Container shipping

News and analysis of ocean containerized cargo movement, logistics, supply chains, technology, and end-to-end connectivity.

The latest Container shipping News & Analysis

Hapag-Lloyd CEO says exclusion from HMM bid was expected

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Sep 4, 2023, 10:34 AM EDT

The Hamburg-based carrier has confirmed that HMM’s South Korean state owners have removed it from the bidding process.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer lines

CMA CGM closes deal for two New York-New Jersey marine terminals

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Sep 1, 2023, 10:39 AM EDT

The completion of the terminal acquisitions gives the carrier a stronger footprint in the US’s largest East Coast gateway.
PortsContainer shippingTrans-AtlanticMarine terminalsNorth American ports

ILWU ratifies new labor contract with West Coast waterfront employers

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Aug 31, 2023, 7:09 PM EDT

Some 75% of union members participating in the vote agreed to ratify the tentative contract that was reached in mid-June, opening the door to labor peace at West Coast ports at least through mid-2028.
Longshore laborContainer shippingContainer linesMarine terminalsNorth American ports

FMC publishes list of NVOs at risk of losing licenses over tariff non-compliance

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 31, 2023, 3:31 PM EDT

The move is part of an ongoing effort by the FMC to bolster the oversight of regulated entities through “informed compliance,” an agency spokesperson said.
Transport, trade and regulationContainer shipping

Carriers on course for healthy year despite tumbling profits: analyst

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 31, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT

A series of quarterly profit declines by container shipping lines will still not be enough to drag the industry into the red in 2023, says analyst John McCown.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer lines

Southeast US ports reopen after Hurricane Idalia blows through region

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 31, 2023, 12:25 PM EDT

Given the short duration of the port and terminal closures, impacts appeared minimal as Jacksonville, Savannah and Charleston resumed normal operations.
North American portsContainer shippingTrucking

'Rushed' sourcing shift out of China prompts some reconsideration

Peter Tirschwell | Aug 31, 2023, 9:30 AM EDT

For any number of product categories, relocating sourcing brings with it less efficient logistics, occasional lower quality and overall higher costs at a time when cost control is rapidly assuming a higher priority for shippers.
Container shippingContainer linesMarine terminalsInternational ports

Jaxport, Savannah closed; Charleston halts vessel moves as Idalia moves ashore

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 30, 2023, 4:05 PM EDT

Ports along the southeast coast of the US were experiencing various stages of disruption after a major hurricane made landfall on Florida’s west coast.
North American portsContainer shipping

Hopes for import rebound on trans-Pacific shift toward pre-Chinese New Year

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor | Aug 30, 2023, 2:41 PM EDT

US retailers historically stock up for the spring season and top off inventories following winter holiday depletion and before the Chinese New Year, but forwarders and carriers admit there’s no guarantee this time around.
Trans-PacificContainer shippingContainer linesNorth American ports

South Korea resists potential sale of ‘national asset’ HMM to Hapag-Lloyd

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 30, 2023, 10:54 AM EDT

Hapag-Lloyd's apparent interest in HMM, which was never officially confirmed, appears to have been derailed by South Korean national concerns despite the Hamburg-based carrier’s financial strength dwarfing local bidders.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer lines

Trans-Pac carrier reliability slipped in July amid labor woes, Panama Canal limits

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Aug 29, 2023, 4:18 PM EDT

The ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert experienced a series of labor disruptions in July during longshore contract negotiations, while the Panama Canal implemented draft restrictions amid a severe drought.
Container shippingContainer linesTrans-PacificNorth American ports

Rate recovery could buoy container shipping in H2: Cosco

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Aug 29, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT

But in its interim earnings announcement, Cosco Shipping Holdings also maintained a cautious outlook due to challenges it cited, including the global economy, inflationary pressures in Europe and America, and the delivery of new vessels.
Container linesContainer shippingTrans-PacificAsia-Europe

NVOs chase market share or margin in demand downslope

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Aug 28, 2023, 3:44 PM EDT

Supply overcapacity coupled with mediocre freight demand has the top 25 trans-Pacific non-vessel-operating common carriers deciding whether to chase lower margin business or suffer volume losses.
Container shippingMaritimeForwardingTrans-Pacific

Lawmakers push FMC to remove MTOs from demurrage billing requirements

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 25, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT

Two congress members, backed by terminal operators, are insisting maritime regulators follow the congressional intent that underpins OSRA-22 or risk “severe” disruptions to the US supply chain.
Transport, trade and regulationContainer shippingContainer linesMarine terminals

New LNG carbon inset product rolled out for container shipping market

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 25, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT

The insetting product enters an industry where there is currently a reluctance by cargo owners to pay premium prices for more eco-friendly shipping services.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer lines

US Court of Appeals to hear Evergreen detention case against FMC

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 24, 2023, 1:58 PM EDT

The carrier is looking to have an earlier ruling by the FMC reversed, arguing that the agency turned the incentive principle guiding cargo flow through US marine terminals “on its head.”
Transport, trade and regulationMaritimeContainer shippingContainer lines

Data shows US in midst of extended period of inventory drawdowns: analyst

Jason Miller, associate professor of logistics at Michigan State University, and Journal of Commerce analyst | Aug 24, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT

Inventory drawdowns and right-sizing will keep Asia-to-US container and air freight volumes soft well into 2024, writes analyst Jason Miller.
Supply ChainContainer shippingAir Cargo

FMC’s Bentzel seeks industry input for agency’s data initiative

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 24, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT

With a formal request for information, Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel believes the agency is introducing a more “transparent and inclusive process” with stakeholders when it comes to policymaking.
Transport, trade and regulationContainer shippingLogistics technology

MSC reconnects India to Asia-USWC string as contract rates tick higher

Bency Mathew, Special Correspondent | Aug 24, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT

MSC, which has implemented large-scale network realignments in recent months, halted Indian calls on the Sentosa service in April when it opened a standalone intra-Asia loop.
Trans-PacificContainer shippingContainer linesNorth American portsInternational ports

Revised terminal leases give PANYNJ cut of CMA CGM’s demurrage revenue

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Aug 23, 2023, 5:57 PM EDT

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the new leases attempt to “strike a balance” to reflect current market realities, but other MTO sources called the practice of sharing demurrage uncommon.
North American portsContainer shippingContainer linesMarine terminals

US shippers should begin planning now for potential 2024 disruptions: analyst

Lars Jensen, CEO & Partner, Vespucci Maritime, and JOC Analyst | Aug 23, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT

In addition to the typical annual planning, such as for budgets and freight rates, US importers need to start weighing contingency plans for two potentially disruptive occurrences next year — continued low-water levels along the Panama Canal and the expiration of the International Longshoremen’s Association contract, writes Lars Jensen.
Container shippingContainer linesLongshore laborNorth American portsInternational ports

Hamburg follows North Europe port rivals with H1 volume decline

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 23, 2023, 12:22 PM EDT

Weak European demand for containerized trade through the first half is hurting port throughput at the region’s top three gateways, but signs are emerging of recovering volume on certain routes.
PortsContainer shippingTrans-AtlanticAsia-EuropeInternational ports

Spot rate gains puts pressure on shippers delaying Asia-Europe contracts: Xeneta

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 23, 2023, 10:30 AM EDT

Additional upward pressure might soon be brought to bear on spot rates, with forwarders expecting carriers to ramp up blank sailings through the fourth quarter to mitigate a significant injection of new capacity.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesAsia-Europe

Carriers hold fast to trans-Pac capacity cuts amid unclear import demand

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Aug 22, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT

Blank sailings during August held largely steady from July as the outlook for US import demand remains unclear, according to forwarders.
Trans-PacificContainer shippingContainer lines

CEVA expands India footprint with contract logistics takeover

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 21, 2023, 9:57 AM EDT

The CMA CGM subsidiary’s latest acquisition will significantly increase its presence in South Asia that is growing in importance as supply chain routes shift across the region.
Supply ChainForwardingIndustrial real estateLast mileCool Cargoes

Lack of market clarity undermines positive sentiment: OOCL

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 21, 2023, 9:44 AM EDT

The Cosco Shipping subsidiary noted that significant uncertainties over economic growth prospects and the huge injection of capacity into major trade lanes made forecasting difficult.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesTrans-PacificAsia-Europe

US July imports from Asia hit 11-month high, portending year-on-year fall growth

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Aug 18, 2023, 2:15 PM EDT

The fresh data also showed — starkly — how the West Coast’s share of imports from Asia eroded during the 13 months of contentious contract negotiations between the ILWU and waterfront employers.
Trans-PacificContainer shippingContainer linesNorth American ports

Shippers reluctant to shoulder high cost of decarbonization: executives

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 18, 2023, 11:33 AM EDT

Getting shippers to commit to premium-priced, low-emissions shipping services is a hard sell for ocean carriers and forwarders as cargo owners enjoy rates that are now mostly below pre-pandemic levels after two years of record highs.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesForwardingTrans-PacificTrans-AtlanticAsia-Europe

Forwarders warn of substantial Q4 rise in Asia-Europe blank sailings

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 17, 2023, 11:25 AM EDT

Carriers will have to withdraw large amounts of capacity to prevent a freefall in rate levels that are expected to be undermined by rising capacity and subdued demand, according to forwarders.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesAsia-Europe

FMC ‘refusal of service’ rule risks overreacting to pandemic market

Peter Tirschwell | Aug 17, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT

The proposed rulemaking shows how far the pendulum of power has swung in favor of shippers seeking to hold carriers accountable for practices that occurred during the pandemic, but which were rarely experienced prior to that period, writes Peter Tirschwell.
Transport, trade and regulationContainer shippingContainer linesNorth American ports

Port Houston joins Portchain’s growing network for vessel arrival software

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Aug 17, 2023, 2:00 AM EDT

Portchain has pulled in 76 container terminals into its vessel arrival coordination platform with carriers in the past 18 months, with Port Houston the latest to join.
Logistics technologyContainer shippingContainer linesPortsNorth American portsInternational ports

Zim bets on spot rates in challenging trans-Pacific market

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 16, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT

Despite the stability offered by contracted volume, the Israel-based carrier decided against locking in long-term rates at unsustainably low levels.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesTrans-Pacific

FMC walks tightrope on 'refusal of service' rulemaking

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor | Aug 16, 2023, 2:28 PM EDT

The clash between shippers and container lines highlights a major challenge for the FMC in finalizing rulemaking on when a carrier can refuse to serve shippers, most notably the risk that it could create a rule that’s so commercially restrictive that it’s unconstitutional.
Transport, trade and regulationContainer shippingContainer linesNorth American ports

Rate collapse drags trans-Atlantic trade to loss-making levels: Hapag-Lloyd CEO

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 16, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT

Rolf Habben Jansen has hinted that capacity cuts on the trans-Atlantic could be made “fairly soon” as supply outstrips weak demand for US imports.
MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesTrans-Atlantic

Logistics technology investment slowing post-pandemic: survey

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Aug 16, 2023, 10:18 AM EDT

A study of global logistics professionals around hurdles to technology investment found that respondents were uninterested in linking financial rewards with software adoption.
Logistics technologyForwardingSupply Chain

New ships coming to trans-Pacific expected to overwhelm rate gains

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Aug 15, 2023, 3:26 PM EDT

A sharp increase in new vessel deliveries over the coming weeks is forecast to put more pressure on ocean carriers to blank sailings — or face falling rates.
Container shippingTrans-PacificNorth American ports

Shippers offer mixed reaction to Dye’s proposals to fix container terminal flow

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 15, 2023, 1:51 PM EDT

The National Shipper Advisory Committee saw some good in the FMC commissioner’s ideas, but said without a clear path for implementation, businesses will continue to be hurt by detention and demurrage charges.
Transport, trade and regulationContainer linesTrucking

Most India-Europe rates falter amid shrinking export volumes

Bency Mathew, Special Correspondent | Aug 15, 2023, 10:10 AM EDT

Average rates from West India to Europe and the Mediterranean have cooled between 10 to 15% from what carriers were quoting at the end of July, deepening the slide seen over the past year.
Container shippingContainer linesInternational ports

Asia-US container spot rates keep rising amid more blank sailings

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Aug 14, 2023, 6:04 PM EDT

Spot rates in the eastbound trans-Pacific continue to move higher, although a planned general rate increase this week could be the last one for a while, as carriers are scheduled to add a significant amount of new capacity into the global fleet beginning later this year.
Trans-PacificContainer shippingContainer linesForwardingNorth American ports

Latest push in House for US shipping reform stalls, for now

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 14, 2023, 2:15 PM EDT

Stalled since May, the Ocean Shipping Reform Technical Act of 2023 may never be taken up by the House of Representatives as regulators are still struggling to implement last year’s original legislation.
Transport, trade and regulationContainer linesNorth American ports