Singapore’s PIL signs LOIs for 8 LNG dual-fuel 13,000 TEU Neo-Panamax ships (Hudong-Zhonghua/HD Hyundai, 4 each), $1.5B total, delivering 2028–2029. It expands an existing 23-ship orderbook, using LNG as transition fuel to boost fleet efficiency and environmental compliance.

Chile declares a State of Catastrophe due to massive southern wildfires and severe maritime conditions, disrupting multiple ports. Lirquén Port halts operations; others face restrictions. Shippers should monitor updates, adjust logistics plans and prepare contingencies to reduce delays.

A fire broke out at Karachi International Container Terminal on January 16, triggered by lithium batteries, dry chemicals and electrical equipment in a container, spreading to 19 adjacent containers and fully destroying 20 units.

The SCFI index continued to decline for two consecutive weeks, with the weekly drop expanding to 4.45% due to the persistent oversupply in the container shipping market. Freight rates fell on most major ocean routes, with the Mediterranean route seeing the largest drop of 7.7%.

In 2025, China's total exports reached $3.77 trillion (up 5.5% YoY), outpacing GDP growth, with a trade surplus of $1.19 trillion hitting a new high. Outward processing trade and project contracting exports grew rapidly, reflecting industrial upgrading and expanding overseas engineering layout.

Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from 8 European nations starting February 1, rising to 25% from June 1, over the Greenland purchase issue. The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs on $93 billion worth of US goods, set to take effect February 6. Shippers and forwarders should closely monitor tariff dynamics and adjust shipping plans promptly.

MSC and Hapag-Lloyd have frozen US West Coast rates at $2,100 until Feb 15, while Maersk undercuts at $1,800, marking the failure of two scheduled Jan rate hikes. Oversupply, weak demand, and aggressive pricing by ultra-large carriers have dimmed prospects for the pre-Lunar New Year mini peak season.

On January 15, 2026, Maersk announced that its independently operated MECL service has structurally returned to the Suez Canal route, with clear first sailing schedules for both westbound and eastbound directions.

Documentary declaration is a key international trade process involving preparing and submitting legal documents for customs clearance. This guide covers its definition, process, required documents, and precautions to ensure smooth cargo import and export.

MSC upgrades Dragon and Jade services, adding direct calls to Trieste (cuts 5 days) and Fos - sur - Mer (cuts 7 days). First vessels MSC Thais (FD608W) and MSC Mette (GJ607W) start new rotations soon, boosting Asia - Mediterranean shipping efficiency.