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Posted by Amanda Bradfield
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30 April, 2026
It was a short week for some of the country, with some of us trying hard to complete five days of work in four. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably still chasing your tail.
There was plenty going on this week with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Debate around the Net Zero Framework is well and truly ramping up, with strong support from some countries, but equally strong pushback from others. The US in particular has stepped up its opposition, raising concerns around costs, market impact, and the risk of a global carbon pricing model flowing straight through to consumers. It’s shaping up to be one of the bigger industry debates, and from the tone this week, the divide isn’t closing anytime soon.
And while that debate continues to play out, the situation in the Middle East isn’t easing either.
TT Club has extended war risk cover for containers on land across the region, reflecting the ongoing disruption and the need for more flexible supply chain solutions. At the same time, developments around the U.S. blockade on Iran continue. Iranian officials report that six crewmembers have been released from a boarded vessel, although the U.S. still retains control of the ships, with moves underway to seek forfeiture of at least two tankers. It’s a situation that remains extremely fluid, with ongoing implications for shipping, insurance, and routing decisions.
Globally, spot container rates fell for a third consecutive week, as analysts point to continued pressure from oversupply and weaker demand. Locally, some of us likely felt the pinch on the China-Australia trade in the lead up to Labor Day, with schedule changes and some services booking out quickly.
So, what else is happening out there?
💠Antwerp-Bruges throughput falls in Q1
💠Evergreen revenue dips, early peak expected
💠APMT & Hateco agree Da Nang terminal
💠APMT Valencia concession extended to 2049
💠PIL posts $1.04bn FY2025 profit
💠ONE profit down 92%, tough outlook ahead
💠DHL grows Q1 earnings despite disruption
💠US commits $774m to port upgrades
💠Federal government backs Westport project
I know some of you love the finance side, there's plenty in there this week!
Today’s picture is of the Bach alongside at Patrick Terminal over the weekend. The vessel has recently joined the ONE/Maersk/HPL service between Tanjung Pelepas, Singapore and Fremantle. Previously named Circular Quay and Gustav Schulte, she’s 230m long, 32m wide… and not a sporting a whole lot in the way of standout features.
Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!
