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Posted by Amanda Bradfield
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9 July, 2026
BETWEEN Neil the Seal causing a little chaos around Tasmania and another week flying by, it's hard to believe we're already at Friday.
After weeks of flattening bollards, crushing fences and attracting crowds wherever he went, it seems Neil has finally headed off on his next adventure. He certainly kept plenty of people entertained.
While Neil's antics were relatively harmless, the shipping industry has been navigating a far more serious kind of disruption. Tensions in the Middle East escalated again this week, with the United States launching a second day of strikes on Iranian military targets following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran warned that access through the strategic waterway will remain subject to "Iranian arrangements", while the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) urged operators to avoid transiting the Strait if crew safety cannot be assured.
Meanwhile, U.S. container imports are on track to break the record set during the pandemic import surge, as retailers continue bringing freight forward ahead of potential new tariffs expected in August. Freight rates continued to climb this week, with the Drewry World Container Index and Shanghai-Los Angeles spot rates both rising 2%. Tight capacity and limited blank sailings are expected to keep rates elevated.
Closer to home, in contrast, intra-Asia freight rates fell for a third straight week as peak season demand continued to ease. While reports suggest congestion across parts of Southeast Asia is improving, it certainly doesn't feel that way on the ground, with massive weather disruptions, vessel delays and an ever changing list of surcharges continuing to create headaches for importers. It does make me wonder if that bubble is going to burst soon...
What else is happening out there?
💠 Felixstowe expands autonomous truck fleet
💠 US pays Anchorage US$180 million to settle Port of Alaska dispute
💠 DP World expands India's coastal shipping network
💠 Galveston opens US$106 million cargo berth
💠 Khor Fakkan unveils major port expansion
💠 Maersk returns MECL service to the Suez Canal
💠 Hutchison adds automated cranes at Lázaro Cárdenas
💠 CMA CGM names former FedEx executive to lead CEVA Logistics
💠 Maersk launches payer verification emails
💠 Evergreen offices raided over share trading investigation
💠 OOCL wins multiple industry awards
💠 Volvo rolls out first Australian made electric trucks
It's two for the price of one in today's picture, with the glare of the morning sun shining across Patrick Terminals Fremantle. Alongside are Maersk Biscayne on Maersk's Western Australia Connect service and MSC Nassau IV on MSC's Koala service. June's weather disruptions continue to ripple through scheduling, with carriers and terminal operators still working through the resulting vessel delays.
Have a great weekend everyone!
