International Maritime & Trade Finance Policy Council

Maritime Cargo Chronicles – January 10, 2026 The VLCC spot market for the key Middle East Gulf (including Oman) to China route (TD3C benchmark) remains volatile but firm into early 2026, supported by sustained long-haul demand, Chinese winter stockpiling, and constrained compliant tanker supply. Current Rates (as of early January 2026) : Spot TCE (Time Charter Equivalent) on AG-China: $80,000–$90,000 per day (down from December peaks of $100,000+ but still historically stro

Maritime Cargo Chronicles – January 10, 2026 The U.S. blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers has escalated significantly. On January 7, 2026, U.S. forces seized the MT Marinera , the fifth shadow fleet tanker intercepted since the total blockade began in December 2025. The vessel was carrying approximately 1.2 million barrels of Merey 16 crude. Key Developments: Over 50 tankers remain stalled in Venezuelan waters or Caribbean anchorages, unable to load or depart due to fear of s

**Maritime Breaking News – January 10, 2026** 1. **Suez Canal**: Transits remain ~60% below pre-crisis levels despite 100+ days without Houthi attacks. Carriers cautiously test the route (Maersk, CMA CGM), but full return delayed by insurance costs. 2. **Venezuela Blockade**: U.S. seizes fifth shadow fleet tanker (Marinera). 50+ vessels stalled, ~16M barrels stuck. Venezuela vows UN action. 3. **China Ports**: Shanghai/Ningbo-Zhoushan set 2025 records despite U.S. tariffs. 4.

Golden Ocean Group and Flex LNG Chairman John X. Fredriksen discusses navigating sanctions in 2025. “Owners are now willing to spend to save on efficient fleets, with quicker payback in volatile markets,” he shares exclusively with Maritime Cargo Chronicles. Fredriksen highlights how higher fuel costs and regulations push investments in LNG carriers and bulk vessels. “Smart control systems and hybrids are critical for cost reduction and compliance,” he says. For 2026, he sees

Danske Commodities CEO Lars Heindorff addresses marine fuel trends. “Owners are willing to spend to save, with quicker payback on alternative fuels and upgrades,” he tells Maritime Cargo Chronicles exclusively. Heindorff highlights rising low-sulfur fuel prices and the shift to methanol and ammonia. “Tougher regulations drive investments in green bunkering,” he says. For 2026, he sees AI analytics optimizing fuel consumption. “Balancing costs with sustainability is key,” he a

Wallenius Wilhelmsen CEO Rolf Thore Roppestad emphasizes safety in shipping. “Owners are willing to spend to save, with quicker payback on safety tech and upgrades,” he shares exclusively with Maritime Cargo Chronicles. Roppestad, also Group Chair of International Group of P&I Clubs, discusses how regulations and costs push investments in vessel efficiency. “Smart controls and hybrids are vital for reducing risks and emissions,” he says. For 2026, he sees AI and remote monito

Reederei F. Laeisz CEO Nikolaus H. Schües stresses collaboration in shipping's energy transition. “Owners are willing to spend to save because payback is quicker in today's market,” he tells Maritime Cargo Chronicles exclusively. Schües, also past BIMCO president, discusses how regulations and fuel costs drive investments in efficient vessels and green technologies. “Smarter control systems and hybrids are essential for emissions cuts and cost savings,” he says. For 2026, he

BW LPG CEO Klaus Nyborg emphasizes the resilience of the LPG carrier market amid 2025 volatility. “Despite global challenges, we're seeing strong demand and fleet optimization paying off,” he says in an exclusive interview with Maritime Cargo Chronicles. Nyborg highlights how higher fuel costs and regulations are pushing owners to invest in efficient vessels and green technologies. “The payback on upgrades is faster, justifying spend-to-save decisions,” he notes. For 2026, he

**Global Maritime Breaking News – December 25, 2025** Major update: Suez Canal transits have surged 35%+ in the past month, reaching near pre-Houthi attack levels as carriers fully resume the route following the ongoing pause in attacks. Key Highlights: - Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM confirm full Suez routing, cutting transit times by 10-12 days vs. Cape of Good Hope. - VLCC and container rates stabilizing with increased availability. - Global crude markets steady as Red Sea calm

**East Africa Cargo Movements News – December 23, 2025** East Africa's cargo trade is rebounding, with Dar es Salaam Port resuming full operations after November's shutdown due to unrest, which halted all vessel movements. Delays linger for Dubai to East Africa shipments, mainly containers and breakbulk. Mtwara Port maintains steady bulk exports like bauxite to China and cashews to India. A new general cargo route from China's Yantai Port to East Africa launched in October, e

**VLCC Chartering News – December 22, 2025** VLCC spot rates have climbed to WS 70-80 on the Middle East Gulf to China route, up 20% in the past week, fueled by robust Chinese winter crude stockpiling and seasonal demand. Key Factors: - Suez Canal transits returning to normal, increasing vessel availability. - Sanctions on shadow fleets (e.g., Venezuela) continue to reduce effective tonnage supply. - Average TCE earnings now exceed $60,000/day, with some fixtures reaching $70

Maritime Industry Breaking News – December 21, 2025 The U.S. Navy has seized two additional shadow fleet tankers in the Caribbean as part of President Trump's total blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil vessels. Over 50 tankers are now stalled, severely disrupting PDVSA exports. Meanwhile, Red Sea & Suez Canal traffic has returned to near pre-crisis levels after the Houthi pause in attacks, with major liners resuming Suez routes and reducing costs. Key Impacts: - Venezuela:

World Maritime News Roundup – December 21, 2025 Key global shipping stories this week: 1. Red Sea & Suez Canal: Transits return to near pre-crisis levels after Houthi pause. Major carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) resume Suez route, reducing transit times and costs. 2. Venezuela Tanker Blockade: U.S. Navy seizes two more shadow fleet vessels (latest: MT Pacific Glory, 1.2M barrels Merey crude). Over 40 tankers remain anchored, severely disrupting PDVSA exports. 3. China Ports D

China Shipping News – December 20, 2025 China remains the world's largest maritime power, with unprecedented growth in ports and shipbuilding. Key Highlights: - COSCO Shipping: Record 28.9 million TEUs handled in 2025 (+9.2% YoY). - Major ports: Over 300 million TEUs total, Shanghai exceeds 50 million TEUs. - Shipbuilding: China holds 55% of global newbuild orders, focusing on green technology. - Belt and Road: New routes to Africa & Latin America drive export growth. China's

Pakistan Shipping & Cargo News – December 19, 2025 Pakistan's ports are gaining momentum despite global headwinds. Key Highlights: - Karachi & Port Qasim: ~90M tonnes cargo in first 8 months FY25 (+6-7%). - Container volumes: +12% to ~3.2M TEUs. - Gwadar: $1.5B investment announced for new berths & free zone. - New policies for green shipping and private investment. Pakistan is strengthening its role in regional trade. For cargo opportunities or fleet chartering: Contact MAKM

India Cargo & Shipping News – December 19, 2025 India's maritime sector remains robust, with major ports showing steady growth amid global disruptions. Highlights: - Major ports: ~72.2 million tonnes in December 2024 (latest), +3.2% YoY; FY25 total ~855 million tonnes (+4.4%). - Container volumes up 11% to 351 million tonnes in FY25. - JNPA: Record 7.3 million TEUs in FY25 (+13.55%). - Mundra & Adani Ports: New ICDs and expansions boost South India connectivity. - DP World: $