The Bradfield Bulletin - 13 June 2025

IS IT just me, or did winter arrive with a bang this week? Now that I’m working from home, a blanket has become non negotiable! (Let’s be honest though, I was that person wrapped in one at the office too 😄). And it’s not just us feeling the chill... global shipping’s copped it as well, with a flurry of disruptions shaking things up.

Close to home, we’re seeing a flurry of port rotation changes and omissions hitting Australia. Carriers are doing their best to stay on track, juggling rough weather and ongoing delays on the ground. It’s a good reminder of just how finely balanced the supply chain is - sometimes even a few hours can throw everything off.

Over in the U.S., Trump’s steepest tariffs just cleared a legal hurdle, for now. A court’s fast tracking the case, so we could see more trade volatility by Northern Hemisphere summer. Spot rates across the Pacific have already more than doubled as GRIs come into play. Will it last? There are rumours of forward bookings becoming a little soft.

Tensions are heating up in the Middle East. A rare joint advisory has flagged rising risks in key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, with warnings of possible military activity. Nothing confirmed yet, but with U.S.–Iran nuclear talks looming, the industry’s on edge.

Meanwhile, it’s been a rough few weeks at sea - fires, explosions, even sinkings. A stark reminder of the very real risks crews face and just how fragile global supply chains really are.

What else should we be watching?

💠 ICTSI becomes first terminal customer for WiseTech

💠 Qantas Group announces closure of Jetstar Asia operations

💠 DP World teams up with J.P. Morgan in new partnership

💠 NZ’s TAIC urges a ban on substandard ships after Shiling incidents in 2023

💠 The shipwreck of Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour found in Rhode Island

💠 MSC opens Medlog inland terminal outside Paris

💠 USTR eases China port fees for car carriers, LNG ships

💠 APM Pier 400 rolls out biggest electric tractor fleet at Port of LA

💠 DHL Express locks out workers in Canada

💠 MSC pursues Romania’s premier shipyard

💠 European port delays ease up… for the moment

💠 Don Watson Transport shuts down after 77 years

💠 Santos mega terminal auction excludes existing players

💠 Cosco port in Peru granted operating license

💠 Chinese captain jailed over Taiwan cable damage

💠 Run Fu 3 crew rescued after bulker sinks in Indian Ocean

💠 DHL plans $570M investment to boost Middle East presence

Make sure you check out previous weeks wrap-ups over at DCN - Daily Cargo Newshttps://lnkd.in/gZKmFMZS

Here’s the Conti Chivalry docked at DP World Terminal in Fremantle earlier this week. Formerly known as the Ever Chivalry, this impressive vessel stretches a hefty 334 meters long.

Have a great weekend everyone!