Ocean Freight — September 20, 2026

VLCC tanker rates have surged to record highs on major routes, with daily earnings exceeding previous benchmarks.

Capesize dry bulk rates softened in the Pacific due to surplus tonnage and limited cargo demand, then stabilized.

Container shipping rates from East Asia and China to the US rose this week due to extended peak season demand and capacity controls.

Iran's new Strait of Hormuz toll system has seen 77 vessels blacklisted for non-compliance, all using the southern corridor

Rhine River water levels are approaching zero, threatening a complete shutdown of barge transport and impacting European supply chains.

Iran has specified its conditions for restarting US talks as Houthi attacks intensify against Saudi Arabian targets

Drewry's Intra-Asia Container Index rose 6% to $1,402 per 40ft container, hitting a new record for the fourth week.

Turkey is working to restore safe Black Sea shipping lanes as attacks disrupt grain exports and raise prices

Maersk's September 2026 Asia Pacific update details Q4 preparations, Golden Week, and AI's growing role in air cargo.

Australia projects a 34% decline in iron ore export earnings by 2030-31, with minimal volume reduction

Oil prices fell for the third day as Saudi Arabia worked to restore exports, with focus on easing tight crude supplies.

Four Chinese research vessels conducted simultaneous surveys over five Pacific subsea cable systems, indicating systematic mapping…

Leading maritime associations advocate for EU Member States to back the European Commission's ship recycling proposal

The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) offered support to Filipino seafarers rescued from the M.V. KMAX EMPEROR near Kandla

Saudi Arabian ports saw a 52.9% rise in container traffic during 2025, processing almost 3.89 million containers

US and Chinese officials will hold talks on AI, tariffs, and critical minerals in New York before a presidential summit.

The Singapore Maritime Foundation and industry partners awarded S$1.5 million in MaritimeONE scholarships to 61 students

SSA Marine México's Guaymas terminal received new Super Post-Panamax and ERTG cranes, signaling its imminent operational start

A new bio-methanol production plant is planned for Port of Manatee, Florida, to supply the shipping industry with cleaner fuel

Russia and Ukraine exchanged major drone attacks, causing civilian casualties and hitting a Moscow oil refinery.

China maintained its benchmark lending rates for the 16th consecutive month, reflecting limited room for monetary easing.

A retired Italian aircraft carrier has reached Indonesia, where it will be transformed into a floating hospital.

A surge in copper imports is causing significant vessel congestion and logistical issues at the Port of New Orleans.

France's major container ports, Le Havre and Marseille-Fos, saw robust growth in rail traffic during H1 2026.

Proposed US tariffs could significantly impact Great Lakes shipping, particularly for vessels transporting iron ore and other bulk goods