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Posted by Amanda Bradfield
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16 April, 2026
THIS week has been another challenging one for many of us, and I’m not just referring to the school holidays in Western Australia that are now coming to an end.
The focus remains on the Middle East crisis, now approaching the 50 day mark. While the initial shock has faded, it’s been replaced by a more draining routine, constantly checking the news to see what has unfolded overnight or while you have been off line.
Iran has stepped up its rhetoric, warning disruption could extend beyond the Strait of Hormuz unless the US lifts its naval blockade, with threats to trade flows across the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman and Red Sea.
On the water, the picture remains uncertain. Nearly seven weeks in, vessel behaviour reflects hesitation, rerouting and selective continuation rather than full compliance, with transits largely limited to higher risk or sanctioned vessels. The broader implication is becoming clearer, this is evolving into a structural shift, exposing vulnerabilities across global trade routes and the wider energy supply chain.
The recent rally in global container freight rates has lost momentum, with the Drewry World Container Index showing a 3% decline. The earlier surge, driven by higher bunker costs linked to the crisis, is now starting to unwind.
Closer to home, southbound rates are stabilising, although competitive spot rates are still emerging as carriers adjust pricing to fill vessels.
Meanwhile, congestion continues to impact Port of Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan, with vessel departures delayed by several days in some cases, creating flow on effects to arrival schedules. Similar pressures are being seen across other major hubs, including Qingdao, Busan, Antwerp-Bruges and Hamburg, which shows the broader strain on global port networks.
So, what else is happening out there?
💠 DCN celebrates 135 years 🎉
💠 Federal Court rules against Brambles in class action
💠 Wallenius Lines takes full control of Wallenius SOL
💠 MSC’s TiL approved for Can Gio transhipment port
💠 Port of Los Angeles reports Q1 decline
💠 Townsville records bumper cruise season
💠 Work begins on Montreal’s long delayed container terminal
💠 MSC's TIL advances $5bn Vietnam port project
💠 COSCO Shipping Bulk launches first container service
💠 Port of Antwerp-Bruges appoints new CEO
💠 MSC’s Medlog acquires Ettamogah Rail Hub
💠 OOCL reports Q1 results
💠 Zim chief Eli Glickman to step down
💠 K Line takes full ownership of wind service subsidiary
Today photo is of the CMA CGM Tigris in the morning sun. At 300m long and 48m wide, she's now on her way to Port Klang, Malaysia. This vessel was built in 2014 by EW Times Shipbuilding in Jingjiang, China. Gosh, 2014... I had a one year old at the time, but it somehow still feels like it was a much simpler time for shipping (and for all of us).
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
