The Bradfield Bulletin - 24th April 2026

IT REALLY feels like this week hit fast forward, I’ve been a day ahead (or behind) the entire time and I’m only just catching up. Today definitely has that Friday feel, and it’s very welcome.
We’ve had another heavy week with the Middle East crisis continuing. I often read the news in disbelief and can’t help but wonder if we’re all becoming a little numb to what’s unfolding.
Choke points are back in focus, with the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the world’s busiest shipping lane, surpassing 100,000 transits in 2025.
That’s more than 280 vessels a day moving through a stretch that narrows to just 1.7 miles at its tightest point. Container ships lead, followed by tankers and bulk carriers, while deep draught vessels like VLCCs and ULCVs make up a growing share.
Against that backdrop, Iran’s move to impose transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz has sparked wider conversation, with Indonesia’s Finance Minister even suggesting a similar approach for the Malacca Strait, though any move would be complex and far from agreed.
For now, Singapore, alongside Malaysia and Indonesia, has reinforced its position: keeping one of the world’s most critical trade arteries open and moving.
In the U.S., it’s been another twist in the long running tariff saga. A new refund portal has gone live, triggering a rush of claims from importers looking to recover billions in duties now deemed unlawful.
Early signs suggest the system is holding up under pressure, albeit with a few glitches, as companies race to upload thousands of entries in the hope of receiving funds within the expected 60-90 day window.

It follows a major court ruling that opened the door to refunds, with more than $120 billion already in the pipeline, a reminder of just how disruptive the past year of shifting trade policy has been for global supply chains.

 So, what else is happening out there?

💠CMA CGM moves to acquire Fattal Group
💠Singapore-LA/Long Beach renew green, digital shipping corridor pact
💠ZIM strike eases amid takeover talks with Hapag-Lloyd
💠Port of Gothenburg signs €18M dredging deal for major fairway upgrade
💠Singapore unveils 2026 maritime tech & R&D roadmap
💠Singapore explores autonomous feeder services between terminals
💠A$32M air cargo facility planned for Western Sydney International (WSI) 

 Singapore has certainly dominated this week, pushing ahead on green, digital, and autonomous shipping initiatives.

Today’s photo is the Maersk Semaku alongside at Patrick Terminal in Fremantle. At 319m long and 40m wide, she stood out under a cloudy sky before sailing off to Malaysia. And randomly, I’ve just watched a short clip of a couple of people on board, turns out the vessel even has a pool (is that usual?!).

Have a great weekend everyone, and if you are celebrating your birthday today - happy birthday!

And also a moment to reflect this Anzac Day. Lest we forget.