The Bradfield Bulletin

Shake it up, baby now 🎵

What a week it’s been! Starting a new job is no small feat (I’ve only done it once!), but I’m happy to report that I am enjoying myself AND the headache I’ve had since Monday has finally disappeared!

I’m sure operators have breathed a sigh of relief with the May Day holidays upon us. May your inbox be so quiet it leaves you hitting send/receive just to check it’s still working!

Things might seem calm, but global supply chains are anything but settled. Geopolitical tensions and ongoing trade uncertainty – especially between the U.S. and China – are keeping shippers on edge. The ILWU has even slammed the White House’s latest tariff proposals, warning of further disruption as industry waits to see what impact these measures will have. With 22% of global container traffic tied to the U.S., any changes could be felt far and wide.

Several major carriers released earnings this week. While results were generally strong, the outlooks were cautious, with many highlighting market volatility and protectionist policies as key concerns.

In Washington, the SHIPS for America Act has been introduced to overhaul U.S. maritime policy. Seems ambitious, given the dominance of foreign-built vessels in today’s fleet.

Despite the threat of U.S. port fees targeting Chinese-built ships, operators like Seaspan and COSCO continue placing big orders with Chinese yards, while others turn to South Korea. Investment in large container ships remains strong, but carriers are still relying on blanked sailings to manage oversupply- a short term solution in a long-term capacity problem.

What else is happening out there?

💠 CH Robinson’s EBIT jumped 40% to $177 million, despite an 8% drop in revenue year-on-year

💠 Congestion at major north European ports is set to continue, worsened by strikes at Antwerp-Bruges

💠 Wallenius Wilhelmsen has acquired the remaining shares in Armacup

💠 A joint operation uncovered major hazmat violations at the NY/NJ Port

💠 Houthis are detaining and threatening ships at Ras Isa port

💠Death toll rises after a chemical blast at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port

💠Kintetsu World Express has been hit by a ransomware attack

💠CMA CGM Air Cargo has acquired Air Belgium’s cargo operations, it’s fleet is now nine aircraft

💠CMA CGM will double its logistics presence in Turkey through an acquisition

💠China says CK Hutchison’s ports deal must undergo antitrust review

💠South Africa’s Merchant Shipping Bill threatens supply chains, according to the freight forwarders’ association (SAAFF)

💠Chinese EV maker BYD has taken delivery of the world’s largest-capacity car carrier

💠Perth airport celebrates Emirates flying into Perth for 10 years

Check out this stunning shot of the MSC Asya that was sent to me! This is one big vessel – 337 metres long and 46 metres wide.

Have a great weekend, everyone! If you’re here in Australia, don’t forget to vote – and don’t miss out on your democracy sausage!