-
Posted by Amanda Bradfield
- |
-
5 March, 2026
WHAT a week to open the doors to a new freight forwarding company. It’s certainly not one I’ll forget in a hurry.
I’ve said this to many people over the past few days, my heart feels heavy, and I suspect many of you feel the same. The situation unfolding in the Middle East is fast moving and reactive, and so too has been the news coverage around it.
The numbers vary depending on who you read. Estimates change from publication to publication, making it difficult to get a precise measure of the scale of disruption. But regardless of the exact figures, the reality is clear: the situation is serious.
Keeping up with shipping line announcements on surcharges, service suspensions, and booking restrictions has almost become a full time job this week. But right now, that’s exactly what it requires. For anyone shipping to or from the region, staying close to developments is essential.
At the same time, factories across China are beginning to reopen and bookings are slowly picking up again following the Lunar New Year pause. Container freight rates nudged slightly higher this week as Asian export activity starts to rebound, with carriers preparing to restore capacity across the major trade lanes.
Here’s a quick look at some of the news you may have missed this week:
💠Ocean Network Express appoints Till Ole Barrelet as new CEO
💠Brazilian port Suape inks agreements with Malaysian ports
💠Kimberley Mineral Sands completes first shipment from KMSB
💠China-Europe freight trains start 2026 with strong volumes
💠Scott Carson steps down as IFCBAA CEO
💠Patrick Terminals boosts rail support at Port of Melbourne
💠Kuehne+Nagel to cut 2,000 jobs amid weak demand, AI push
Here’s the APL New York alongside at DP World Fremantle. If you’re thinking this is a big vessel, you’re not wrong, she’s 328 m long with a 45 m beam. Built in 2013, she can carry around 9,326 twenty foot containers!
Have a great weekend everyone!
