The Bradfield Bulletin - 17 July 2025

THEY say dress for the job you want… but they never said anything about what’s under the blazer. These days, my version of “smart casual” is a business jacket over pajamas, the mullet of fashion: all business up top, questionable life choices down below.  I may have slightly overstepped by going out for petrol dressed like that!

The market’s been all over the place lately, with the overcapacity alarm ringing loud and clear. Trump’s playing the pen pal no one asked for - sending tariff letters full of errors and stirring up more confusion. Meanwhile, the USTR penalties on Chinese vessels have everyone on edge.

On the ground, Drewry’s World Container Index hit its fifth straight weekly drop, down 2.6% last Thursday, as the market cools off after a tariff driven rollercoaster.

Industry experts warn supply and demand won’t balance out until 2028, with vessel orders still booming. The big shift? More orders for smaller regional and sub-Panamax ships, though mega-ships keep coming too.

Demolition has practically stalled, only 10 ships scrapped this year versus 48 last, thanks to healthy freight markets and carriers holding onto older vessels as a buffer against disruptions.

Closer to home, uncertainty still clouds the market - and bad weather is looming. Fremantle is bracing for rough conditions, which will likely throw a spanner in the works for both terminal and shipping operations.

Here are some other things you may have missed:

Here is the Kota Lambai and the Cosco Genoa alongside at Patrick Terminal Fremantle this week.

Let me know if I’ve missed anything. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead! And for those attending the WA International Trade Ball, I look forward to seeing you there.. Maybe I’ll finally trade my pajamas for a fancy dress!