The Bradfield Bulletin - 11 July 2025

IT'S SCHOOL holidays here in Western Australia and it's right about now that I have realised my kids are old enough to hold actual conversations. Mostly about the mushroom trial and me questioning why Yo-Chi costs more than dinner.

I have no words for what is happening in the shipping world. If you know me well, you will know that this is very unlike me to be speechless. My heart is heavy. The violent, visual attacks in the Red Sea are not just headlines, they're a reminder of the risks seafarers face daily. Beyond the disruption to global trade, these are human lives caught in the crossfire. We need action, accountability, and above all, protection for those who keep the world moving. 

Over in the US, Trump is at it again, with a flurry of tariff twists. He’s delayed 'reciprocal' tariffs until August 1, slapped new ones on over a dozen countries (some as high as 40%), and left everyone guessing about China. As one research and advisory expert put it, the only thing predictable right now is the unpredictability.

While congestion has improved in some regions, it's gotten worse in others. In Australia, winter weather is bringing delays, port omissions, and changes to vessel rotations, but here’s hoping the worst is behind us.  

Here’s what else might’ve flown under the radar this week.

💠 ITF calls for war zone designation in Gulf conflict areas

💠 Two crew charged over deadly tanker collision in Singapore

💠 European importers hit by backlogs as rail delays worsen port congestion

💠 DP World to assume control of NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers

💠 Tanker fire and explosion off Indian port of Kandla injures crew

💠 CMA CGM accelerates growth of its media network

💠 South Korea urges US to exempt its car carriers from port call fees

💠 NSW Ports unveils 2025 sustainability strategy

💠 DP World opens a freight forwarding hub in Mexico City

💠 Indian seafarers released after months detained at Yemen’s Ras Isa port

💠 Typhoon Danas creates havoc in Taiwan and East China

💠 Port Hedland launches new hybrid pilotage model

💠 South Korea’s K Shipbuilding is officially for sale

💠 ACFS seeks shipping line partnerships following St Mary’s deal

💠 PIL's Michael Horsburgh retires after 32 years in shipping

💠 Port of Hamburg to undergo major revamp

💠 Ship piracy and robberies in Asia jump 83% in first half of the year

💠 MOL plans to commercialise an offshore rocket launch and recovery vessel

💠 Bangladesh Navy takes over operation of Chittagong’s largest container terminal

💠 HD Hyundai partners with Cochin Shipyard to boost India’s maritime growth

💠 Northern Europe’s inland transport faces worsening delays from low water

For today’s picture, I’m throwing back to one of my favourite days ever. Sure, the days my children were born were incredible, but the day I got to see the CMA CGM Baalbeck up close definitely ranks right up there too.   She’s back in Australia now, heading towards Adelaide.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend ahead!

Amanda Bradfield is Head of International Freight & Logistics at Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA).