IMO MEPC 84 maritime fuel regulations are shaping the future of alternative fuels in shipping, as new data reveals significant shifts in global fuel consumption patterns. The IMO MEPC 84 meeting opened this week and whilst the Straits of Hormuz are monopolising our attention, this session is extremely important for the future of alternative fuels. In […]
Container shipping reliability improved in March 2026, with global schedule performance reaching its joint-highest level of the year, signalling a gradual stabilisation across major trade lanes despite ongoing delays. According to Sea-Intelligence’s latest Global Liner Performance report, schedule reliability rose by 3.9 percentage points month-on-month to 62.2%, marking a notable recovery and a 5.2 percentage […]
Global bunker prices resumed a clear upward trend this week, supported by persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply-side concerns and elevated risk premiums across the bunker market. The 380 HSFO index increased by USD 26.54, rising from USD 737.03/MT to USD 763.57/MT. VLSFO posted a stronger gain, climbing by USD 54.12 from USD […]
Container shipping speeds declined sharply in early 2026 as bunker prices surged, according to industry analysts Alphaliner. Between Q4 2025 and Q2 2026 (to 14 April), the average speed of the container vessel fleet dropped by 2.3%, from 15.58 to 15.22 knots, with the move concentrated entirely after 28 February. On 14 April, Alphaliner recorded […]
Container shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is facing a sharp escalation in security risks, according to industry analysts Alphaliner. All three non-Iranian container ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz yesterday reportedly came under attack, with two confirmed seized. EPAMINONDAS (7,200 TEU, Technomar-owned, on MSCCargo charter) was hit by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades […]
Panama Canal traffic is increasing in 2026, with higher transits and tonnage reflecting resilient global shipping flows as the waterway continues to operate without congestion despite rising demand. The Panama Canal recorded stronger activity in the first half of Fiscal Year 2026 (October 2025 to March 2026), with 6,288 transits, up 224 year-on-year. Total volumes […]
Reefer capacity among top container carriers has expanded significantly, according to industry analysts Alphaliner. The top-10 carriers have jointly increased their reefer capacity by 7.9% since April 2025. MSC showed the largest year-on-year growth, adding almost 100,000 reefer plugs (+15.3%). The reefer increase slightly exceeds its overall 13.1% fleet growth. ONE is another carrier having […]
Global bunker prices declined this week as HSFO, VLSFO and MGO fell amid easing geopolitical tensions and stabilising energy markets. Global bunker prices moved lower this week as the market continued a downward correction, supported by easing geopolitical tensions following the Middle East ceasefire. Across fuel segments, prices declined steadily. HSFO dropped to USD 727.46/MT, […]
Global bunker prices moved lower this week as the bunker market entered a phase of temporary stabilisation following the April 8 ceasefire announcement in the Middle East. The correction was moderate overall, but all three main fuel segments ended the week lower. 380 HSFO fell by USD 14.86 to USD 756.72/MT, while VLSFO dropped by […]