If you think freight rates are volatile, have you seen the price of fruit? I paid $9 for a piece of watermelon yesterday (and it wasn’t even that big!). Now, with school holidays in full swing across most of Australia, it sure feels like the cost of living could give peak season surcharges a run for their money.
The Royal Show kicks off in WA tomorrow (don’t even get me started on ticket prices..). A big shout-out to everyone scrambling to arrange priority unpacks to get show stock there on time… most of us have been there.
While forwarders rush to move show stock, carriers are also racing against the clock, reshuffling vessels ahead of new US port fees on Chinese operators and Chinese-built ships taking effect from 14 October. Cosco and OOCL are the most exposed, with further service adjustments likely across the board as the deadline approaches. Yet uncertainty lingers, with US authorities still to release the promised FAQ on how the fees will be applied.
Closer to home, Super Typhoon Ragasa has left a devastating mark across the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China, with lives lost, communities flooded, and strong winds causing widespread damage. Beyond the human toll, supply chains face serious disruption as road closures, vessels sheltering, and flight cancellations collide with China’s Golden Week holiday. Knock-on delays are expected across all services, air and sea alike, with Typhoon Opong following close behind.
What else is happening this week?
💠 World Maritime Day is marked
💠CMA CGM chief grilled on profits
💠Net zero plan may cost $300B by 2035
💠High Seas Treaty set for 2026 law (BBNJ)
💠APM Terminal to expand Barcelona terminal
💠China’s Sea Legend starts Arctic–EU service
💠CMA CGM moves on Freightliner intermodal
💠Panama seeks tie-up with HMM & Busan
💠Genoa dockers strike over Israel protest
💠Tonkin Hwy freight link strengthened
💠CPPI Report sparks a lot of conversation
💠Indonesia–EU sign Free Trade Agreement
💠Court rejects Maersk over Santos auction
💠ONE launches reefer intermodal service in India
💠DPW & Hapag-Lloyd extend Santos partnership
💠Brisbane Port releases sustainability report
💠Fremantle Ports unveil sustainability approach
💠Andrew Johnson commences role as CEO of Gladstone Ports
💠China kicks off first container service via the Arctic to Europe
💠Poland–Belarus border closure results in increase to freight rates
It’s been a quiet week for new vessels at the Inner Harbour - though I hear a new pink ship may be on the way… shhh.
Today’s photo is of the Kota Lambai, a regular in Fremantle and a real workhorse for the Australia trade. At 260m length (or LOA if we’re being fancy) and 32m wide, she carries about 4,250 TEU, big enough for capacity, small enough for flexibility.
I hope that everyone has a great weekend (a long one in WA and VIC). If you follow the footy, I hope that it's a great game and may the best team win! (fo’ shizzle my nizzle ..)