Hormuz Analysis: Two Blockades, Zero Neutrality
The Strait of Hormuz now operates under two parallel, state‑run shipping corridors—one administered by Iran and the other by the United Arab Emirates. Both sides have imposed de‑facto blockades, forcing vessels to choose a politically defined route rather than a neutral passage. The split has driven up freight rates, added days to transit times, and compelled carriers to secure political‑risk coverage. As a result, commercial shipping can no longer claim neutrality in one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.
Swire Shipping Updates Terminal Handling Charges Across Europe
Swire Shipping announced a revision of its terminal handling charges (THC) across nine European markets, effective April 23, 2026. Rates vary by country and cargo type, with the United Kingdom charging £240 ($310) for standard containers and £310 ($403) for...
Vietnam Bets on a New Transshipment Order
Vietnam’s cabinet approved the construction of the Can Gio megaport, a deep‑water facility designed to serve as a new transshipment hub for the region. The project targets an initial capacity of roughly 15 million TEU per year and will sit just south...
Explainer: The Pivot West and the Veto that Could Stop It
Saudi Arabia is redirecting a significant share of its crude output toward Europe, reducing shipments to Asian markets as European refiners seek to replace Russian supplies. The shift, estimated at roughly two million barrels per day, reflects higher spot prices...
CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges Steps Down
Jacques Vandermeiren stepped down as CEO of the Port of Antwerp‑Bruges after eight years, having overseen the historic merger of Antwerp and Zeebrugge ports. The board is entering a new strategic phase focused on cost efficiency and sustainable value creation....
Bunker Costs only Upside in Transpacific Contract Negotiations
Shipping lines are keeping transpacific contract rates at or below 2025 levels, despite recent index gains, by offering a higher floating bunker surcharge. The Shanghai Containerised Freight Index rose 8% week‑on‑week to $2,552 per FEU on the Shanghai‑US West Coast...
Why Freight Forwarders Are Becoming Essential for Growing E-Commerce Brands
E‑commerce brands that scale internationally quickly outgrow parcel‑only shipping, facing complex customs, carrier coordination, and warehouse handoffs. Freight forwarders step in as single‑point partners, handling mode selection, compliance paperwork, and end‑to‑end visibility. Their services lower landed costs, accelerate transit, and...
Dachser Reports Growth in 2025 Despite Market Headwinds
German logistics provider Dachser posted record revenue of about €8.3 bn (≈$9 bn) for FY 2025, a 3.1% increase year‑over‑year. Tonnage and shipments grew 5.8% and 3.6% respectively, driven primarily by a 7% rise in road‑logistics revenue to €6.9 bn. Food‑logistics surged 10.1% to...
SCA Rescues Crew After Barge Fire in Suez Waiting Area
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) quickly contained a fire on the barge SUEZ 2 while it was transferring oil to the vessel RAWAN in the E10 waiting area. Marine units, led by tug AMIN ZEID, rescued three of four crew members and...
Port of Los Angeles Closes First Quarter with Decline
The Port of Los Angeles reported first‑quarter throughput of 2,388,843 TEUs, aligning with its five‑year quarterly average despite a volatile trade backdrop. March volumes showed a 3% dip in total TEUs versus 2025, with imports slipping 1% while exports climbed...
Study Quantifies Economic Impact of DP World’s Batangas Port Operations
Independent research commissioned by DP World quantifies the Batangas Integrated Port’s contribution to the Philippine economy, showing it supported 2,340 jobs nationwide and generated roughly $27.8 million in economic activity in 2024. The terminal, operated by Asian Terminals Inc., directly employs...
Eimskip Cleared as Prosecutor Files Charges Against Company
Iceland’s District Prosecutor has ended the investigation into Eimskip’s chief operating officer concerning the sale of two vessels, lifting his defendant status. Simultaneously, the prosecutor filed indictments against the corporate entities Eimskipafélag Íslands hf. and Eimskip Ísland ehf., seeking convictions and legal...
ONE Launches MAX Service
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has launched the Mediterranean Africa Express (MAX) service, a weekly container route linking Far East Asia, Northern Europe and West Africa. The service uses Algeciras and Tangier as primary transshipment hubs and calls ports including Dakar,...
Maersk Revises Cargo Insurance and Cargo Care Rates
Maersk announced higher rates for its Maersk Cargo Insurance and Maersk Cargo Care services covering ocean shipments to and from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Israel. The new pricing, which varies by coverage tier and cargo type,...
Readers Speak: Uncertainty Clouds Return to Strait of Hormuz
Recent container vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz have sparked debate about a possible normalization of the route. A Readers Speak poll reveals that industry participants remain uncertain, with most viewing the movements as isolated and conditional. Respondents stress...
