The Bradfield Bulletin - 8th May 2026

WELL, if your coffee hasn’t gone up in price this week, your mortgage probably has. I remember when my biggest complaint was the cost of fruit. These days everything’s expensive, so somehow the price of grapes don’t seem quite as offensive anymore!

Let’s jump straight into rates this week, because the age old warning is starting to come out again, don’t chase the spot market too hard when prices fall. Globally, we’re being encouraged to stick with our carrier allocations despite softer rates, with concerns that walking away from contracts now could impact space commitments once peak season rolls around.

Speaking of spot rates, Drewry’s WCI actually edged up 3% this week after three consecutive declines, as carriers pushed through fresh fuel and peak season surcharges linked to continued uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz.

And, one of the more interesting stories this week came out of the US, with the Trump administration opening the door to nuclear powered commercial shipping. A new initiative has been launched looking at how Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs, could potentially be used across commercial vessels and wider logistics networks. It’s still very early stages, but it will certainly be interesting to see how much industry support and practical momentum the idea actually gains from here.

What else is happening out there?

Today’s picture is of the CMA CGM Loire alongside at DP World last night. Built in 2015, she measures 300 metres in length and 49 metres wide.

While we’re talking shipping strategy this week, I’d be interested to hear your take… spot market or contract rates? Or, like the old El Paso ad used to say… why not both? 🤣

Have a great weekend everyone!