Maersk announced it would stop transporting goods for 97 companies related to Israeli settlements due to a stricter human rights screening process, despite still participating in the transportation of F-35 projects through its subsidiaries.
Freight rates on US routes continue to decline, with the SCFI index falling for three consecutive weeks. The oversupply situation has made companies cautious about shipping, leading to concerns among industry insiders about future rate drops. Despite pressures from the global trade landscape, the market still hopes for a rebound in rates with the arrival of the traditional peak season.
Daya Mahs Port is set to expand its southern wharf by adding 350 meters of dock and heavy storage facilities to meet the demands of large infrastructure projects. This initiative aims to enhance the port's handling capacity and promote regional economic development, with planning permission expected by 2026.
Norwegian Eitzen Group has secured $19 million in funding to build the world's largest all-electric container ship, promoting sustainable shipping development and marking significant progress in the shipping industry's transition towards electrification.
The Hamburg Port Authority of Germany has announced multiple railway closures starting from August 2025 due to the renovation of the Finkenwerder Bridge, which will affect major container terminals at Hamburg Port. Additionally, there are plans for closures at northern ports, and shippers should arrange shipments in advance and pay attention to congestion at the ports.
Cathay Cargo successfully airlifted 10 Terracotta Warriors and over 200 cultural artifacts from Xi'an to Australia for a significant exhibition. With professional monitoring and efficient transportation throughout the journey, the artifacts arrived safely, showcasing Cathay Cargo's expertise and commitment to cultural heritage.
MSC's Terminal Investment Limited will acquire an 80% stake in CK Hutchison's global port portfolio for $22.8 billion, spanning 43 terminals, making it the largest container terminal operator in the world. The acquisition raises concerns about fair market competition, particularly regarding its potential impact on the Panama ports.
On July 9, Trump reiterated the threat of increased tariffs, while Treasury Secretary Becerra noted that some countries might reach agreements, but not all parties would meet deadlines. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce stated that an agreement with ten major trading partners is forthcoming, increasing pressure on national survival. Cargo owners and freight forwarders must closely monitor policy changes to mitigate potential risks.
SHEIN has recently invested over 10 billion yuan to accelerate the development of its domestic supply chain, launching the "Explosive Order Plan" to provide traffic support for cross-border merchants, aiding global sales growth. With the backing of its smart supply chain system, SHEIN aims to promote more brands into the international market.
Maersk has warned that significant transportation restrictions will occur due to railway infrastructure upgrades near the Port of Koper, potentially reducing capacity by 50% by 2025. Shippers and freight forwarders should prepare contingency plans in advance.
