Container Ships Slow as Fuel Costs Rise
1, May 2026
Container ships are cutting speeds as bunker costs rise, with average speeds falling 2.3% from Q4 2025 to mid-April.
Container Shipping
Suez Canal Ends 15% Rebate for Large Containerships
10, April 2026
The Suez Canal Authority ended its 15% transit fee discount for large containerships from 7 April 2026 as limited uptake and wider Middle East shipping disruption continued to weigh on canal traffic.
Hormuz Tensions Spill Into Shipping as Three Merchant Vessels Report Damage
12, March 2026
Three merchant vessels including MAYUREE NAREE, One Majesty, and Star Gwyneth were reportedly damaged on 11 March near the Strait of Hormuz, raising renewed concern over maritime security and crew safety in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
CMA CGM Completes China Record Biomethanol Bunkering
9, March 2026
CMA CGM Group completed its first biomethanol bunkering by supplying 3,643 tonnes to CMA CGM Osmium at Yangshan Port, setting a new record for a single operation at a Chinese port.
MSC Halts Middle East Cargo Bookings as Gulf Risk Rises
4, March 2026
MSC has suspended all cargo bookings to the Middle East and instructed vessels in the Gulf region and those en route to proceed to designated shelter locations amid rising security risks near Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Hormuz Closure Strands 150 Tankers, Gulf Terminals Pause
2, March 2026
The Strait of Hormuz closure halted at least 150 tankers, paused Gulf terminal operations and forced carriers to suspend bookings and reroute vessels, driving delays and higher war-risk costs.
Boxship Sinks off Phuket After Crew Rescue
10, February 2026
All 16 crewmembers were rescued after Sealloyd Arc issued a distress call and sank off Phuket. Authorities are containing an oil slick, recovering floating containers, and planning salvage.
Maersk Orders Eight 18,600-TEU Ships with Flexible Deployment
9, February 2026
Maersk orders eight 18,600 TEU vessels at New Times Shipbuilding, with delivery in 2029–2030 and dual-fuel engines for flexible deployment.
Maersk Ocean Unit Turns Loss-Making in Q4 2025, 1,000 Layoffs Planned
5, February 2026
Maersk’s ocean unit posted an EBIT loss of $153 million in Q4 2025 and plans 1,000 layoffs in 2026 as carriers face weaker freight rates and rising capacity.
