Geopolitics

Oil prices are increasing due to persistent tanker attacks and geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf.

European diesel refining margins hit record highs in early September due to US East Coast supply shortages and geopolitical influences.

UK natural gas prices hit a three-and-a-half-year peak as US-Iran tensions escalate, threatening Persian Gulf energy supplies

Iran plans to introduce a new restricted maritime zone and a revised shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.

Rosneft has begun Vostok Oil crude exports via the Bukhta Sever terminal, creating a new Arctic shipping corridor.

COSCO has denied US allegations that its vessels were used to collect intelligence for Beijing, calling the claims unfounded.

Maritime news highlights Asian port congestion, Strait of Hormuz tensions, and Samsung's damage claim against CMA CGM

China is escalating its military presence around Taiwan with expanded patrols, moving beyond the Taiwan Strait.

Uzbekistan plans to expand its role in China-Europe transit cargo, aiming for significant economic growth and investment

Iran's influence over global oil markets through the Strait of Hormuz is weakening as the US facilitates Gulf crude flow

Over 3,100 dark activity events and 171,286 vessels affected by GPS jamming in Q2 2026 underscore maritime security challenges

German manufacturers face increasing competition from China, which now offers complex goods at similar quality and lower prices

China's CO2 emissions fell in Q2, with reduced oil consumption, not coal, being the primary driver for the first time.

Norway will provide necessary assistance to Russians in the Arctic Svalbard islands after a ship transporting passengers and supplies was…

China's LNG import patterns are shifting due to geopolitical influences, impacting global seaborne trade and vessel demand.

UK and EU gasoline is reportedly reaching Russia through a Moroccan blending hub, driven by Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries

China's eastern ports face severe congestion with vessel waiting times up to 10 days due to typhoons and geopolitical tensions

The US has reportedly reached an agreement to control 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil, impacting global energy markets

Maritime security, resilient supply chains, and energy efficiency were central themes at the SMM 2026 exhibition.

Black Sea disruptions and higher fuel prices are influencing CIS economies, with varied impacts on regional trade and rates

Britain's alignment with EU rules is reportedly hindering its pursuit of an expanded trade deal with the US.

Vessel sale and purchase activity remained strong in September, driven by high freight rates in dry and wet markets.

COSCO has refuted claims that its vessels are used for intelligence gathering by the Chinese government, calling them unfounded.

China and Russia are developing five ice-class container ships to facilitate year-round Northern Sea Route commercial shipping

Oil prices have risen above US$95/bbl due to increased US-Iran hostilities and Iranian missile launches in the Gulf.

Global shipping risk has risen to 8.3 due to concurrent crises in Hormuz, the Red Sea, and Black Sea, straining alternative routes

METRANS CEO Peter Kiss predicts sustained pressure on European rail freight due to geopolitical changes and reduced industrial output

The air cargo industry faced significant instability in 2025 due to geopolitical conflicts, new tariffs, and supply chain disruptions

South Korea is reviewing military options to support navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, denying reports of a deployment decision

Argentina's President Javier Milei will tighten sanctions on companies involved in Falkland Islands oil projects.