Todays Featured News
Ocean Freight Rates Surge as U.S.-Asia Trade Talks Ease Tensions
Trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe ocean rates rose 15–20% amid easing U.S.-China trade tensions and strong carrier capacity management.
Dar Es Salaam Port Shuts Amid Post-Election Unrest in Tanzania
Tanzania imposed a curfew and internet blackout after post-election unrest, forcing closure of Dar Es Salaam port.
U.S. Rail Volumes Fall 3% Amid Industrial Slowdown
U.S. rail volumes fell 3% in October amid weaker auto and coal shipments.
Shipping cautiously resumes Red Sea transits amid fragile ceasefire
CMA CGM and Russian tankers test Red Sea routes post-ceasefire, as operators monitor Houthi response.
Sanctioned Russian tanker briefly grounds in Suez Canal
Tanker Komander grounded after engine failure but was quickly refloated, restoring canal traffic.
India, Netherlands to Establish Green & Digital Sea Corridor
India, Netherlands to launch Green and Digital Sea Corridor enhancing clean fuel trade and maritime innovation.
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India’s First Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering Launched at Vizhinjam
Adani Ports and BPCL launch India’s first STS LNG bunkering at Vizhinjam, advancing clean shipping.
CMA CGM, Marsa Maroc Seal Deal for Nador West Med Terminal
CMA Terminals takes 49% stake in Morocco’s upcoming 1.8M TEU port at Nador West Med.
NatPower Marine Says IMO Delay Won’t Halt Green Shipping Progress
£3 billion plan for 120 clean-energy corridors moves ahead despite IMO delay.
Antwerp-Bruges Stable Container Volumes, Bulk Cargo Declines
Port handles 202.6M tonnes in Jan–Sep 2025; bulk down 12.8%, containers steady.
Two Missing After Wan Hai Collision in Guangzhou
Singapore’s Wan Hai A17 collided with Chinese bulker Hai Li 5, sinking it and leaving two missing.
US May Cut Tariffs on Indian Imports to 15–16% in Trade Deal
Washington considers tariff cuts as India limits Russian oil and expands US agri imports.
India Aims to Become a Top-5 Global Shipbuilding Power by 2047
At the Kochi Summit, India set a vision to lead the world in shipbuilding by 2047 via innovation, partnerships, and investment.
Trump to Raise Canada Tariffs by 10%
Trump plans a 10% tariff hike on Canadian imports after trade talks collapse over anti-tariff ad dispute.
US, China Trade Deal Framework Ahead of Trump–Xi Meeting
Washington and Beijing agreed for a potential trade deal to be finalized when Trump and Xi meet in South Korea
S J Logistics Launches Suez Express Service
India’s S J Logistics begins maiden Suez Express voyage linking Gulf, India, Africa, and Red Sea.
BIMCO Drafts Clause for China’s Port Fee Rules
BIMCO to create standard clause addressing China’s new port fees on US-linked ships.
US-China Port Fees Disrupt Cargo Flows
Reciprocal US-China port fees tighten vessel availability and push up shipping, consumer costs.
CNBC Flags USTR Port Fee “Blind Spot”
ACL warns $34M annual fees misclassify its ConRo ships as Ro-Ros under USTR rules.
PSA Mumbai Welcomes Record-Breaking MSC MICOL
PSA Mumbai receives MSC MICOL (24,346 TEU), the largest container vessel ever to call at the terminal.
ClarkSea Index Tops $30,000 Amid U.S.-China Port Fee Spat
Shipping earnings surge as new U.S.-China port fees drive freight rate increases.
Shipowners Restructure Fleets to Avoid U.S.–China Port Fees
Global shipowners shift vessel flags, routes, and headquarters to bypass new U.S. and Chinese port levies.
CULines Launches New Red Sea Service
China’s CULines to start Sokhna–Jeddah–Aden feeder service from Oct. 29, boosting Red Sea connectivity.
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EU Plans to Double Tariffs on Steel Imports
EU proposal to halve quotas and double duties from 2026 threatens India’s steel exports.
US Pressures Nations to Reject Shipping Net-Zero Plan
Trump administration threatens tariffs and penalties to block global shipping carbon fee framework.
Reroutes U.S. Ships from China Amid New Port Fees
Maersk reroutes two U.S.-flag vessels from Ningbo to South Korea after China imposes retaliatory port fees.
USTR Imposes 100% Tariff on China Cranes
U.S. to levy 100% tariff on China-linked cranes, chassis, and cargo equipment.
Panamax Boxship Faces $1.7M Shanghai Fee
US-flagged Matson Waikiki hit with $1.7M Shanghai fee over US-China levies.
Cochin Shipyard Landmark CMA CGM Order for Six LNG Vessels
CMA CGM orders six 1,700 TEU LNG ships from Cochin Shipyard, boosting India’s green shipbuilding ambitions.
Container Ship Sails China → Felixstowe via Arctic in 21 Days
Istanbul Bridge completes 21-day Northern Sea Route voyage from Ningbo to Felixstowe, beating previous record.
U.S. Weighs Penalties for Countries Supporting IMO’s Net-Zero Ship Tax
U.S. threatens port bans, visa restrictions, and fees against nations backing IMO’s maritime carbon tax.
Antwerp & Rotterdam Ships Backed Up Amid Extended Strikes
Industrial action pauses port operations in Antwerp and Rotterdam, causing severe ship queuing and delays.
Chinese-Built Vessels Exempt from US Ship Special Port Fees
China exempts US ships built in China from special port fees amid tit-for-tat USTR retaliation.
APM Pipavav Starts Dedicated Block Train to Jaipur
APM Terminals Pipavav starts block train service transporting containers to Jaipur ICD, enhancing multimodal links.
US Threatens Port Bans, Sanctions Over IMO Carbon Tax
U.S. vows retaliation against countries backing IMO’s global carbon tax plan, citing economic harm and “neocolonial” climate regulation.
Trump to Impose Additional 100% Tariff on Chinese Imports
President Trump announces 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting next month amid rare-earth export controls and trade tensions.
China Hits Back With Port Fees on U.S.-Linked Ships
China introduces new “Special Port Service Fee” on U.S.-owned and operated vessels from Oct. 14, escalating maritime trade tensions.
U.S. Auto Sector Faces Strain as Tariffs Hit Suppliers
Tariffs meant to aid U.S. automakers are instead pressuring suppliers, with Ford, GM, and Stellantis expecting $7B in losses.
Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Imported Trucks from November 1
U.S. to impose 25% tariff on imported trucks, boosting domestic makers like PACCAR and Ford.
FedEx Expands Intra-Asia Air Network Amid US Tariff Impact
U.S. to impose 25% tariff on imported trucks, boosting domestic makers like PACCAR and Ford.
US CBP Confirms Section 301 Fees, Operators Responsible.
CBP sets fees for Chinese-owned and -built vessels; operators must pay before U.S. port arrival.
Israel Detains 443 from Gaza-Bound Flotilla, Including Greta Thunberg
Israeli forces stop flotilla near Gaza; 443 individuals detained and set for deportation to Europe.
MSC Launches New Sambar Service Linking China and Southeast Asia
MSC debuts Sambar route and upgrades Pertiwi, Orchid services to strengthen China-Southeast Asia trade.
Trump Imposes Tariffs on Lumber, Timber and Furniture Imports
U.S. slaps tariffs on lumber and furniture imports; Canada, China, Vietnam and Mexico face impact.
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Dutch Cargo Ship Ablaze After Houthi Missile Strike in Gulf of Aden
Houthis hit Dutch cargo ship Minervagrach near Aden; crew evacuated, two seriously injured, vessel adrift.
Typhoon Ragasa Halts Shipping in Southern China and Taiwan
Category 5 Typhoon Ragasa shuts major ports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong; Taiwan floods kill 14 people.
MSC Unveils Middle East–South America Direct Link
MSC launches October service connecting South America to Abu Dhabi, targeting faster refrigerated cargo transit.
Confusion Over U.S. Port Fees on Chinese Vessels
U.S. port fees on Chinese ships start October 14, but implementation details remain unclear for stakeholders.
CMA CGM Buys Freightliner to Boost UK Rail Logistics
CMA CGM acquires Freightliner UK to expand intermodal logistics, linking maritime and rail for lower-carbon transport.
Maersk, Seaspan Respond to U.S. China Ship Fees
Maersk avoids new surcharges; Seaspan shifts HQ, reflags 100 ships amid U.S. port fee rollout.
Sea Legend Opens Arctic Express Route Linking China and Europe
Chinese carrier Sea Legend launches Northern Sea Route service, cutting transit to Europe to 18 days.
UPS Expands Intra-Asia Air Network Amid U.S. Volume Decline
UPS boosts air cargo to Australia and Vietnam as U.S. tariffs shift trade flows within Asia.
CMA CGM Expands with Freightliner UK Rail Acquisition
CMA CGM to acquire Freightliner’s UK rail and intermodal operations, boosting integrated sea-rail logistics presence.
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Cosco Buys Stakes in Two Laem Chabang Terminals, Thailand
Cosco acquires stakes in Thailand’s Laem Chabang terminals, boosting Southeast Asia presence and port capacity.
FedEx Shifts Air Fleet Amid U.S. Tariff Policy Changes
FedEx redeploys aircraft from Asia to Europe, offsetting $150M tariff hit with stronger domestic growth.
COSCO Expands South China Yard with $421M Investment
COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry launches major Guangdong yard expansion to boost vessel repair and offshore conversions.
TikTok Talks, Golden Week Lift Trans-Pacific Rates
U.S.–China trade talks and Golden Week demand push trans-Pacific container rates higher despite uncertainties.
China’s Soybean Ban Hits U.S. Farmers and Freight Industry
China halts U.S. soybean imports, threatening farming revenues and freight jobs across rail, trucking, ports.
U.S. Tariffs Push Carriers to Drop China-Built Ships
Spot rates fluctuate as carriers swap out Chinese-built tonnage ahead of new U.S. fees.
Tariff Pause Lifts Long Beach Container Volumes
Port of Long Beach logs strong August volumes, aided by paused U.S.–China tariffs.
Panama Canal Adds NetZero Transit Slots
Dual-fuel vessels get priority slots, boosting canal’s 2050 net-zero ambition.
Maersk Expands Intra-Asia Capacity by 52%
Maersk boosts intra-Asia capacity to 298,134 TEU, strengthening Gemini Cooperation’s hub-and-spoke regional strategy.
Hapag-Lloyd Secures Bio-LNG Supply Deal with Shell
Hapag-Lloyd partners with Shell for bio-LNG, boosting renewable fuel use and advancing shipping decarbonization.
Korea Shipowners Oppose POSCO’s Potential HMM Takeover
Korea Shipowners’ Association warns POSCO’s HMM takeover risks undermining competition and national shipping stability.
Gaza Flotilla Reports Second Attack Before Departure
Activist flotilla’s vessel Alma hit by suspected incendiary device in Tunisian waters; investigation underway.
CMA CGM Rules Out Surcharge Ahead of US Fees
CMA CGM restructures fleet, avoids surcharges as US fees target Chinese-built vessels from October.
Container Mishap Shuts Long Beach Pier G
Listing vessel spills 67 containers at Long Beach, halting Pier G operations; no injuries reported.
India to Blacklist 86 Vessels, Orders Crew Repatriation
India’s shipping regulator targets 86 vessels for abuse, unsafe conditions, and documentation violations, ordering repatriation.
Long Beach Issues ‘Green’ Report on Pier B Rail Expansion
Draft report reviews environmental impacts of Pier B rail expansion, boosting capacity and reducing emissions.
Court Blocks Trump’s Tariff Plan, Supreme Court Appeal Looms
Federal court halts Trump’s sweeping tariffs, ruling IEEPA misuse; Supreme Court decision pending.
U.S. Port Fees to Cost Cosco, OOCL $1.5B in 2026
HSBC says U.S. port fees heavily hit Cosco, OOCL, while non-Chinese carriers largely unaffected.
Mexico Unveils $22B Port Overhaul to Drive Nearshoring
Mexico invests $22B to modernize ports, boost competitiveness, and support nearshoring with new trade corridors.
Russia launches first NSR boxship route linking China and Europe.
Russia to start first NSR boxship route, boosting China-Europe trade as Arctic container traffic grows.
PSA Mumbai Doubles Capacity, India’s Largest Hub
PSA Mumbai’s Phase 2 expansion doubles capacity to 4.8m TEU, strengthening India’s global trade role.
Houthis Step Up Red Sea Attacks Amid Rising Israel Tensions
Houthis intensify Red Sea threats post Israeli strikes; UKMTO notes interference, yet vessel transits keep increasing.
US Launches Trade Fraud Task Force
US task force targets tariff evasion, tightening import enforcement.
China–India Axis Poised to Reshape Global Trade
India–China partnership set to drive global container market shifts.
Ocean Freight Rates Hold as Volumes Slide
Trans-Pacific container rates stay flat despite falling volumes and blank sailings.
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Brunei’s Warisan Shipping Launches ASEAN Service
Warisan starts Singapore Express, linking Singapore, Muara, and Kota Kinabalu.
CMA CGM Launches Kilima Service Linking Asia–East Africa
CMA CGM starts weekly China–East Africa service, via Singapore, Colombo, and inland Africa.
Eastern Pacific Orders Eight Boxships in China
Singapore’s EPS books $80m vessels at Chinese yards, boosting mid-size boxship fleet with 2027–2029 deliveries.
US Court Rules Most Trump Tariffs Unlawful
Court says Trump exceeded tariff authority; duties stay until Oct. 14 pending appeal.
ZIM Reroutes Ships After Turkey Bans Israel-Linked Vessels
ZIM adjusts routes as Turkey bars Israeli-affiliated ships, warning of potential financial impact.
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EU-US Trade Pact Stabilizes Flows, Auto Tariffs Persist
EU-US trade pact steadies flows, but auto tariffs weigh on westbound volumes.
Carriers Shift China-Built Ships from US Routes
ONE and partners reroute fleets to bypass new U.S. tariffs, saving millions despite efficiency trade-offs.
South Africa Opens Rail Freight to Private Firms
Private operators gain access to Transnet rail, boosting capacity, coal exports, and logistics efficiency.
Adani Launches ₹600 Cr Kochi Logistics Park
Adani starts ₹600 cr Kochi logistics park to boost exports, sustainability, and digital supply chains.
US-EU Trade Deal Strengthens Economic Ties
New framework cuts tariffs, expands energy trade, and sets digital rules to balance transatlantic commerce.
Turkey Halts Israel Trade, Bars Shipping
Turkey suspends trade and restricts shipping with Israel, linking measures to Gaza ceasefire demands.
Trump Expands Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
U.S. broadens 50% tariffs to 400+ goods, impacting auto, EV, machinery, and consumer products.
Foxconn Counters Tariffs with Regional Expansion
Foxconn plans U.S. and Mexico tech parks to bypass tariffs, boosting domestic manufacturing and regionalized supply chains.
U.S. Lawmakers Push Tariff Bill Targeting China
Congress unveils Secure Trade Act with baseline tariffs, higher China duties, and foreign investment curbs.
Xeneta Strengthens Data Edge with eeSea Acquisition
Xeneta acquires eeSea, combining freight rates and schedules for greater transparency.
Indian Court Detains More MSC Vessels Amid Claims
Kerala High Court detains MSC ships as Elsa 3 claims rise, with bonds demanded for release.
Air Canada Flights Halt as Union Defies Order
Air Canada suspends flights after attendants reject return-to-work order, impacting 130,000 daily travelers.
Ports Urge DOT to Prioritize Maritime Freight
U.S. ports and operators demand stronger maritime focus in DOT’s freight strategy to enhance competitiveness.
Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on India Over Russian Oil Purchases
Trump hikes tariffs on Indian imports, citing Russian oil trade; Delhi calls move unfair, retaliates cautiously
Houthis Escalate Threats on Israeli-Linked Shipping
Houthis renew threats on Israeli-linked ships, release Eternity C crew video, EU continues naval escorts.
CMA CGM Eyes Hutchison Ports After MSC Deal Collapses
CMA CGM may acquire Hutchison ports as MSC-BlackRock deal falters amid Beijing resistance.
CULines Expands South Asia Reach with Two New Shipping Routes
CULines adds CSX and CWS routes to enhance China–South Asia trade connectivity via key ports.
Clarion Launches Nigerian Shipping Line
Clarion Shipping debuts with Ocean Dragon, linking Nigerian ports and planning West African expansion.
Trump Proposes Major Tariffs on Copper and Pharmaceuticals
Trump plans 50% copper, 200% pharma import tariffs to boost U.S. manufacturing and production.
Piracy Surges in Singapore Strait, Hits Five-Year High
Global piracy incidents rose 50% in early 2025, driven by Singapore Strait attacks where 95% of boardings succeeded.
Deadly Houthi Attacks Spike War Risk, Disrupt Red Sea Shipping
Houthi assaults sink two vessels, raise insurance costs, and delay Red Sea route recovery further.
Red Sea Avoidance Pays Off for Container Lines Amid Attacks
Shipping giants wisely maintained Cape route; renewed Houthi Red Sea attacks confirm long-term caution was justified.
Trump Targets 14 Nations with New Tariffs
Trump imposes 25–40% tariffs on 14 nations, warns of retaliation; enforcement postponed to August.
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Nigeria Launches First Indigenous Container Shipping Line
Clarion Shipping debuts Nigeria’s first local container liner, boosting regional trade with Ocean Dragon.
Red Sea Crisis Resurfaces with Houthi Drone Attack on Bulk Carrier
Houthi drone strike forces crew to abandon Greek-owned ship Magic Seas, reigniting Red Sea shipping fears.
Panama Canal Plans Ports, Pipeline, and Sustainability Push
Panama unveils port expansion, gas pipeline, and sustainability projects to boost canal logistics services.
Iran Moves Toward Hormuz Closure
Iran’s Parliament approved closing the Strait of Hormuz; final decision pending, risking global oil disruption and major impact on Asia.
Houthis Declare Blockade on Haifa Port
Houthis announce blockade on Israel’s Haifa Port, threatening Israeli-linked vessels and escalating Red Sea tensions.
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Maersk Halts Haifa Calls Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Maersk suspends Haifa port calls due to Israel-Iran conflict, prioritizing crew safety and offering alternatives.
Mexico’s Manzanillo Port Reopens After Strike
Manzanillo Port reopens after four-day customs strike, with $150M revenue loss and major shipment backlogs.
Tanker Rates Soar Amid Iran-US Tensions
Tanker rates surge 50% as Iran threatens Hormuz closure; container lines maintain cautious operations.
Legal Action Follows Kerala Maritime Disasters
India files criminal charges over Wan Hai 503 fire and MSC Elsa 3 sinking; court detains sister ships.
X-Press Feeders and COSCO Forge Strategic Alliance
X-Press Feeders and COSCO partner to expand feeder services and lease vessels for global network growth.
GPS Jamming Rises Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Israel-Iran conflict triggers GPS jamming, raises freight rates, and heightens maritime risks near the Persian Gulf.
Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz, amid war tensions
Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea lane, amid escalating regional conflicts.
Northern Europe ports face worst congestion since pandemic
Northern Europe ports face ongoing summer delays from strikes, rail closures, and growing container congestion.
MSC Ship Arrested Amid Fires and Environmental Threats
Three ship incidents hit Kerala coast; MSC vessel arrested, fires continue offshore, raising environmental, legal, and safety concerns.
Trans-Pacific Container Rates Double Amid Early Peak Season
Container rates from Asia to the U.S. surged as shippers frontload ahead of tariffs, triggering early peak season.
Korean Bulker Rescues Crew from Sinking Ship in Indian Ocean
Maple Harbour rescued 23 crew from sinking Chinese cargo ship Run Fu 3, 500 nm south of Maldives.
Explosion on Wan Hai 503 Leaves Four Missing Off India’s Coast
Explosion aboard Wan Hai 503 off Kerala, India leaves four crew missing, vessel burning, 20 containers lost at sea.
Transpacific Freight Surge Boosts Profits Amid Tariff Pause
Transpacific rates soar 117% amid tariff pause, boosting profits. Experts warn of port congestion and second-half rate decline.
Crisis at Mexico’s Port of Manzanillo Disrupts Supply Chain
Post-strike delays at Mexico’s largest port cause severe container backlogs; carriers face bankruptcy as wait times exceed 72 hours.
Red Sea Traffic Rises, But Carriers Still Avoid Amid Security Concerns
Suez Canal traffic grows slowly; carriers remain cautious despite discounts and no 2025 Houthi attacks.
UPS Surcharge Updates Add Complexity and Cost for Shippers
UPS hikes surcharges on fuel and bulky packages; strategic packaging and inventory can reduce shipper impact.
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Maersk Takes Delivery of 12th Methanol Ship
Maersk receives its 12th dual-fuel methanol vessel, advancing its fleet modernization and green fuel transition strategy.
Singapore, France Launch Maritime Sustainability Projects
Singapore and France partner on maritime decarbonization, digitalization, and bio-methane bunkering trials with CMA CGM support.
Kongsberg Unveils CEMS for Emissions Compliance
Kongsberg launches CEMS for real-time emissions monitoring, ensuring compliance and improving fuel efficiency on vessels.
India Boosts Shipbuilding with Global Partners
India forms strategic shipbuilding partnerships with Norway and Japan, including work on its first polar research vessel.
Trump Doubles Tariff on Imported Steel to 50%
Trump raises steel import tariffs to 50% to protect U.S. jobs, supports Nippon Steel's partial acquisition of U.S. Steel.
Pirate Attack in Gulf of Guinea Injures, Abducts Crewmember
Pirates boarded a cargo ship near West Africa, injuring and abducting the second engineer amid rising regional attacks.
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Panama Defends Registry, Highlights Vessel Crackdown
Panama defends its ship registry, citing removal of 650+ vessels since 2019 to counter Iranian oil trade abuses.
South Africa Revives National Shipping Line Plans
South Africa is moving forward with plans to launch SASCO, a national shipping line featuring various vessel types under local flag.
Missile Strike Kills Three at Odessa Port
Russian missile strike kills three dock workers at HHLA Odessa terminal; operations continue despite tragedy.
Lidl’s Tailwind Launches Intra-Asia Shipping Route
Tailwind starts intra-Asia TEX service via Port Klang, boosting regional trade and shifting transshipment hub.
CMA CGM to Build $600M Terminal in Haiphong
CMA CGM, Saigon Newport to develop $600M Haiphong terminal, boosting Vietnam’s container capacity.
MSC Container Ship Sinks Off Kochi, Oil Spill Fears Rise
MSC Elsa 3 sank near Kochi with 640 containers; all 24 crew rescued; oil spill risk due to diesel, fuel oil, and hazardous cargo.
Port Congestion Worsens Amid Strikes, Tariffs, and Peak Season
Port congestion spreads from Europe to China and US, driven by strikes, tariffs, and rising trade volumes.