Global bunker prices recorded mixed movements this week as volatility continued across the bunker fuel market amid ongoing Middle East tensions. HSFO and VLSFO prices moved sharply higher, while MGO LS softened slightly, keeping market sentiment uneven. The 380 HSFO index rose by USD 38.13 to USD 803.17/MT, moving above the USD 800 mark. VLSFO […]
Chinese container ships built for domestic and coastal trades are increasingly attracting attention in the global charter market, according to industry analysts Alphaliner. Over the past decade, the Chinese coastal and domestic trades have absorbed numerous container ship newbuildings designed specifically for this growing sector of the liner market. Most of these vessels share features […]
The Gulf conflict continues to tighten container tonnage supply, according to industry analysts Alphaliner. Nine weeks after the start of military action in the Middle East Gulf, commercial idling of container tonnage remains low. The idle vessel fleet briefly touched the 1% capacity mark for the first time in more than two years, but has […]
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 […]