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Posted by Amanda Bradfield
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11 Sep, 2026
EVERY day this week felt like a Monday. Not sure if it was the same in your world, but I’m very happy to see this week over!
Let’s leave the week behind and take a look at what’s been happening across shipping.
It’s feeling a little bit like Groundhog Day out there, with the industry battling the same issues. Higher freight rates, vessel delays, schedules that aren’t worth the paper they’re written on, and things are getting a little worse as we inch closer to China’s Golden Week.
Bookings are tightening, while the global picture remains relatively stable, with some significant differences across the major trades.
The Drewry World Container Index remained unchanged this week. Transpacific rates edged higher, with Shanghai-Los Angeles up 2% and Shanghai-New York up 1%. Meanwhile, Asia-Europe rates fell 3% to Genoa and 2% to Rotterdam. Blank sailings are also increasing.
The intra-Asia market is telling a similar story. Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index rose 1%, its fifth consecutive weekly increase and a new record for the third straight week.
Typhoon related congestion in China, combined with bottlenecks at Busan, Hong Kong and Singapore, continues to tie up vessel capacity and push rates higher.
Despite the challenges, global container volumes remain strong. CTS data shows volumes hit a record 17.3 million TEU in July, up 4.5% on last year and around 25,000 TEU above the previous record set in May.
The Suez Canal is also showing signs of a gradual return to life, although it’s still too early to call it a full return to normal. July revenue and vessel transits increased significantly year-on-year, while some carriers are cautiously testing the Red Sea route again.
Meanwhile, German port workers are considering a new wage offer after previous strike action disrupted major ports. Around 11000 workers are involved, with further strike action possible if the offer is rejected.
So, what else is happening out there?
💠 25 killed in China shipyard vessel fire
💠 Lufthansa Cargo to acquire LUG Aircargo
💠 Former OOIL chairman Tung Chee-hwa dies
💠 RMS Team declared constructive total loss after drone strike
💠 Hapag-Lloyd revises $4.2bn ZIM bid
💠 CMA CGM and CCCC sign ports and logistics deal
💠 TS Lines reports strong H1 results
💠 Australian transport workers strike for fairer conditions
💠 IMO Net Zero Framework progress remains limited
💠 China rejects G20 criticism over export reliance
💠 Volcanic ash disrupts Indonesian airports
💠 Five killed in Amazon cargo jet crash
💠 Montevideo container terminal hit by indefinite strike
💠 BEST Barcelona adds two quay cranes
💠 APM Terminals Suape welcomes first vessel
Today's picture is of the CMA CGM Samson in Fremantle's Inner Harbour. She looks stunning against the backdrop of Patrick Terminals cranes.
Have a great weekend everyone!
