Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean Group expects that the dry bulk shipping market can absorb 10% of new vessel capacity due to port congestion and demand for coastal trade in China. Although the number of new ship deliveries needs to be reduced by 40% to maintain high charter rates, the market still shows resilience and potential for growth.
CMA CGM Group has announced a peak season surcharge on cargo transported from Northern Europe to the United States. The fee is set at $150 for a 20-foot container, and $300 for both 40-foot and 45-foot containers. Additionally, the charges vary depending on the type of container, prompting cargo owners to stay vigilant regarding these changes.
DHL Group has announced a €2 billion investment in its newly established DHL Health Logistics brand, focusing on enhancing logistics capabilities in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The initiative aims to ensure the efficient delivery of pharmaceuticals and biological products, covering multi-temperature transportation, cold chain facilities, and IT systems to achieve end-to-end visibility.
CMA CGM Group announced that starting May 20, 2025, it will implement a peak season surcharge on the China-Kenya route. The surcharge will be $150 per TEU for the central and southern regions, and $200 per TEU for the northern region. This measure is aimed at addressing rising operating costs, prompting shippers to reasonably adjust their logistics costs and transportation plans.
DHL Group has announced plans to invest over 500 million euros in the Middle East market from 2024 to 2030, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The investment aims to enhance infrastructure and service capabilities while emphasizing sustainability. The company will strengthen its e-commerce and supply chain operations to meet the growing regional trade demands.
In 2025, automation technology in the warehousing sector has become a key demand for operators looking to enhance efficiency. The latest survey by Peerless Research Group indicates that despite stable capital spending, businesses have significantly increased their evaluations and pre-approved budgets for automation technology. This highlights a growing focus on productivity and supply chain management amid a backdrop of labor shortages.
China Railway Group has partnered with China Construction Bank to launch a pilot program for railway logistics financial services. The initiative introduces three financial products: 'Railway Freight Loan', 'Letter of Credit Settlement', and 'Railway Document Financing', aimed at reducing logistics costs and supporting the development of the real economy. The pilot will cover regions including Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hubei, benefiting various market participants.
Amazon has signed a lease agreement with Atlas Air for 20 Boeing 767 aircraft, including warrants, to enhance package delivery efficiency. This move aims to reduce reliance on courier companies and address market competition. In 2023, Amazon also entered a similar agreement with an air transport services group, strengthening its air transportation capabilities. These transactions signify Amazon's ongoing investment and strategic positioning in the package delivery sector.
COSCO Shipping and China Shipping are expected to receive merger approval by January, officially forming "China Ocean Shipping Group Co., Ltd." This merger will create the world's fourth-largest container shipping company. The complexity of the merger involves integrating overlapping departments and maintaining employee stability, with a total deal value potentially exceeding $20 billion. This merger will reshape the shipping markets of China and the world.
Norway's Eitzen Group plans to build the world's largest all-electric container ship, receiving approximately $19 million in government support. This vessel will be equipped with over 100 megawatt-hours of batteries and will focus on transportation between Norway, Sweden, and Germany. This initiative marks a new phase in electric shipping, heralding a future for sustainable development. The current largest electric container ship is COSCO's 'Greenwater 01'.
