The global supply chain is facing an unexpected challenge in 2024: a shortage of containers. Despite the significant capacity added by ocean carriers, recent reports and spot prices indicate that container scarcity is a reality. But what does this mean for North American intermodal transportation, and could it lead to a repeat of the chaos […]
Read MoreThe slight shifts in the percentage of containerized imports from China to the United States align with three major trends acknowledged by both the business and geopolitical communities: China Plus One, incremental gains in friendshoring by volume, and an increased reliance on Vietnam and India. To mitigate their dependence on China, US retailers and other […]
Read MoreThe Red Sea disruption to container shipping remains uncertain in terms of duration, according to Drewry Maritime Research. The anticipation is that carriers might not resume Suez Canal transits until the elimination of the risk of attack, a process expected to take months rather than weeks. Despite this, Drewry’s analysis suggests that the impact on […]
Read MoreThe world’s first clean ammonia-powered container ship, Yara Eyde, has set sail, marking a momentous leap towards emission-free shipping and a new era in the maritime industry. This groundbreaking vessel, a collaboration between Yara and partners, will navigate the clean route between Norway and Germany, demonstrating the viability of ammonia as a sustainable alternative to […]
Read MoreThe long-awaited surge in inactive tonnage, driven by a wave of new large vessels delivered from shipyards, appears to have temporarily subsided. However, this lull may be short-lived as the industry faces a further increase in idle capacity. Despite the influx of larger vessels, box ships with capacities of 12,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) and […]
Read MoreLogistics depots across Europe are struggling to cope with a surge of empty shipping containers as the economic downturn in the Eurozone and falling trade volumes exacerbate the issue. Industry experts at Container xChange claim that the cost of repositioning empty containers now surpasses their asset value, discouraging container lessors from shipping them back […]
Read MoreAfter four weeks of gains, spot container freight rates are expected to decline in November, as shipping lines continue to add capacity despite weak demand. The Shanghai Containerised Freight Index (SCFI) closed on 3 November with Transpacific rates still up, but Shanghai-North Europe rates had already begun to retreat. This is due to carriers adding […]
Read MoreA recent report by analyst Maritime Strategies International (MSI) predicts a positive outlook for container carriers operating between Asia and North Europe in 2024. The report cites emerging signs of a demand recovery in the medium term, as inventories are replenished. The Trans-Pacific route is expected to experience healthy growth in the upcoming year, while […]
Read MoreThe Port of Long Beach has reported its busiest September ever, with cargo volumes increasing by 11.8% compared to the same period last year. This is the first monthly year-over-year cargo increase for the port in 14 months. The increase was driven by high consumer demand for holiday-related goods, as well as the recent […]
Read MoreBeijing’s global maritime operations double as intelligence-gathering outposts. Introduction: Maritime trade, which accounts for ninety percent of global trade, plays a pivotal role in connecting markets worldwide. However, its vulnerability to disruptions, whether due to pandemics, port congestion, or shipping incidents, underscores the need for safeguarding this critical sector. Unlike traditional naval embargoes, modern warfare […]
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