International Maritime & Trade Finance Policy Council

**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

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:

International Maritime News – Middle East Focus (December 18, 2025) Good news for global shipping: The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait are seeing a significant increase in transits after Yemen's Houthis signaled a halt to attacks on commercial vessels. Linked to the ongoing Gaza ceasefire (since October), the group paused strikes in November—marking the quietest period since late 2023. Key Highlights: Bab el-Mandeb transits hit their highest levels since the Red Sea crisis