When major shippers change sides 
Ikea has learned its lesson from the Ever Given blockade in the Suez canal this year. The Scandinavian home furnishing retailer has now entered the shipping business arena, confirming to the Swedish press that the company is chartering vessels and buying containers to avoid... more
Belgians comment environmental report
In its comments on the EU’s first environmental report on maritime transport (Emter), the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association says that the report provides a clear overview of the sector’s current efforts to achieve Europe’s carbon neutrality ambition. Launched on 1... more
Not only California
The Port of New York and New Jersey moved almost 759,000 teu in July 2021. Cargo volumes went up by 14.5% from pre-pandemic July 2019, which set a new monthly record mark in the East Coast port. Compared to the previous month, cargo volumes increased by 1.3% from June 2021.... more
Will carrier profitability last?
Patrik Berglund, CEO of freight rate benchmarking platform Xeneta, expects the big carriers to further seek higher contract rates to extend profitability The surge in carrier profitability has been based on the high spot freight rates boom this year. A key test will be whether... more
Maritime decarbonisation in Singapore
Singapore's maritime and port authority has launched the formation of its own global centre for maritime decarbonisation. To start with, the MPA and six founding partners - BHP, BW Group, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Foundation Det Norske Veritas, Ocean Network Express and Sembcorp... more
Constants in global shipping 
Despite mixed developments in the global economy, and thus also in the shipping industry, of late, there are definitely some constants too, for example in certain ports. more
Fifteen for ZIM
Haifa-based carrier ZIM has decided to use its option for a long-term charter of five more 7,000 teu liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container vessels from Seaspan Corporation. ZIM and Seaspan announced the transaction already back in July 2021. The existing long term... more
Maersk signs Magna Charta
Seafreight giant Maersk has inked the low carbon charter launched by the Hong Kong Business Environment Council (BEC). The carrier is now committed to contributing towards Hong Kong’s long-term decarbonisation ambition and the goals of the Paris agreement. “Decarbonisation... more
Sails for rockets at sea
A site for the production of Oceanwings, a wind propulsion system for maritime transport, has now been found. Ayro has signed a contract to this effect with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Caen in Normandy, concessionaire of the Port of Caen-Ouistreham. It will be the... more
Even Golden Week won't ease the pain
On the basis of current deployment schedules, Copenhagen-based maritime intelligence provider Sea-Intelligence predicts that offered vessel capacity on Asia-North America West Coast will be between 420,000-460,000 teu in the four-week Golden week period (weeks 40-43), whereas it... more