Marine News

1. Tufton says Trump policies will impact markets

   UK-listed investment firm expects that sanctions and trade tariffs will be beneficial to shipping as it could add to tonne-mile demand growth.

2. MSC follows rivals' avoiding the Red Sea

   Like many of its competitors, the world’s largest container shipping company states that it will not resume shipping through the troubled waters.

3. Reduced risk to shipping in Red Sea not a given, says Ambrey

   Security firm Ambrey says risk is still present given the fragility of the ceasefire. Marine insurers covering war risks say it’s too early to tell whether premiums will come down. 

4. MOL finalizes acquisition of Norwegian bulker operator Gearbulk

   The Japanese company now has a world-leading dry bulk fleet made of 338 vessels.

5. Flex LNG expects major increase in gas shipments out of the US

   US President Donald Trump has lifted a freeze on LNG exports, which will keep gas shipping companies busy, Øystein Kalleklev predicts.

6. Carriers: No one benefits from Trump's tariffs and focus on fossil fuels

   Hapag-Lloyd and Wallenius Wilhelmsen warn against Trump’s desire for higher tariffs and his rejection of the green transition. Scorpio Tankers and Lauritzen Bulkers await the situation.

7. Geopolitical uncertainty driving companies to change supply chains

   75% of the world’s companies have altered their supply chains to work with multiple suppliers, according to research presented in Davos.

8. Panama opens audit of Chinese port operator while Trump threatens to take canal back

   The review of the Chinese operator of ports near the Panama Canal comes after US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Chinese influence and threats to take control of the canal.

9. Donald Trump could trigger recession and shipping downturn

   If Trump follows through on his threat to impose punitive tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico from Feb. 1, he could trigger a recession, analysts warn.

10. US retailers are stockpiling far more inventory than usual

    Tariff hike concerns prompt US retailers to fill warehouses with goods worth roughly USD 30bn more than usual, finds research firm.

11. CMA CGM ship could be first to transit the Red Sea after ceasefire

    The CMA CGM Columba is expected to arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a few days and will sail to Abu Dhabi on Feb. 1. Transit through the Red Sea is required.

12. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd avoiding Red Sea for now

    The Houthi movement’s promise to stop attacks on non-Israeli ships is an important step, but shipping companies are demanding more security before they will sail in the area again.

13. Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas puts shippers in a dilemma

    Container rates could go high or low this year depending on the sustainability of the ceasefire in the Middle East. This makes it uncertain for shippers to enter into contracts for 2025, says analyst.

14. New US president: EU imports can ease pressure from Donald Trump

    EU countries must help reduce the US trade deficit with Europe to avoid a tough confrontation with Trump, according to the Confederation of Danish Industry.

15. PSA International handled 100 million containers in 2024

    PSA’s flagship terminal in Singapore reported a record throughput of 40.9 million containers.