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Posted by Amanda Bradfield
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18 December, 2025
IN A week that would usually feel light and happy, with the lead up to Christmas in the air, there has been a heaviness instead. Many of us have carried that weight since Sunday’s incident. It’s hard to comprehend, but the stories of heroism and survival have touched us all. Now, more than ever, we need to lift one another and be kind.
Amid that backdrop, the market keeps moving, as it always does. Global container rates lifted again this week, up around 12%, marking the third consecutive weekly increase. The rise is driven mainly by the Transpacific headhaul trade, where carriers have reversed last week’s decline and pushed rates higher out of China to both US coasts. It’s a noticeable shift after rates had fallen to some of their lowest levels this year.
Closer to home, the mid Dec GRI into Oceania has been mostly rejected. Volumes are typically lighter at this time of year, and while carriers know of the seasonal slowdown, the increase was still pushed through to support contract pricing. For now, the market isn’t really accepting it.
On the operational side, weather disruptions across Southeast Asia are starting to show through. Singapore and Port Klang are now sitting high on the congestion watch list (3 and 4), creating added pressure at key transhipment hubs and increasing the likelihood of delays and rolled cargo.
Looking ahead, Lunar New Year is already influencing behaviour. With the holiday falling in Feb 2026, carriers are moving early to secure bookings, and we’re starting to see cargo pull forward. It’s still early days, but this early positioning will shape how space and rates behave as we move into the new year.
Let’s see what else is happening out there.
💠TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald to step down after eight years
💠Maersk reshapes leadership as new CFO appointed
💠PIL completes first intermodal shipment in Costa Rica
💠Thamesborg heads to Turkish yard after Arctic grounding
💠ICTSI commits $175m to Rio terminal expansion
💠'Dali' blackout blamed on operator modifications
💠Colombo port congestion persists after cyclone shutdown
💠Severe North Atlantic storm brings 50ft seas
💠WA Gov allocates additional $50m+ for Westport
💠Hapag-Lloyd and NCL secure hydrogen fuel deal
💠Panama Canal delivers nearly $3B after drought recovery
💠Unions push back against $85B transcontinental rail merger
For anyone in Fremantle waiting on pre Christmas arrivals from this vessel, the Hansa Asia has arrived. She’s a new addition to the route, having recently phased in to replace the MH Green, this is her first call to Fremantle.
A few quick things to know about the Hansa Asia. She can carry around 3,400 TEU, she’s a geared vessel with four cranes, and was built in 2013 in Shanghai. At 239.6m LOA with a 32m beam, she’s a pretty solid addition to this service. (She also used to just be called “Asia”!)
I hope you all have a good weekend, Merry Christmas to all!
