Vessel owners wait and see on Strait of Hormuz "reopening" Against a backdrop of wildly conflicting statements on the matter from President Trump and various Iranian regime officials it appears that Iran has lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz -
USCG: First two Arctic Security Cutters will be homeported in Alaska The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that the first two Arctic Security Cutter icebreakers will be homeported in the State of Alaska. Anticipating delivery of the first Arctic Security Cutters by the
Fincantieri Monfalcone launches Norwegian Aura Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have celebrated the launch of Norwegian Aura at the Monfalcone shipyard, marking the transition to the final outfitting and interior finishing phase of the vessel which
M/V Marne B repowered with Mitsubishi Tier 3 engines A towboat operating on the inland waterways has been repowered with new main engines as part of an effort to extend its service life and maintain operational performance. The M/V Marne B,
Cheoy Lee completes 16-tug Z-Tech 6000 series In 2024, Cheoy Lee Shipyards of Hong Kong delivered the first boat of Robert Allan Ltd.'s Z-Tech 6000 design, the PSA Gemini, to PSA Marine of Singapore. Less than two years later
Op-Ed: Why data is becoming shipping's most valuable asset Shipping has always operated in cycles. Freight rates rise and fall, fuel prices shift, and regulation evolves. But the current environment feels different, less cyclical and more layered. The scale and simultaneity
VIDEO: Rove four-legged robotic welder starts shipyard work Columbus, Ohio-based Path Robotics has been getting a lot of attention from shipbuilders lately. Now the company has launched Rove, a mobile robotic welding system that pairs the company's Obsidian physical AI
Circle Group, Dario Perioli advance Italy-Tunisia digital logistics corridor Circle Group and Dario Perioli Group are advancing digital logistics corridors between Italy and Tunisia through the IFSTL project. The IFSTL (International Fast & Secure Trade Lanes) initiative aims to improve efficiency across trade routes linking Italy and North Africa. It focuses on faster, safer, and more sustainable supply chains. The project uses digitalisation and interoperability to mode
Ningbo Ocean cancels CKS service Ningbo Ocean has announced the cancellation of its China-Korea-Japan (CKS) service as part of a broader restructuring of its regional network. The discontinued CKS loop previously connected Ningbo, Shanghai and Busan with the Japanese ports of Hakata and Moji. Under the new setup, these two ports will now be served through the revised CJKS1 service, replacing Nagoya in the rotation. As a result o
Hamburg and Riga showcase joint digital port innovations The Maritime Digital Innovation Demo Day, held on April 15 in Hamburg as part of the German-Latvian Port Days, brought together Latvian and German partners to present practical digital and autonomous technology solutions developed under the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Innovation and Resilience in Ports. The event demonstrated how the partnership between the ports of Riga and
Rhenus Logistics expands Asia-LATAM trade with record growth Rhenus Logistics strengthened its position on the Asia-Latin America trade lane in 2025. The company handled over 170,000 TEUs in full container load shipments, placing it among the top three logistics providers in the corridor. The company ranked No. 1 in Far East inbound flows to Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay. This performance reinforced its leadership in key Latin American markets. Rhenus
Pilbara Ports breaks ground on seafarers centre Construction has commenced on a new Seafarers Centre at the Port of Port Hedland following a sod turning ceremony marking the beginning of the build. The facility, awarded to Benchmark Construction and Building, will provide dedicated rest, recreation and welfare infrastructure for the approximately 150,000 seafarers who visit the Pilbara region annually. The centre has been designed to serve as
Iran opens Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping during ceasefire Iran has announced that commercial vessels will be allowed to transit through the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon, marking a significant development for global shipping and energy markets. The decision was confirmed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi , who stated that safe and uninterrupted passage would be permitted through the strategically critical waterwa
ONE updates LUX service rotation Ocean Network Express has announced a revision to the rotation of its Latin East Coast Europe Express (LUX) service, aimed at enhancing schedule reliability and strengthening its service offering between Europe and Latin America. Under the updated configuration, the company will permanently remove Felixstowe from the rotation, along with southbound calls at Paranaguá. The changes are designed to
Route concentration as a strategic variable for mid-carriers The latest Alphaliner net profit data for mid-tier container carriers tells a story that aggregate industry figures obscure
MSC updates Asia-US East Coast services Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced a series of adjustments to its Asia-US East Coast network, covering the Empire, Amberjack and Emerald services, as part of efforts to enhance schedule reliability and operational efficiency. The changes are aimed at reducing congestion exposure, optimizing port coverage and improving transit times across key trade lanes. On the Empire service, Qingdao
CMA CGM launches Gemalink Phase 2 expansion in Vietnam The CMA CGM Group and Gemadept have launched Phase 2 of the Gemalink container terminal in Cai Mep, southern Vietnam. The project strengthens a key trade gateway in Southeast Asia and supports growing regional supply chains. The expansion will increase terminal capacity from 1.7 million to 3 million TEUs by 2027. It includes a 450-meter quay extension, yard expansion from 32 to 44 hectares, and t
Six-week rally ends as Drewry WCI slips 3% to $2,246 Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) fell 3% this week to $2,246 per 40-foot container, snapping a six-week rally that had been driven by bunker fuel price spikes following the late-February Middle East conflict, according to Drewry's assessment of April 16, 2026. Rates declined on both Asia-Europe and Transpacific lanes. Shanghai to New York dropped 3% to $3,552. Shanghai to Los Angeles fell 3%
AD Ports Group leverages integrated network to keep Gulf trade flowing AD Ports Group maintains normal operations and activates business continuity protocols to support regional supply chains. The Group uses its integrated five-cluster logistics network to ensure resilience amid disruptions in the Arabian Gulf, particularly linked to traffic conditions through the Strait of Hormuz. Since late February, AD Ports Group has rerouted cargo across land, rail, sea, and ai
How Djibouti, Berbera, and Salalah redrew the map of Indian Ocean trade As Red Sea crisis forced a rerouting of global shipping, its lasting consequence may be a structural realignment of the Horn of Africa's port hierarchy
ONE deploys M/V ONE Satisfaction on Transatlantic Service Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced the deployment of its new container ship, the M/V ONE Satisfaction , on its Transatlantic AT1 service. This marks the first time ONE has operated a vessel featuring its iconic magenta branding on this trade lane. Vessel Specifications Delivered in February 2026, the M/V ONE Satisfaction is part of ONE's S-series: Capacity: 13,900 TEU Dimensions: 336 meter
Developing countries launch first Borrowers' Platform Developing countries launched the first-ever Borrowers' Platform during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will serve as the Secretariat. The platform gives borrowing countries a formal space to exchange knowledge, coordinate debt strategies, and strengthen their collective voice in global debt discussions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it "a brea
Aygaz triples VLGC bet with fresh South Korea orders Turkey's Aygaz is stepping up its move into deepsea gas shipping, adding two more vessels to its fledgling very large gas carrier (VLGC) programme in South Korea. The Istanbul-based LPG distributor said it has signed a deal with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for two dual-fuel LPG carriers of about 90,000 cu m each. The latest ...
Himalaya Shipping scores fresh premium index-linked charter Oslo-listed Himalaya Shipping has lined up fresh employment for its newcastlemax, keeping the LNG dual-fuel bulker trading at a premium to the wider capesize market. The Tor Olav Troim-backed owner said the 2024-built 210,000 dwt Mount Emai has secured a charter for 12 to 14 months, starting in the first half of May immediately after ...
CMA CGM doubles down on Vietnam with terminal upgrade French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM has launched expansion work at Gemalink's container terminal at Cai Mep port in southern Vietnam, where the company holds a 25% stake alongside its longstanding partner, Gemadept. Once completed, the terminal's capacity will increase from 1.7m teu to approximately 3m teu, with full completion expected in 2027. This ...
Performance Shipping secures Repsol charters for suezmax newbuilds Performance Shipping has locked in long-term employment for its two suezmax newbuildings well ahead of delivery. The Nasdaq-listed Greek owner said it has signed charter deals with Repsol Trading for the two 158,000 dwt vessels currently under construction in China at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. The first ship has been fixed for seven years at $35,000 ...
Seaspan breaks into MPP segment with four newbuilds Seaspan is pushing further beyond its boxship roots, placing its first order in the dry bulk space with a series of open-hatch multipurpose vessels. The container leasing giant has contracted China's New Dayang Shipbuilding to build four 65,200 dwt ships, with deliveries lined up for 2029. The vessels are designed with gantry cranes and box-shaped ...
Yangzijiang Maritime places major VLCC bet with eight-ship order Yangzijiang Maritime Development is doubling down on crude tankers, lining up a major series of VLCC newbuilds as it looks to scale up in the large tanker segment. The Singapore-listed company said it is investing in eight 319,000 dwt units at a Chinese yard, with deliveries spread across 2028, 2029 and 2030. The VLCCs will ...
Perdana Petroleum secures two AHTS contracts from Petronas Carigali Malaysian offshore marine support services firm Perdana Petroleum has won contracts to charter two AHTS vessels to compatriot Petronas Carigali. The contract was won through work orders given to Perdana Petroleum's subsidiary Perdana Nautika. The contract period for the first AHTS vessel is 303 days, with an option to extend by a further 40 days, ...
Splash Wrap: Next generation MSC Nearly 50 days into one of the most disruptive shipping crises in history, diplomatic signals and military escalation are running in parallel in and around the Strait of Hormuz with both sides - the US and Iran - enforcing blockades in the region. Privately held Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world's largest containerline and a ...
COSCO adds panamax tankers to orderbook COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation (CSET) is adding to its already sizeable orderbook, booking more tanker tonnage. The listed oil and gas shipping business of COSCO Shipping Group said its subsidiary, Hainan Cosco Shipping Energy, has ordered two 74,900 dwt panamax crude tankers at Cosco Shipping Offshore Qidong. The newbuilds are priced at about $76.5m each ...
Odfjell Technology wins long-term North Sea deal with ConocoPhillips Odfjell Technology, a spin-off of Odfjell Drilling that specialises in offshore operations, has signed a contract with a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips for integrated services in the North Sea. The company entered a 5.5-year firm deal with ConocoPhillips Skandinavia, which includes two options, each with a duration of up to five years. The contract term has ...
North Sea demand drives Mermaid vessel charter extension Mermaid Subsea Services UK, a subsidiary of Mermaid Maritime, has extended its charter of the subsea support vessel Island Valiant for work in the North Sea. The charter of the vessel, which has been with the company since 2024 for well plug-and-abandonment activities and inspection, repair, and maintenance campaigns, has been extended by another year. ...
US widens Hormuz blockade net as dark fleet hunted across Pacific US Central Command (CENTCOM) has extended the reach of its blockade, which has been in force since April 13, beyond vessels simply entering or leaving Iranian ports. The updated order states that all Iranian vessels, ships under active OFAC sanctions, and vessels suspected of carrying contraband are now "subject to belligerent right to visit and ...
Africa's unwanted war Captain Pappu Sastry, the CEO of GSC and ASL, on the fallout from the Hormuz crisis across the world's poorest continent. The escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is not a crisis contained within the Middle East. For Africa, it is already a full-blown economic shockwave. Far from being a bystander, the continent ...
Mark O'Neil leaves Columbia After nine years in the post, Mark O'Neil is no longer president at Columbia Shipmanagement and CEO of Columbia Group. A note sent to employees yesterday from owner Heinrich Schoeller said O'Neil has left the company, effective immediately. No reason was given for the sudden departure from one of the world's top shipmanagers. Andreas Hadjipetrou, ...
Bunker prices retreat after initial panic, but they're still very high The price of bunker fuel has pulled back from the peak in March. However, fuel costs are still up around...
Strait of Hormuz open, says Iranian foreign minister Vessels wanting to transit the strait must still do so via the routes approved by Tehran, Araghchi said
Iranian tankers pivot and pause voyages amid US clampdown On Thursday, the US expanded its blockade terms claiming the right to seize Iran-linked vessels anywhere beyond neutral waters. The...
Beazley to launch $1bn marine war consortium Facility focused on Strait of Hormuz transits
Seaspan continues fleet diversification strategy with open-hatch cargoship newbuilding order Seaspan focused on the containership sector until late 2023, when it signed newbuilding contracts for six vehicle carriers. Last year...
Middle East port update: Friday, April 17 Jebel Ali, Hamriyah and Sharjah ports: all terminal port operations are normal
Novorossiysk drone attack hits tanker The vessel's master was injured in the attack, in the latest of a wave of drone exchanges between Russia and...
Stricter sanctions enforcements threaten Russian crude arrivals globally after surge to 10-year high Buyers of sanctioned crude oil could be sidelined by Western authorities stepping up shadow fleet seizures and bolstered prices
The Daily View: Exaggerated fallout or slow-motion train wreck?
Cosco Shipping appoints Lin Ji as president Lin has replaced Zhu Bixin, who has reached the customary retirement age for Chinese state-owned enterprise leaders
Capital Clean Energy Carriers sells stake in LNG carrier to BGN as part of long-term charter deal Energy trader will acquire 49% of joint venture vehicle created for 2023-built vessel
Sinokor's tally of secondhand VLCC buys exceeds 60 ships as sellers relinquish more vessels Greek shipowners have been the largest sellers and are attributed to 40% of the deals, including 13 vessels sold by...
Oil industry scheme may have to pay for uninsured shadow fleet spill Sanctioned ships simply not envisaged under 1992 IOPC convention
Green shipping entering 'false proposition era' as geopolitics takes priority, Chinese expert warns Security, not sustainability, is now the shipping industry's top priority, Beijing adviser warns
Daily Briefing Iran-linked vessels continue to transit Hormuz despite US blockade | Risk to boxship demand rises 'with every day' Hormuz remains...
MSC revamps Asia-USEC network The ocean carrier said switching up Asia and US East Coast rotations on three trans-Pacific services will provide more reliability and consistency.
Premier Alliance taps UAE's Khor Fakkan for war-diverted cargoes The Port of Khor Fakkan "offers a relatively stable operating environment and will serve as the primary discharge hub operations," Premier Alliance member Yang Ming said in an advisory.
Tailwinds for US intermodal volume growth strengthening: analyst Domestic intermodal boosters have been waiting for three years for the competitive environment to improve, and perhaps that time has arrived, writes intermodal analyst Larry Gross.
US alcohol importers managing shifting consumption habits The alcoholic beverage industry is going through changes that are roiling demand forecasts, with a growing number of people drinking less than they were during the pandemic and different tastes apparent among young drinkers.
Strong March volumes give intermodal its first real stress test in years Demand returned sharply last month as shippers, facing surging truckload rates, looked to intermodal for lower-cost capacity alternatives.
Shipping stocks rally on Strait easing and Trump tipping deal 'in a day or two' Crude tanker owners show biggest gains on day and week as US markets stage relief rally
'Inconsistent with reality': China's shipyards push back against Trump trade chief's latest probe US manufacturing group alleges Chinese yard sector's 'excess capacity' undermines market-based builders
Trump's MARAD chief pushes drive to re-evaluate government's shipping fleet How can the government deploy idle ships without cannibalising cargoes from US-flag commercial vessels
Shipping insists on crew safety and freedom of navigation guarantees if Strait of Hormuz re-opens Safety of ships and seafarers in the waterway needs to be assured, shipping bodies say
From the tanker wars to the Hormuz: Lawyer Paul Dean opens up on advising clients in times of crisis HFW shipping boss likens firm's proactive approach to a regular trip to the dentist
DryDel Shipping fleet renewal rolls on as fifth ultramax heads for the exit Greek owner Costas Delaportas raises more than $150m from ultramax sales in less than a year
Emerging ethanol offers new conversion option for methanol dual-fuel ships, LR says 2025 added 'scaffolding' to engine retrofit market, but clearer decarbonisation signals needed for lift-off
Thenamaris tanker explosions caused by limpet mines, Italian probe finds Two military-grade devices were attached to hull up to nine days before
Strait of Hormuz open to all traffic amid ceasefire, says Iran Donald Trump says thanks, but upholds his blockade of Iranian maritime traffic
'Just the start': Trader BGN boosts VLGC fleet with four-ship order in South Korea Shipping director Ozan Turgut outlines expansion plans after landmark deal
Net-zero agenda being sidelined amid Middle East conflict, broker says London shop highlights how priorities have changed in a chaotic world
Nicholas Moundreas clan joins growing band of Greek suezmax buyers Mid-aged suezmaxes are the talk of Athens and Piraeus as Greek buyers pile in
Iran keeps loading oil as Washington hits out at potential buyers US brandishes blacklist as it threatens to pursue Iranian tankers all over the globe
Sabotage attacks in low-risk zones raise questions over war risk insurance London Club urges shipowners to check insurance terms amid heightened tensions
Zim workers strike in fresh row over sale to Hapag-Lloyd Workers in Israel down tools and stop unloading ships
Naftomar makes debut crude carrier purchase as it inks $63m suezmax deal Zein family's tanker bet takes a new turn with the acquisition of a 13-year-old vessel
Ray Car Carriers linked to double PCTC order in South Korea Shipowner said to have booked two dual-fuel vessels at HD Hyundai Heavy
MOL inks long-term charter on LNG newbuilding with Japanese producer Inpex Shipowner says deal is its first with the energy company
Thenamaris LNG carrier sells for a sizzling price as buyer remains a mystery Sale & purchase market heats up with Maran Gas Maritime also linked to more sales
Castor Maritime builds cash to $153m as rates rise Petros Panagiotidis-led owner says it retains faith in bulker prospects
VLGC rates jump again as vessel queue builds in Panama Canal Congestion becomes another factor in freight market boosted by Middle East disruption
Never let a crisis go to waste - even for decarbonisation Owners and charterers should use these uncertain times to prepare for the new low-carbon push to come, says Engebret Dahm
John Hadjipateras makes rare VLGC sale in tentative fleet renewal move US-listed gas carrier specialist parts ways with 2015-built eco vessel
Himalaya Shipping nets newcastlemax time charter for 'significant' premium The Mount Emai will earn index-linked rate for 12 to 14 months
Pakistan-controlled tanker leaves Middle East Gulf as US forces turn back 14 ships Ship tracking shows a slowdown in transits as US blockade curbing vessel movements
Seaspan Corp dives into the dry bulk sector with order for MPP vessels The Bing Chen-led company has signed a contract for four 65,000-dwt newbuildings at New Dayang
Yangzijiang Maritime orders eight VLCCs in deal worth close to $1bn Shipowner reveals it has also divested four MR tanker newbuildings set for 2027 and 2028 delivery
Ship captain injured as tanker attacked by drone in Black Sea Master of Turkish tanker taken to hospital after attack of Novorossiysk
Stolt Tankers scores record price for two tankers sent to India for recycling Stainless-steel laden supersegregators Stolt Cedar and Stolt Sea score highest scrap price seen so far in 2026
Seaspan dives into the drybulk sector with order for MPP vessels The Bing Chen-led company has signed a contract for four 65,000-dwt newbuildings at New Dayang
Yangzijiang Maritime orders eight VLCCs in deal worth close to close to $1bn Shipowner reveals it has also divested four MR tanker newbuildings that are set for 2027 and 2028 delivery
How Singapore became a launchpad for global ambitions TradeWinds looks at how Singaporean companies and shipping professionals are taking to the global stage
The investor helping Singapore start-ups to follow the money Singaporean VC firm ShipsFocus has backed eight start-ups
Dava eyes expansion as shifting trade routes reshape bulk markets Singapore-based dry bulk operator grows fleet and reach as market dynamics evolve
'Fear of fixing' lifts for dry cargo players, Pacific Basin says Bulker owner-operator has put numbers on how war in the Gulf is affecting seaborne trade
SONAR Launches Sitreps: Expert-Authored Situation Reports Integrated Directly Into the Freight Intelligence Platform SONAR Research team delivers deep market analysis on macro forces reshaping freight and supply chain - with live data built in SONAR, the leading real-time freight market intelligence platform, today announced the launch of SONAR Sitreps - a new research product that delivers deep, expert-authored situati
DOT cuts funding to NY, cites non-domiciled CDL policies (An analysis of the decision by the DOT to withhold funds from New York can be found in the FreightWaves Playbook here .) The battle over CDLs issued to non-citizens and non-domiciled drivers heated up on at least two fronts this week, with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) taking aim at the state of New York. Separately, a lawsuit filed in federal court in Florida sought to reinstate C
SONAR Launches Sitreps: Expert-Authored Situation Reports Integrated Directly Into the Freight Intelligence Platform SONAR Research team delivers deep market analysis on macro forces reshaping freight and supply chain - with live data built in SONAR, the leading real-time freight market intelligence platform, today announced the launch of SONAR Sitreps - a new research product that delivers deep, expert-authored situati
FedEx pilots to vote on tentative contract after union endorsement The board of the FedEx pilots' union on Thursday signed off on a tentative contract agreed to by its negotiating team and the company last week, and will now present it to rank-and-file members for a ratification vote. The Air Line Pilots Association said the FedEx Master Executive Council voted to advance the five-year contract to a vote with a positive recommendation. The decision was expected.
USPS imposes strict May 1 deadline on non-domiciled CDL drivers for mail transport The U.S. Postal Service has drawn a hard line on driver eligibility for its massive linehaul network. In a letter dated April 16, 2026, Chief Logistics Officer and EVP Peter Routsolias notified all suppliers that effective May 1, non-domiciled holders of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) may not transport mail under Postal Service contracts or ordering agreements unless they have been screened
Prologis ups 2026 outlook as warehouse demand strengthens Industrial warehouse operator Prologis said its pipeline is at an all-time high even after record lease signings in the first quarter. Among the deals inked were new contracts representing 64 million square feet of logistics space. The San Francisco-based real estate investment trust said on a Thursday call with analysts that March was a very strong signing month, even with the added overhang of
Logistics layoffs top 800 as contracts unwind across trucking, warehousing More layoffs have hit supply chain-related companies across the United States, signaling that while trucking spot market conditions have stabilized in some lanes, contract freight - particularly in dedicated and warehouse-linked operations - remains under pressure. Recent WARN filings, company disclosures and media reports show 829 job cuts tied to contract losses, facility closures and shifting
Canada Post mobilizes to end home delivery, close post offices Canada Post on Thursday said it has started preliminary work to end home delivery and rationalize its retail network, part of a broad operational restructuring aimed at turning around an insolvent institution with an outdated business model. After initial consultations with postal unions, the national post is moving to convert the remaining 4 million addresses that receive door-to-door delivery t
Uber Eats launches retail returns feature Uber Eats on Friday launched a new returns feature allowing consumers to return retail goods purchased on the app with a courier and receive a refund from the convenience of home, a first for the on-demand delivery industry. Retailers participating in the initial phase include Best Buy, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Pet Food Express, Pacsun and Petco, which combined have thousands of retail locations ac
Commodities outrun intermodal in latest rail freight data Grain, petroleum and chemicals led a strong week for U.S. rail freight while intermodal traffic continues to limp through early 2026. Total weekly traffic reached 500,040 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending April 11, better by 1.7% from the same week a year ago, according to data from the Association of American Railroads. Carloads came to 228,666 units, up 5.1%, while U.S. weekly i
New York to lose $73 million playing licensing games with the Duffy Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced today that FMCSA is formally withholding $73,502,543 from the state of New York after the state failed to complete required corrective actions following a federal audit that found a 53 percent failure rate in the state's non-domiciled commercial driver's license program. Of the 200 sampled records, 107 were issued in violation of federal law. On March
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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