A coalition of 18 leading maritime nations warns geopolitical fragmentation, sanctions disputes and competing interpretations of maritime law are putting increasing strain on the rules-based order underpinning global trade

Global container traffic rose 5.1% in the first seven months of 2026 despite the Middle East Gulf disruption cutting off a significant portion of MEG trade flows trade flows, while congestion, Panama Canal constraints and disciplined capacity deployment continue to support freight rates

Security has overtaken decarbonisation as shipping’s foremost concern at SMM Hamburg, but industry leaders warn that regulatory uncertainty surrounding the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework is already undermining investment in the energy transition

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VLCC owners have already earned generational wealth. Their ‘champagne problem’ is to max out gains amid uncertainty: weighing spot exposure versus taking some chips off the table via vessel sales or locking in long-term charters 

Lloyd’s List senior reporter Greg Miller speaks to key tanker player International Seaways to find out how it assesses risk when choosing which markets to enter

The world’s largest container ports were expected to show slower development in 2025 as tariffs, trade tensions and weaker economic growth threatened to derail demand. Instead, the rankings reveal an industry that continues to adapt and expand, with Asia cementing its dominance, emerging transhipment hubs gaining market share and global supply chains becoming more fragmented, regionalised and resilient

Meetings earlier this year proved inconclusive, say market sources

V.Group chief executive René Kofod-Olsen says seafarers remain willing to sail through the Strait of Hormuz despite mounting attacks, but rising risk premiums, crew shortages and growing operational complexity are emerging as critical challenges for shipowners