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Posted by Amanda Bradfield
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4 June, 2026
HERE in Western Australia, the week began with storm clean ups following a wild long weekend. After days of strong winds and rough weather, the sunshine arrived right on cue .. just as it was time to head back to work. Somehow, it's still felt like a very long short week.
Turning to global shipping, congestion remains a big issue. In Europe, low water levels are affecting barge operations, but port congestion continues to be the bigger challenge, with Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg/Bremerhaven all featuring among the most congested ports. Schedule disruptions and port omissions are being reported across the region.
In Asia, congestion is building in Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao, where fog related channel closures have led to vessel delays of up to five days. West Africa, India, Southeast Asia and Singapore are also experiencing increased congestion. Reports this week indicate transhipment delays of up to four to five weeks for some Fremantle bound cargo with a particular shipping line.
Congestion wasn't the only thing on the rise this week. Drewry's Intra-Asia Container Index increased 10% to a record high, while the World Container Index jumped a massive 23%, with reports suggesting peak season demand has arrived earlier than expected.
Let's take a look at some of the other stories making headlines across shipping, logistics and global trade this week.
💠 Ningbo and Valencia launched a green shipping corridor
💠 Evergreen approved an order for 18000 new containers
💠 Thousands of Mexican truckers lose U.S. visas over cabotage breaches
💠 ZIM appointed a new CEO from outside the shipping sector
💠 COSCO's Tarragona Port redevelopment received approval
💠 The Dali trial was delayed following last minute settlements
💠 AD Ports completed an $835 million Brazilian logistics acquisition
💠 MSC is linked to a stake in Ukraine's Pivdennyi Container Terminal
💠 VICT added four hybrid automated straddle carriers in Melbourne
💠 Robert J. Harvey joined the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission
💠 Proposed MSIC fee increases sparked industry backlash
💠 IMO's Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention enters into force in 2027
It's two for the price of one in today's photo, with the CMA CGM Tigris and MSC Corcovado III sharing the frame. The contrast between the two vessels is hard to miss. The Tigris dwarfs the Corcovado III, measuring almost 100 metres longer and around 19 metres wider. They're also heading in opposite directions, with the Tigris bound for Tanjung Pelepas and the Corcovado III making its way to Adelaide.
Wishing everyone a great weekend, and for those fortunate enough to be enjoying a long weekend, make the most of it!
