The Bradfield Bulletin - 10th October

I'VE HAD a headache hanging around all week, and it’s definitely slowed me down a bit. It’s funny how something small can remind you not to take feeling good for granted. For anyone else doing it tough right now, hang in there, brighter days are ahead.

Now, while some of the world has gone a little ga-ga over Taylor Swift’s new album (who could blame them?), there’s plenty happening in the world of shipping.

Next week is shaping up to be a big one, with Australia joining the vote on the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, the global plan to decarbonise shipping. The framework sets emissions limits, a carbon pricing system, and new fuel standards, all aimed at achieving net-zero by 2050, which could affect freight costs, fleets, and port infrastructure down under.

At the same time, the US is rolling out its controversial new port fees targeting Chinese-linked vessels, which could impact bulkers, tankers, and containerships calling at American ports. Ship operators will need to get their paperwork and payments in order, while China has already promised countermeasures.

Between sustainability rules and trade compliance, next week could set the tone for the shipping industry for years to come.

What else is happening out there that you may not have heard about?

💠DP World teams up with PayPal to speed cross-border trade
💠Maersk begins major retrofit drive to cut emissions
💠Drewry Index drops 5% , the lowest since Jan 2024, its the 16th weekly fall
💠Chittagong shippers angered by new 70% port service tariff
💠US govt shutdown causes cargo delays amid regulatory turmoil
💠Patrick Terminals orders 14 Kalmar AutoStrads for Sydney
💠Strikes paralyse Europe’s top ports
💠Port of Long Beach wins $20M grant for offshore wind terminal
💠ONE, DP World launch new reefer intermodal service in India
💠Maersk to impose D&D fees on cancelled bookings in AU & NZ
💠Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme under review
💠WWII bomb discovery halts Port of Long Beach construction works
💠MSC containership collides with Indian fishing boat
💠Maersk & CMA CGM say methanol supply too short for full decarbonisation

Let me know if I have missed anything!

Just a reminder that the DCN Awards are around six weeks away! This year, the awards for the Liner Shipping Awards are being decided a little differently – we’re all being invited to have our say. https://lnkd.in/dZyAHJbc

Captured alongside in Fremantle’s Inner Harbour this week is the MSC Bay IV, a new caller on MSC’s Koala service. She’s looking sharp for a 2003 build, 260m long, 32m wide. This vessel can carry around 4,253TEU. Looks like she’s had a recent glow-up too, with fresh paint and a gleaming bow shield catching the sun. Many lines are testing these shields to cut wind resistance and boost aerodynamics. If you look closely toward the bow, you’ll spot a few bright yellow SOCs (shipper owned containers) glinting in the sun.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!