections to Shanghai, Bangkok Qantas Freight has added direct cargo flights to Shanghai and Bangkok, where shipments can connect to U.S.-bound freighters.
The Suez Canal Authority has announced that it will introduce surcharges on transit tariffs through the Egyptian canal for most major cargo vessels, effective July 15.
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