The Bradfield Bulletin - 27 June 2025

WELCOME to the Bradfield Bulletin – your Friday hot take on industry headlines by Amanda Bradfield.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now… but let’s start with something a little closer to home.

Earlier this week, I found myself in an intense battle with that drawer, you know the one. The second kitchen drawer. The one that contains every utensil known to mankind… ice cream scoop, four wooden spoons, two sets of tongs (neither of which work properly), and that weird thing I think is for eggs? And yet, somehow, I only ever use the same four things (one of which constantly falls down the back of the drawers).

Anyway, once I finally unjammed it and reclaimed my spatula, it made me think. Maybe the global supply chain isn’t the only thing that needs a little sorting out...

The Strait of Hormuz is back in the spotlight after Iran threatened closure and reports of GPS jamming, though major container lines are still passing through. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced, but attacks reportedly continue, raising real risks of shipping disruptions. Key hubs like the UAE’s Jebel Ali could face significant pressure, and reliance on limited maritime routes may force logistics changes. Meanwhile, airfreight networks around Doha and Dubai are also experiencing delays and capacity issues, impacting cargo between Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Strong winds have caused some landside delays in Sydney, while poor weather across the Great Australian Bight continues to throw shipping schedules off track. And isn’t it always the way, omissions or last minute port rotation changes seem to hit the one vessel carrying your most urgent containers. Meanwhile, blank sailings from China to Australia are starting to creep in again, a reminder of the ongoing tug-of-war between capacity and demand.

💠Cambodia-Thailand border closed to land freight, ports still operating

💠 Hong Kong Convention takes effect, marking a new era in ship recycling

💠 Newcastle port welcomes its first TRAnsverse tug

💠 DHL Express Canada and workers reach tentative labour deal

💠 Malaysian ports report 6% year-on-year growth in Q1 2025

💠 New ship-to-shore cranes headed to Abidjan terminal

💠 APM Terminals opens second mega berth in Valencia

💠 Heavy lift vessel grounds in the Suez Canal (no memes?😁)

💠 Tropical Storm Andrea, the first of the 2025 hurricane season, arrives

💠 Japan aims to double shipbuilding output by 2030

💠 Matthew Stubbs retires from Lindsay Australia (today!)

That’s all I can fit in for now, word count limits! With vessel incidents rising and ongoing pressures across the supply chain, there’s plenty more I haven’t covered.

And while the world paused briefly for Day of the Seafarer, let’s remember it’s more than a one day event. Those who keep trade moving deserve ongoing recognition, especially given the challenges they face at sea.

Let me know if I have missed anything! 

Does anyone else have a kitchen drawer that sounds like mine and is it always the second one?!

Remember you can check out previous weekly wrap ups - the Bradfield Bulletin - at DCN - Daily Cargo News

Have a great weekend all - this week's image is of the MSC Chulai III and the Holsatia.

Amanda Bradfield is Head of International Freight & Logistics at Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA).