-
Posted by Amanda Bradfield
- |
-
21 May, 2026
I'M STILL trying to work out what hurt more this week… dropping my phone and smashing the screen, or my doctor telling me I should only be eating red meat once a week.
Meanwhile, the shipping market is dealing with its own issues.
Globally, container rates continued trending higher this week as carriers pushed through increases across the major East-West trade lanes. Asia-Europe saw some of the strongest gains, while Transpacific rates also edged higher amid blank sailings, tightening capacity and signs the traditional peak season may be arriving earlier than usual. This is particularly important for those of us handling cross trade cargo, as shifting global capacity and pricing continue to influence multiple trade lanes beyond our own region.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising fuel costs and additional surcharges are also keeping pressure on the market, with many carriers already signalling further increases from June. At the same time, vessel schedules worldwide continue to face heavy disruption, with Europe in particular experiencing significant congestion and ongoing delays across a number of ports.
Closer to home, different trade lanes are also continuing to see rate pressure, with China to Australia pushing higher again as space tightens. There’s also increasing talk of port omissions as carriers try to get services back on track, while GRIs are expected heading into June. Southeast Asia lanes have been more stable overall, although carriers are still attempting to lift returns there too.
In another major development this week, the IMO adopted the world’s first international framework for autonomous commercial ships, marking a significant step towards remotely operated and fully autonomous vessels becoming part of the future shipping landscape.
So, what else has been happening out there this week?
💠 Yang Ming posts 81.5% drop in Q1 profit
💠 New Kwinana freight rail corridor under consideration
💠 Wilson Sons to expand Rio Grande Container Terminal in Brazil
💠 Malaysia trials automated ship reporting in the Malacca Strait
💠 IFCBAA and AMC announce global logistics collaboration
💠 Hapag-Lloyd launches new “Shefarer Program” initiative
💠 MV Dali bridge collapse civil trial to begin June 1 after delay denied
💠 Iran launches Bitcoin-backed maritime insurance for Hormuz transits
💠 Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM suspend Cuba bookings after US order
💠 Ilya Espino de Marotta named first female Panama Canal administrator
💠 Evergreen profit drops 70% as carrier orders five LNG megaships
Today’s picture features the Jogela and the MSC Shahar alongside Patrick Terminal in Fremantle. It’s been another busy week down at the Inner Harbour, with cruise ships, breakbulk vessels, ro-ros and container ships all moving through the port.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
