Rising tensions in the Middle East have sparked new warnings for the global shipping industry. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors and delivers maritime security information, has advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO advisory follows the
Ports in Northern Europe are facing their worst crisis since the pandemic. Key gateways like Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven are overwhelmed with congestion and delays. As of June 13, 2025, the situation remains critical. Several problems are stacking up at once. Strikes, rail closures, carrier alliance shifts, and low inland water levels have combined
Trans-Pacific container rates climbed sharply over the past week as the industry prepares for an early peak season. Shippers are frontloading goods to get ahead of potential changes to tariffs in July and August. SONAR and Freightos both report that container rates from Asia to the U.S. West Coast have surged in recent days. At
Insights from Casper Alexandersen, Shipco’s Regional Manager, U.S. West Coast Most people outside logistics do not realize what it takes for a container to move from origin to destination. Transport is just one aspect; equally crucial is the coordination between numerous stakeholders, all working together seamlessly. When one part of the process is disrupted, the
Shippers moving cargo from Asia to the East Coast of South America (ECSA) are facing significant peak season disruptions, as container spot rates have nearly doubled in recent weeks. The sharp rise in rates is being driven by port congestion, equipment shortages, blank sailings, and carriers reallocating vessels to the Asia-U.S. trade. Ports in Brazil
Labor tensions at Canada’s West Coast ports have eased following a new agreement between port employer, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), and ILWU Local 514, the union representing longshore foremen. The deal covers about 700 longshore foremen working at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. It retroactively starts from April 2023 and
Airlines have reported a renewed interest in block space agreements (BSAs) as forwarders prepare for a potential spike in airfreight rates later this year. While some in the industry remain cautious due to ongoing trade uncertainties, others are locking in rates now as a measure of security against price surges down the line. Many airfreight
Insights from Mary Ann Chua, Shipco’s Director, Regional Accounts, Asia Pacific & India Subcontinent (APAC & ISC) Not all forwarders operate the same way. While some focus on airfreight and others on ocean, the real differences often lie deeper: in how they scale, where they operate, and how they respond to shifting demands. As these
Shippers are turning to dual-sourcing as a long-term strategy to navigate ongoing trade policy uncertainties. In just a 24-hour period, U.S. tariff policies have been reversed and then reinstated, highlighting the unpredictability of the global trade environment. Rohit Tripathi, Vice President of industry strategy, manufacturing at Relex Solutions, said the current environment is driving a
Evergreen Chairman Chang Yen-yi said U.S. West Coast ports, especially Los Angeles and Long Beach, could see heavier congestion next month. He cited rising freight rates and the addition of more capacity by ocean carriers as key reasons. At Evergreen’s annual meeting, Chang said the company expected elevated freight rates to last through September as
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