Rob Willmington
Markets Editor
Rob has two decades of experience in maritime data, research & analysis and feature writing. He has contributed to numerous B2B maritime publications including Fairplay, Fairplay Solutions, Safety at Sea, JOC and Containerisation International. In addition, he has been involved in various research projects including the IHS Markit multiclient study: ‘What bunker fuel for the high seas?'.
Rob has a particular interest in global shipbuilding, ship design and technology and vessel supply matters in the container, cruise/ferry, dry cargo, ro-ro, vehicle carrier and tanker vessel sectors.
Latest From Rob Willmington
Washington’s Greenland gambit casts shadow over transatlantic trade prospects
Geopolitical risk will exacerbate an already weakened transatlantic container market, as a spiralling US-Europe tariff confrontation over Greenland threatens to eclipse the long‑running pressures of overcapacity, falling rates and chronic port congestion
The week in newbuildings: Cosco, PIL and EPS lead $4.9bn ordering spree
Containership orders remain strong with Cosco confirming six 3,000 teu vessels, while Pacific International Lines signed letters of intent for eight neo-panamax boxships
Bulk carrier asset values remain strong as BDI descends
Greek shipowners have dominated selling activity of late as they dispose of older tonnage as part of fleet renewal strategies
Newbuildings surge drives correction in vehicle carrier values and charter rates
Fleet growth of over 9% in 2026 is expected to significantly outpace cargo demand growth, while further downside will come from Red Sea stabilisation
Maersk confirms routeing of first mainline service via Suez Canal since 2023
Operated solely by Maersk, the rerouted service deploys a mix of ships of between 6,000 teu and 8,600 teu vessels, including US-flagged vessels carrying US government cargo
Boxship charter enquiries rising as freight markets tighten ahead of Chinese New Year
Activity remains concentrated on sub-5,000 teu ships as availability of larger vessels remains limited