More than 100 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend as a US-Iran cease?‘fire lifted energy flows, reported the New York Times.

Maritime data firm Kpler said 108 ships transited the strait, down from 129 in the prior three days but well above wartime lows. Traffic began recovering after Washington and Tehran agreed to a preliminary truce.



Brent crude held steady at about US$72 a barrel, near prewar levels, after spiking to $118 at the conflict's onset. US gasoline averaged $3.80 a gallon, up 27.5 per cent since fighting began.



Control of the strait remains disputed. Iran insists ships hug its coast, while US officials demand prewar free?‘passage conditions. Under last month's deal with President Trump, Iran pledged to waive fees for 60 days and coordinate with Oman on future administration.



The International Maritime Organization said 300-400 vessels with 6,000 crew remain stranded in the gulf. About 11 ships per day exited between June 27 and July 5.

Shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will resume sailings through the Suez Canal under their Gemini alliance after security assessments in the Red Sea, reported Reuters.

The Asia-Europe corridor via the Suez Canal was abandoned by most carriers after Houthi attacks in late 2023, forcing diversions around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The companies said the joint decision marks a step towards a gradual return to the trans-Suez route.



Hapag-Lloyd said changes to the AE15 service, linking Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe, will cut transit times by four weeks. Clarksons Research data show the Suez Canal accounted for 10 per cent of global seaborne trade before the attacks.



Maersk said any changes to Gemini services will depend on stability in the Red Sea and absence of conflict escalation. The company added it would continue monitoring conditions in the Middle East.



Shares in Maersk fell 5.8 per cent and Hapag-Lloyd dropped 2.7 per cent after the announcement, reflecting concerns over freight rate pressure. Jyske Bank analyst Haider Anjum said the move could pave the way for a full Red Sea return by year-end, adding new ship deliveries in 2027 and 2028 may further weigh on rates.



The carriers resumed their joint ME11 service through the Suez Canal in February under naval escort, but suspended transits later that month after the outbreak of the Iran war, Maersk said.

Freyon Shipping has launched a new branch in Malaysia, marking another step in its global expansion, the company announced.

The move strengthens the firm's presence in Southeast Asia and aims to deliver enhanced logistics and supply chain services with improved regional connectivity and customer support, reported the company.



The opening was marked by a traditional ceremony attended by senior leadership and staff, symbolising a commitment to collaboration and long-term growth.



As part of the Bhavani Group, Freyon Shipping said it will continue to focus on reliable, customer-driven logistics backed by innovation and operational excellence.



The company expressed gratitude to employees, partners and clients, noting the Malaysia office reflects its vision of expanding its global footprint while maintaining high service standards.

Chinese automakers are adopting unconventional methods to move vehicles abroad amid a shortage of specialised Roll?‘on/Roll?‘off carriers, reported Beijing's CarNewsChina.

Stellantis?‘backed Leapmotor has used COSCO Shipping's "Flat Rack" system to secure cars on metal frames loaded onto conventional cargo ships. The company has already sent more than 1,800 vehicles to Brazil using this method, before tapping Stellantis's logistics network for final delivery.



Container shipping has also gained traction as a flexible and cost?‘effective option. Industry standards now regulate safety, with a 40?‘foot container typically holding two to four vehicles.



COSCO Shipping has converted its 62,000?‘dwt pulp carriers into multipurpose vessels using foldable frames. These ships can carry over 1,000 cars per voyage, stacking vehicles up to eight layers high. The company has also developed the V?‘Rack, a wider frame for commercial vehicles.



Despite these innovations, roll?‘on/roll?‘off ships remain dominant in global vehicle transport. BYD, the world's largest maker of new energy vehicles, has commissioned its own fleet of car carriers, several of which have already entered service.

Chery Automobile has begun overhauling a manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, South Africa that it acquired from Nissan Motor earlier this year, with production targeted by mid-2027, reports Caixin.

The facility is expected to have an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles once operational. The move comes as South Africa considers raising tariffs on China-made vehicles from 25 per cent to 50 per cent to protect its domestic auto industry.



Chery's localisation strategy, including the Rosslyn plant, is seen as a way to avoid the impact of higher tariffs and other trade barriers. The company's commitments are expected to strengthen its position in the market.



The factory upgrade highlights how Chery is stepping up localisation efforts in South Africa to sidestep rising trade barriers. The strategy has become increasingly vital for the Chinese carmaker as it relies heavily on exports to offset a severe sales slump in its home market.

Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL) has been named Best Shipping Line - Intra Asia at the 2026 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards in Shanghai, OOCL has announced.

The recognition marks the third time OOCL has received the award, which highlights customer-oriented services, comprehensive networks, competitive freight rates and effective IT systems.



The AFLAS Awards, hosted by Asia Cargo News, honour leading providers in shipping and logistics for service quality, innovation, customer-relationship management and reliability. Winners are selected through industry nominations, technical evaluation and votes from more than 15,000 readers and subscribers.



David Tan, managing director of OOCL (China) Co Ltd, accepted the award on behalf of the company. OOCL expressed appreciation to customers, partners and stakeholders for their continued trust and support.



The carrier said it remains committed to supporting global trade with reliable, high-quality services. Headquartered in Hong Kong, OOCL operates about 130 offices in more than 100 major cities worldwide and is recognised as an industry leader in applying new technologies to enhance supply chains.

Japanese shiping giant NYK has signed a strategic framework agreement with Microsoft Japan Co. Ltd. to advance digital transformation (DX) in shipping and global logistics, reported NYK press release.

The deal aligns with NYK's medium-term management plan, "Sail Green, Drive Transformations 2026," which positions DX as a core strategy for business transformation. In its "DX Story" released in November 2025, NYK defined DX as a driver of new value creation beyond management strategy.



The group will focus on developing foundations for DX propulsion, including cloud infrastructure, data platforms, generative AI and cybersecurity. It will also promote DX human resource development through organisational initiatives and training programmes for effective use of generative AI.



NYK said it will use AI agents and enhanced data to transform existing business processes, while also creating new business models that leverage its expertise in shipping and logistics.



The company aims to generate new social value centred on shipping and logistics, pursue further development of maritime and global logistics industries, and foster next-generation DX talent and organisations.

Shanghai Minsheng Shipping has added two more 1,100 TEU feeder containerships at New Dayang Shipbuilding, reported Singapore's Splash 247.

Brokers said the company declared options for two gearless newbuildings at the Sumec Marine-controlled yard, with deliveries scheduled in 2028 and 2029. The deal follows Minsheng's first pair of 1,100 TEU feeders at the same yard, booked for delivery in September and December 2027.



No price has been disclosed for the latest ships, though brokers put the earlier pair at about US$22.5 million to $24 million each. The move, backed by BOC Financial Leasing, gives Minsheng a four-ship series at New Dayang as it builds up small feeder capacity.



Established in 1985 as the Shanghai branch of Minsheng Shipping, the company focuses on domestic and nearsea liner services, including container shipping in the Yangtze River basin.



The fresh order comes amid a wider run of feeder contracts in China, with domestic and regional owners renewing smaller ships for coastal, river-sea and shortsea trades.



The deal also adds to New Dayang's push beyond bulkers. The yard, best known for its Crown 63 ultramax bulker series, has been building up a small and mid-sized containership book in recent years, including work for X-Press Feeders. It has also moved into product tankers and multipurpose tonnage.

DP World has expanded its Indian coastal fleet with the addition of DP World Indus, a container vessel with capacity for more than 2,500 TEU, reported London's Port Technology International.

The vessel made its maiden call at Jeddah South Container Terminal, operated by DP World, in a move the company said reflects its strategy to integrate ports and marine services more closely. DP World Indus will operate along India's coastline, moving cargo between ports and easing pressure on road transport.



Shipping Solutions, DP World's Marine Services arm, now runs a coastal network spanning 14 ports with a fleet of 10 vessels. The fleet handled more than 473,000 TEU in 2025. Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer, Marine Services, said India's coastal shipping sector offers significant opportunities to improve supply chain efficiency and support sustainable growth.



Mr Raj said the acquisition of India-flagged DP World Indus reflects the company's commitment to strengthening domestic maritime connectivity. He cited DP World's 2025 report, "Enhancing India's Ship Registry: Pathways to Global Competitiveness," which outlined reforms and incentives to align India's registry with the Government's Maritime Vision 2030.



The addition supports connectivity between India's manufacturing, industrial and consumption hubs, positioning coastal shipping as a dependable alternative to long-haul road transport. Last year, Shipping Solutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited to develop coastal and shortsea services nationwide.



For terminal operators, the deployment underlines a wider push by major port groups to integrate vessel operations into infrastructure networks, as India seeks to divert cargo from congested road corridors to sea-based alternatives.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), together with the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, supported more than 265,000 jobs and generated nearly US$55 billion in business output, reported London's Container Management.

A new study found the NWSA alone handled nearly three million TEU of containerised cargo last year, with operations including vehicle imports and breakbulk cargo supporting about 52,100 jobs, of which 18,000 were direct. The activity generated US$4.4 billion in wages and benefits and nearly US$14 billion in business output across Washington State.



Trade moving through NWSA's South Harbour and the Port of Tacoma accounted for more than 41,000 jobs and nearly US$10.8 billion in output. John McCarthy, Co-Chair of the NWSA and President of the Port of Tacoma Commission, said gateway trade acts as a catalyst for supply chain employment and living-wage jobs statewide.



The Port of Seattle contributed the largest share, with almost US$39 billion in business output and more than 205,000 jobs. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport accounted for nearly 175,000 of those positions and US$33.3 billion in output, making aviation the gateway's single biggest economic driver.

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has been named Regional Air Cargo Handling Agent of the Year at the World Air Cargo Awards 2026, the company announced. It is the second consecutive year the firm has received the honour.

The awards ceremony took place during Air Cargo China 2026 in Shanghai. Nominees submitted entries judged on operational efficiency, technological integration, safety and security, customer satisfaction, and infrastructure and facilities. An independent jury reviewed submissions, with industry voting also influencing the outcome.



The accolade recognises Hactl's operational performance, innovation and commitment to service in the air cargo sector. Chief Executive Frosti Lau accepted the award before an international audience of industry executives.



Mr Lau said the recognition highlighted Hactl's leadership in raising global standards for air cargo handling. He noted the company's five decades of service excellence at Hong Kong's cargo hub and thanked customers and industry professionals for their support. He added that the award reinforced Hactl's commitment to setting new benchmarks for the sector.

Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) retained its position as the world's largest air freight forwarder in 2025 despite market volatility and DSV's takeover of DB Schenker, reports London's Air Cargo News.

Consultant Armstrong & Associates said the top 25 forwarders registered a slight 0.1 per cent increase in demand last year as tariff changes, consolidation and the end of the US de minimis exemption reshaped supply chains.



Switzerland-headquartered K+N grew volumes 7 per cent to 2,030,280 tonnes, narrowly ahead of DSV's 2,013,127 tonnes. DSV, which completed its Schenker acquisition in May, edged K+N in the third quarter, pointing to a likely leadership change in 2026.



K+N said demand was volatile due to tariffs, with supply chains shifting towards Southeast Asia. The forwarder reported strong demand from AI infrastructure developers in late 2025 and benefited from acquiring Eastway Global Forwarding. Air turnover rose 3 per cent to Sfr8 billion despite yield pressure from falling rates.



DSV volumes surged 44 per cent year on year, lifting air revenue 37 per cent to Dkr75.5 billion and gross profit 39 per cent to Dkr16.6 billion. The company said Schenker's contribution offset lower freight rates, while technology demand supported growth in the fourth quarter.



DHL Global Forwarding saw volumes fall 1 per cent to 1.8 million tonnes, with revenues down 4.6 per cent to EUR6 billion. The company cited geopolitical conflicts and tariff uncertainty, though data centre demand partly offset weaker e-commerce.



Taiwan-based Dimerco and Morrison Express posted double-digit growth, boosted by chip demand, while Chinese forwarders struggled under US tariffs and weaker e-commerce. Sinotrans volumes fell 11.3 per cent to 912,000 tonnes.



Expeditors grew 6 per cent, Crane 1.7 per cent, while CH Robinson volumes dropped 10.2 per cent. Expeditors said tonnage rose out of South and North Asia as shippers front-loaded cargo ahead of tariffs.



Looking ahead, forwarders face mixed prospects. AI and semiconductor demand lifted air cargo growth more than 4 per cent in the first half of 2026, but rising fuel costs from Middle East conflict are expected to slow consumer spending. IATA cut its cargo growth forecast for the year from 2.4 per cent to 0.2 per cent.

China launched 92 new international air cargo routes in the first six months of 2026, adding more than 210 round-trip flights per week, reported Xinhua.

The new routes included 41 to Asia, 38 to Europe, 11 to North America, one to South America and one to Africa. Cargo transported mainly comprised cross-border e-commerce goods, high-end manufacturing products, electronic items, auto parts and other high-value-added goods.



The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said the construction of the country's international air cargo network has continued to accelerate this year.



Air cargo enterprises have deepened operations on core Eurasian corridors while steadily expanding services on transoceanic and long-haul routes.

Hong Kong Customs has detected a drug trafficking case involving air cargo at Hong Kong International Airport, seizing about 30 kilograms of suspected heroin valued at $17 million, reported Hong Kong Government Information Service.

Officers examined a consignment arriving from Vietnam declared as dried food on July 5. Suspicious X-ray images led to the discovery of heroin concealed in a foam box.



Following investigations, Customs conducted a controlled delivery operation the same day and arrested two consignees in Sham Shui Po. The suspects were a 41-year-old man and a 38-year-old local man, who claimed to be unemployed and a restaurant manager respectively.



Customs said the investigation is ongoing and pledged to step up enforcement against trafficking through intelligence analysis. The department reminded the public not to participate in drug smuggling for monetary gain or accept assignments to carry controlled items.



Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking carries a maximum penalty of a $5 million fine and life imprisonment. Suspected trafficking can be reported via the 24-hour hotline 182 8080, email crimereport@customs.gov.hk or online form eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.