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
Key container lines have pulled most ships from Middle East Gulf
MSC still has the largest presence with eight vessels, including two ships seized by Iran that remain off the Iranian coast. Hapag-Lloyd has completed its withdrawal from the region, while Maersk retains five vessels
Alternative fuel vessel orders fall as large containership demand cools
A total of 137 alternative fuel ships were ordered in 1H26, down from 155 in the same period of 2025
MSC boosts record orderbook with more LNG-fuelled boxships at Hengli HI
Newbuilding contract provides for 10 ships with delivery in 2029, and does not include options
Wallenius Wilhelmsen-controlled vehicle carrier exits Strait of Hormuz after 120-day ordeal
Eight PCTCs remain idle inside the MEG with a combined capacity of about 40,800 ceu, with all remaining ships controlled by major Japanese operators
The week in newbuildings: Combined 41 ships ordered across major vessel segments
Ordering activity underlines continued resilience of global shipbuilding demand as owners invest in new dry cargo carriers, containerships, gas carriers and tankers
Feeder boxship fleet renewal gathers pace as carriers and tonnage providers back smaller newbuildings
Tonnage providers remain active in the small boxship market, but most recent orders are backed by long-term charters with major liner operators rather than speculative investments