Global ports are bracing for a wave of ultra-large containerships that have the potential to overwhelm infrastructure and cripple supply chains. With ports under increasing strain at the hands of these industry behemoths and supply chains still fragile, the industry faces a race against time to adapt. Another black swan event could turn today’s congestion into tomorrow’s crisis

Russia’s container trade has mostly realigned toward non-Western partners and direct, rather than feeder, services

Freight rates on key transpacific routes surged this week following the introduction of new US port charges targeting China-owned and operated vessels. The spot rate spike though only reflects some short-term disruption, with rates expected to retreat just as quickly

As the IMO’s MEPC83 prepares to vote on a landmark Net-Zero Framework that could introduce the world’s first binding, carbon pricing for shipping, leading container lines are already forging ahead. Driven by regulatory anticipation, shipper pressure, and fuel market uncertainty, carriers are investing heavily in dual-fuel tonnage, retrofits and fleet upgrades — leaving other segments trailing in a fragmented decarbonisation landscape

West Africa’s rise in the era of ultra-large containerships is no longer speculative; it is operational. Backed by purpose-built terminals and a hub-and-spoke model, the region is absorbing direct Asian calls from the world’s largest ships, posing a challenge for traditional West Mediterranean relay hubs as carriers reshape strategies

Supply glut and weak US imports set stage for volatile end to 2025