Saronic explores integrating AI welding robotics across its shipyard ops Hard on the heels of being selected to support a key DARPA program, Austin, Texas-headquartered autonomous vessel pioneer Saronic Technologies reports that it is looking to integrate physical AI for welding robotics
Hapag-LLoyd to acquire ZIM in $4.2 BN cash deal More consolidation in the container shipping business: Hamburg-headquartered Hapag-Lloyd and Haifa, Israel-headquartered ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd have signed an agreement under which Hapag-Lloyd will acquire 100% of ZIM's shares for a
Kalmar launches TT7 terminal tractor for Europe Kalmar has introduced its new TT7 series terminal tractor to the European market. The model targets port terminals, yards, distribution centres, and logistics operations. Kalmar designed the TT7 specifically for European customers. The company re-engineered the tractor based on extensive customer feedback. It features a heavy-duty galvanised steel frame and reinforced axles to improve durability
Readers Speak: Is container shipping ready for the Red Sea? The latest Readers Speak poll shows that most industry professionals remain cautious about returning to the Red Sea, despite early signs of normalization. The dominant view is clear: the container shipping industry is not ready for a full-scale return. A majority of respondents believe carriers should resume transits only cautiously and selectively. A smaller share sees normalization already unde
COSCO widens interest in tank containers, buys out German JV partner The COSCO Shipping group said on 12 February that it has bought out German tank container specialist VTG Tanktainer's 50% stake in their former joint venture, Shanghai COSCO VTG Tanktainer, leaving the Chinese state-owned conglomerate the sole owner. As a result, Shanghai COSCO VTG Tanktainer has been renamed Shanghai COSCO Shipping Tanktainer. COSCO Shipping Lines, the fourth largest liner opera
Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM reach definitive merger agreement Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. have reached a definitive merger agreement under which Hapag-Lloyd will acquire 100% of ZIM's shares for $35.00 per share in cash, valuing the transaction at approximately $4.2 billion. The offer represents a 58% premium to ZIM's closing share price on February 13, 2026, a 90% premium to its 90-day volume-weighted average price and a 126% prem
What Hapag-Lloyd-Zim deal could bring? The proposed Hapag-Lloyd acquisition of Zim represents strategic convergence between complementary operational models. Hapag-Lloyd gains immediate capacity while Zim's asset-light structure minimizes capital absorption, the 87% chartered fleet transfers lease obligations rather than vessel ownership, preserving Hapag-Lloyd's balance sheet flexibility
CN Index Shows High Pressure as Freight Rates Continue to Ease The CN Index declined to 540 this week, signaling that global container shipping remains under High Pressure, although conditions are gradually stabilizing. The latest reading reflects softer freight rates across several key East-West trade lanes, while geopolitical and operational risks continue to provide a structural floor for the market. Freight Rates Move Lower Across Major Corridors Pricin
Examining Trump's port fee policy effectiveness Washington's revived levy on foreign-built vessels promises massive revenue for shipyard revival, but market dynamics suggest China's dominance will survive the assault transforming industrial policy into an expensive trade tax
SeaLead appoints Cho Kit Wei as chief executive officer SeaLead has announced the appointment of Cho Kit Wei as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2, 2026. Cho, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, has been part of the SeaLead team since 2021. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the shipping industry, with a strong background in both operational and commercial management. Prior to joining SeaLead, Cho held senior leadership
Ocean Network Express introduces surcharge cleanup project Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its surcharge framework through the launch of a Surcharge Cleanup Project aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency. The initiative is designed to create a more streamlined and transparent surcharge structure by reducing the total number of surcharge codes and enhancing clarity across its pricing architecture.
The Port of Riga remains fully operational and safe for navigation, with no traffic restrictions currently in effect. Despite the onset of the ice navigation season, vessel traffic at the Port of Riga remains unrestricted. The port is fully safe for navigation, with no limitations currently in effect. Seven tugboats from two different companies operate within the port waters, three of which are ice-class vessels. Port clients may select
Port of Aarhus sets record container volumes in 2025 The Port of Aarhus strengthened its position as a key Northern European gateway in 2025, recording the highest container volumes in its history. Despite geopolitical uncertainty and global market challenges, container traffic reached a new peak. A total of 843,665 TEU were handled at the container terminal, operated by APM Terminals , marking an increase of nearly 28% compared to 2024 . "I am ple
ZIM sets out terms of $4.2bn Hapag-Lloyd deal, outlines New ZIM carve-out New York-listed Israeli carrier ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has laid out the full terms of its agreed sale, confirming shareholders will receive $35 per share in cash under a merger deal that values the company at about $4.2bn. The price represents a 58% premium to ZIM's closing share price on February 13, 2026, a 90% ...
SeaLead appoints new chief executive Singapore-based liner operator SeaLead has appointed Cho Kit Wei as its new chief executive officer, promoting the current chief operating officer to the top role from March 2, 2026. Cho, a shipping executive with more than 20 years' experience, has been with SeaLead since 2021. Before joining the company, he held senior roles at Simatech ...
TotalEnergies hires Havila Shipping platform supplier Norwegian OSV owner Havila Shipping has secured a contract for one of its platform supply vessels (PSVs) with French energy giant TotalEnergies. According to an Oslo Børs filing, TotalEnergies's Norwegian arm hired the Havila Herøy platform supplier for a period of 136 days. Havila Shipping added in the statement that the contract is expected to ...
Elderly capesize heads for Bangladesh recycling A 2002-built capesize bulker has been reported sold for demolition in Bangladesh, marking the first cape recycling deal of the year. The 176,000 dwt Beihai, a CSBC Kaohsiung-built unit now sailing under the flag of St Kitts & Nevis and managed by Green Ocean Ship Management, has surfaced as a rare vintage sale. Sources tell ...
Sanctioned LR1 tanker heads for scrap at Alang A 2004-built, Jamaica-flagged LR1 tanker tied to high-risk trading patterns has been reported sold for recycling, according to market sources. The 72,700 dwt unit, named Diana, which was sanctioned by the US Treasury's OFAC in December, has now been tracked as anchored in the demolition zone at Alang s, with no price attached to the deal. ...
3.3m teu transhipment hub opens in Egypt The Damietta Alliance Container Terminal (DACT) officially began commercial operations over the weekend as Hapag-Lloyd's 13,117 teu Essen Express made the inaugural call, marking the launch of a new Mediterranean-North Africa transhipment hub built with more than $600m of investment. DACT is designed primarily for transhipment and has an annual handling capacity of up to 3.3m ...
Turkish Petroleum deepens upstream push through BP cooperation deal Turkey's state-owned energy company, Turkish Petroleum (TPAO), has signed a memorandum of understanding with supermajor BP for collaboration on oil and natural gas exploration in the Black Sea and internationally. According to Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, the agreement, signed in Istanbul last week, provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation oppo
MISC joint venture bags FPSO extension from Petrovietnam Malaysia's MISC has announced that its joint venture company has secured a contract extension for the FPSO Ruby II in Vietnam. The contract covers the lease, operation, and maintenance of the vessel until December 31, 2027. The deal was awarded by Petrovietnam to Vietnam Offshore Floating Terminal, a 40-60 JV between MISC and PTSC. The ...
US seizes another VLCC fleeing from Venezuela US forces boarded and seized the Panamanian-flagged VLCC Veronica III in the Indian Ocean after tracking the tanker from the Caribbean, the Pentagon said yesterday, in the latest sign that Washington is willing to take extraordinary measures to enforce its blockade of sanctioned oil flows linked to Venezuela and other state actors. The Pentagon said ...
Aker Solutions lands five-year maintenance deal with Aker BP Norway's Aker Solutions has been awarded a five-year contract by Aker BP for maintenance, modification, and operation services. The contract covers all of Aker BP's key assets on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, including the new Yggdrasil area. The five-year agreement, effective from March 1, 2026, includes options for two additional four-year periods. The alliance, covering ...
Trump's Maritime Action Plan revives threat of port fees The Trump administration's long-awaited Maritime Action Plan (MAP) has resurrected a controversial proposal to charge foreign-built ships a per-kilogram fee on imported cargo, reviving a levy threat that could reshape global trade economics if enacted. The 36-page plan, released after months of delay, set out a four-pillar strategy to rebuild US shipbuilding capacity, reform training, ...
Suezmax allides at Ust-Luga A 16-year-old suezmax, Tony, allided with a berth wall and struck a port crane while manoeuvring to load crude oil at Russia's Ust-Luga seaport on Saturday, prompting a prosecutor-led probe but causing no injuries or pollution, authorities said. The Northwestern Transport Prosecutor said the incident occurred as the Tony - owned by Greece's Dynacom Tankers ...
New Indian shipowner emerges An Indian logistics company has become a shipowner. Ashapura Shipping Group, Kandla has bought a 14-year-old handysize bulk carrier from Wilmar. The ship, formerly called Arawana, has been renamed Imperial Varalaxmi. No price has been revealed for the acquisition. Ashapura Shipping, founded in the early 1990s, has tippers, excavators, cranes, and grabs, supporting large-scale bulk and ...
Bangas join the board at Pacific Basin The father and son heads of the Caravel Group - Harry and Angad Banga - have joined the board at dry bulk major Pacific Basin having built up a stake in the listed company of more than 20%. Stanley Ryan, chairman of the Pacific Basin board, said, "Following constructive engagement with Caravel, we are pleased ...
Hapag-Lloyd closes in on ZIM takeover Germany's Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed it is in advanced negotiations to acquire all shares in Israeli rival ZIM Integrated Shipping Services in a deal reported to be worth up to $3.7bn. In a brief statement, the Hamburg-based carrier said no binding agreement has yet been signed and that approvals from its management and supervisory boards are ...
Safe Bulkers banks $35m from capesize sale New York-listed Greek owner Safe Bulkers has sold a 14-year-old capesize as it presses ahead with its fleet renewal programme. The company said it has agreed to dispose of the 2012 Chinese-built Michalis H for $35.2m. Delivery to the new owner is scheduled within the first quarter of 2026. The group currently operates around 45 ...
Madagascar flags fraudulent ship scam Madagascar's government has flagged a problem with fraudulent ship certification being issued in its name. It joins a growing list...
IEA official plays down biofuel logging risk at IMO The IEA's head of renewable energy played down the risks of biofuel crops leading to deforestation, saying the IMO should...
Capital Clean eyes new €250m Greek bond Marinakis-backed gas carrier owner aims to refinance debut Greek bond from 2021
Biofuel industries make their pitch for shipping Biofuel makers are lobbying the IMO to help them gain a foothold in shipping as the regulator mulls guidance for...
The week in newbuildings: Strong ordering momentum continues across all key shipping sectors Newbuilding contracts for a total of 62 ships were confirmed during the past week, with the crude oil tanker sector...
The Week in Charts: Cameroon pledges flag crackdown | APM Terminals and Eurogate unveil €1bn Bremerhaven plan | EU sanctions will complete Russia's shadow fleet shift Lloyd's List's weekly showing of the data and figures behind our news, analysis and markets coverage
The Daily View: Set for another exodus
Battling 10-metre waves and 100 mph winds: the MSC Baltic III story Almost a year to the date that containership MSC Baltic III grounded in Newfoundland, the vessel remains stranded and battered...
Hapag-Lloyd confirms $4bn takeover of Zim Hapag-Lloyd has signed a binding $4bn agreement to acquire Zim, confirming one of the biggest consolidation moves in container shipping...
Daily Briefing Trump's Maritime Action Plan seeks to resurrect US port fees | The Horse gallops - but towards what? | Cameroon...
Hapag-Lloyd bolsters fleet with $4.2 billion deal to acquire Zim The acquisition is expected to be completed this year, and will strengthen the combined network on the trans-Pacific, intra-Asia, the Atlantic, Latin America, and East Mediterranean while bringing up to $500 million in synergies, Hapag-Lloyd's CEO said.
Here's how US shipping stakeholders assess Trump administration's maritime MAP Alignment with proposed Ships for America Act draws praise, but what's not mentioned raises questions
The 'busted' IPO that got fixed: How Zim ultimately rewarded investors Hapag-Lloyd's $4.2bn takeover means a big return for an original Zim investor but there were profits to be had along its five-year journey
Norwegian Cruise Line orders three new ships at Fincantieri in deal worth over $1.9bn Italian shipbuilder described the deal as 'very important'
Hapag-Lloyd seals $4.2bn Zim takeover Zim chairman says deal is 'prudent and beneficial' for all shareholders
Deutsche ReGas insists German LNG terminal 'fully operational' despite harsh weather Ice cover delays next LNG carrier from entering port
Flag fraud fears escalate as spotlight falls on ships carrying Iranian oil Island nation says nine ships have falsely claimed to be flying its flag in 'organised' operation
US charges on foreign vessels would 'distort' competition, International Chamber of Shipping warns Organisation is supportive of Trump administration's shipbuilding targets but draws the line at any form of port fees
Tonne-mile shake-up could be on the cards for tankers, says US broker Changes to Indian buying and Venezuelan selling could see trade lane shifts, Poten & Partners says
Super Bowl fans Ruppelt and Kelleher say shipping is only at half-time in terms of geopolitical fallout Ardmore bosses explain the issues continuing to shape the tanker sector
Fire-hit ship saved from grounding in the Baltic Sea Dutch vessel not under command following incident on Saturday evening
Bruton's Chinese VLCCs proving an advantage as Clarksons raises share-price target Analyst Frode Morkedal sees mismatch between country of build and earnings potential
Eastern Pacific scores huge suezmax asset play in twin tanker sale to Thenamaris Idan Ofer cashes in big on wisely-timed tankers he ordered in early 2020
US shipbuilding reboot puts South Korea in win-lose squeeze Bridge orders beckon, but fees and cargo rules threaten margins
Super Bowl fans Ruppelt and Kelleher say shipping is only at half-time in terms of geopolitical fall-out Ardmore Shipping bosses explain the issues continuing to shape the tanker sector
World's largest marine insurer pursues compensation over $163m takeover Gard has launched an arbitration case over its 2024 deal for specialist offshore wind insurer Codan
US fuel supplier Texawatt plans to export containerised LNG Company lists 17 LNG production facilities it has approached for supplies to ship to Caribbean and beyond
Pantheon Tankers stacks Hengli's bulging orderbook with four VLCCs Greek shipowner adds to big orderbook with deal at emerging shipbuilding giant
Shadow tankers pressed into service to ship Russian oil into Cuba Crude and fuel cargoes could soon be moved to the Caribbean island, according to the Russian embassy
Former executive of now-sanctioned shipping company secures Geneva job New employer says Giuseppe Stura left Geneva and Dubai-based Fractal Marine before sanctions blow
ESL bulker sale compensates for weak freight rates as profit rises Disposal of handysize brings in useful cash for Finnish owner
Norwegian credit fund raises bet on Contships bonds Norselab Meaningful Impact High Yield fund returns 0.65% in January
Andreas Martinos' boxship play tops $600m on modern feeder buy Traditional tanker owner keeps swooping up on small and young container ships wherever he finds them
Shipbroker bullish on gas carriers as ammonia-capable vessels become newbuilding norm London broker says fleet growth this year should be offset by strong demand
US seizes second Venezuela-linked tanker in Indian Ocean VLCC captured after breaking through naval blockade last month
Trump's fresh port fee threat spells 'disaster' for container shipping Analysts believe the boxship sector is most at risk from Maritime Action Plan
Okeanis Eco Tankers sets huge new benchmark with VLCC charter to Koch Greek owner bags whopping $91,140 per day for modern vessel over a year
New Norway wealth fund bets on shipping stocks as portfolio grows to $2.3bn Fund buys Bruton, Klaveness Combination Carriers, Norden, Odfjell, Torm and 2020 Bulkers
Columbia's Orfanidou says training AI using biased past risks excluding women from shipping Cypriot tech expert argues that legacy problems in the industry could be viewed as the norm in machine learning
Hapag-Lloyd trumps Maersk by paying 'big price' for Zim takeover, Fearnley says Analyst Fredrik Dybwad looks at the implications of a potentially huge boxship deal
Bruton's Chinese VLCCs proving an advantage as Clarksons raises share-price target Analyst Frode Morkedal sees mismatch between country of build and earnings potential
World's largest marine insurer claims it overpaid for $163m takeover Gard has launched an arbitration case over its 2024 deal for specialist offshore wind insurer Codan
Dynacom tanker smashes into crane at key Russian crude terminal Authorities say incident happened on Saturday as vessel was arriving to load oil
Trump maritime plan proposes array of funding mechanisms to expand US shipbuilding capacity White House plan calls for expanding shipyard grants, tax-deferred construction funds and loan guarantees
Safe Bulkers jumps on Greek capesize sales bandwagon as prices hit highest level since 2008 Ship had been a sales candidate since late November
Odfjell and Nissen Kaiun forged deep trust before launching joint venture Odfjell Hakata Maritime could grow to add super-segregators, CEO says
Pacific Basin appoints Caravel bosses as non-executive directors as stake surpasses 20% Caravel Group became the single largest shareholder of Pacific Basin in 23 January when its stake reached 20.06%
Lila Global ties up year's first capesize bulker demolition deal Anil Sharma's Dubai-based shipping company accounted for half the capesize tonnage recycled in 2025
National gas cap could slash truckers' diesel bills WASHINGTON - New legislation in the works by U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., would impose a federal ceiling on state-level fuel taxes in a move that could dismantle one of trucking's biggest operating expenses. Under Kiley's "Gas Tax Reduction Act," any state that maintains a fuel tax exceeding 50 cents per gallon would face an immediate 8% reduction in funding from the National Highway Performa
AIT Worldwide Logistics lands new owner The owners of AIT Worldwide Logistics, a top 30 freight forwarder in the United States, have sold a majority stake to Greenbriar Equity Group to help fuel its aggressive expansion. The company's 2030 strategy calls for accelerated growth on an organic basis and through acquisitions. The deal allows The Jordan Company, L.P., a middle-market financial firm with a background in transportation and lo
Carriers anticipate pricing power while shippers plan for flexibility in 2026 The freight market is entering 2026 with cautious optimism replacing the extreme volatility of recent years. As market dynamics evolve, shippers and carriers are approaching the year with notably different strategies, according to new survey data from Echo Global Logistics. Echo surveyed 1,024 shippers and 832 carriers between October and November 2025, capturing expectations that diverge on pric
Airforwarders Association chief Fried calls it quits after 21 years Brandon Fried will retire as executive director of the Airforwarders Association in December, ending a 21-year run, the group announced on Monday. The AfA said it has begun a search for his successor and expects to make an appointment toward the end of the year. Fried was elected to the board of directors in 2001 and has served as executive director since 2005, growing the AfA to more than 225 co
Dr. John McElligott, trucking industry health advocate, dies at 80 Dr. John McElligott, a physician, Navy veteran and co-founder of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund who dedicated more than three decades to improving the health and financial stability of America's truck drivers, has died at the age of 80. Over the course of his career, McElligott directly helped thousands of drivers and reached more than 5,000 others through the relief fund, which has pro
Estes Logistics expands with Key Trucking acquisition Estes Logistics, a division of less-than-truckload carrier Estes Express Lines, has acquired Key Trucking. Financial terms of the transaction were not provided. The deal became effective at the beginning of the year. "Our priority was finding a partner that could provide good service and expanded opportunities to our customers while being a great home for our long-term employees. Estes is both,"
Medlog opens new Saudi logistics park In a move that strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub, Medlog has officially opened Medlog 1, an integrated logistics park in Dammam that promises to reshape the Kingdom's supply chain landscape. Medlog is the inland logistics arm of Geneva's MSC Group, the world's largest ocean container carrier. Situated at King Abdulaziz Port, the facility covers more than 25 acres and b
US manufacturing pipeline grows, firms plan $1B in new factories A wave of new manufacturing projects announced in recent weeks underscores continued capital investment across the U.S., with companies in heavy equipment, advanced electronics, automation and industrial components committing around $1 billion combined in new facilities and expansions. From North Carolina to Texas to Idaho and Wisconsin, manufacturers are breaking ground on large-scale plants exp
Germany's Hapag-Lloyd buying Zim of Israel for $4.2 billion In a merger of two of the world's largest container shipping lines, Hapag-Lloyd of Germany will acquire Israel's Zim Integrated Shipping Services for $4.2 billion. Zim (NYSE: ZIM) confirmed an earlier report by FreightWaves in an announcement Monday. The all-cash deal values Zim at $35 per share, or $4.2 billion, a 58% premium to its prior-day closing price and 126% premium to its unaffected sto
UPS challenges Teamster suit over $150,000 driver buyouts United Parcel Service on Friday asked a federal judge to throw out a Teamsters union complaint seeking to block the company from offering $150,000 voluntary buyouts to package car drivers, saying any concerns can be adequately addressed by arbitration provisions in the existing contract. The size and structure of the separation package carries the risk of internal union turmoil if rank-and-file m
Open Borders, Open Trucking Why is the American trucking industry the only major sector of the U.S. economy with virtually no restrictions on foreign ownership? It's not hypothetical. It's not academic. It's happening right now, every single day, on every interstate you drive. Foreign nationals who have never held an American passport and may never have set foot on American soil are registering motor carriers, obtaining USD
The Suez Canal Authority has announced that it will introduce surcharges on transit tariffs through the Egyptian canal for most major cargo vessels, effective July 15.
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