Marine News

1. Happy holidays and a joyful new year to our readers

   In the time leading up to New Year’s Eve, we publish less often than usual.

2. Søren Toft becomes chairman of WSC

   In addition, the industry association has elected Wan Hai Lines’ vice chairman, Randy Chen, in a similar position as vice chair.

3. New US bill targets China: Will make container imports more expensive

   Imports to the US shipped on Chinese-owned or flagged ships must be subject to tariffs. The proposal helps the US merchant fleet, but increases costs, says analyst.

4. Opinion: Risk assessment is crucial for earnings and resilience in 2025

   Occasionally a ”black swan” appears, but many threats to operations and earnings are well known or predictable. Therefore, planning and room for fluctuation are essential for container shipping.

5. Maersk urges customers to prepare for strike in the US

   With less than a month to go before a possible strike at US ports, the Danish company advises customers to remove their containers from the terminals.

6. Oil drops on stronger dollar and stagnant Chinese demand

   The world’s largest crude oil importer, China, continues to show no signs of recovery in its demand for oil.

7. Chinese bulk major Fujian Guohang Ocean orders 20 new vessels

   One of China’s largest dry bulk shipping companies has invested USD 600m in vessels able to sail on or prepared for methanol.

8. Container freight rates surge due to high profit margins on US routes

   Freight rates have increased in the past week after a long period of stability. 

9. Shareholders blame V.Group top execs for severe mismanagement

   Disappointed minority shareholders say they have ”witnessed a seemingly infinite series of poor choices” by the executives of one of the world’s biggest ship managers.

10. Interview with Houthis: We are ready to make deals with shipping companies in the Red Sea

    A spokesperson for the Houthis denies that the movement receives cash payments from shipping companies in exchange for not attacking their ships.

11. MSC doubles container fee due to network "disruptions"

    The carrier more than doubles a container surcharge due to ”disruptions” caused by MSC itself after changes in its route network.

12. Bernard Schulte Shipmanagement appoints new CEO

    Sebastian von Hardenberg moves up the ranks from his position as chief financial officer at the German shipping company.

13. Reinsurance costs for container ships face biggest hike due to Dali disaster

    The International Group of P&I clubs outlines the rise in reinsurance costs for all ship types for the 2025/26 policy year.

14. Wärtsilä to deliver engine system for world's largest methanol-ready cement carrier

    The ship, which is being built at Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding Co Ltd, is scheduled for completion in late 2026. 

15. Oil prices fall after Fed announces slowdown on rate easing

    The US Federal Reserve has signaled that it will slow the pace of interest rate cuts in 2025, which could slow economic growth and reduce oil demand.