Containers
Stay informed with the latest news, analysis, and market insight from the container shipping industry through our expert coverage
May box volumes hit all-time highs
Global container traffic hit a record 16.3m teu in May 2025, up 4.9% from April, driven by strong demand in Europe and from the emerging markets. US tariff policies continue to dent North American volumes, with Chinese imports notably down despite a healthy increase in traffic from Southeast Asian countries that has helped mitigate the impact
Containers: uncertainty reigns as tariff turmoil and overcapacity looms
Container shipping in 2025 remains volatile, with Trump’s trade policies fuelling uncertainty. While the global trade war dominates headlines, a more pressing and all too familiar issue looms: overcapacity
USTR urged to kill proposed rules on vehicle carriers and LNG shipping
America’s port fee plan is rife with unintended consequences. Proposals targeting vehicle transport and LNG shipping are prime examples of how port fees could backfire, hurting US interests and doing nothing to penalise Chinese shipbuilding
The week in charts: Timor-Leste joins list of fake registries taking in sanctioned tonnage | Ras Isa vessel queue dissipates | Container fires remain significant hazard
Timor-Leste confirmed as the latest in a recent rash of new fraudulent registries being used by sanctioned vessels; The long queue of vessels waiting to discharge oil and LPG in Houthi-held Ras Isa has reduced dramatically in recent weeks amid security and sanctions risks; Lloyd’s List Intelligence casualty data shows 126 container fire incidents on board boxships since 2005
Red Sea traffic dips after volatile June
The lowest weekly number of transits through the Bab el Mandeb since the start of the crisis was recorded last month after Israel’s attack on Iran
Container fires remain one of the most significant hazards for boxships as incidents mount
While more cargo is carried on containerships now than ever before, incidence of fire has not decreased in the same way other casualty causes have
Turnaround now clear at London P&I Club
New chief executive James Bean on why he ‘can’t complain’ after team puts in strong underwriting performance
MSC ship sails through Bab el Mandeb for first time since Red Sea exodus
MSC Antonia, which ran aground off Jeddah in May, has become the first MSC-operated vessel in 18 months to transit the Bab el Mandeb. The voyage may not signal MSC’s return to regular Red Sea routing, but is a further notable test case amid maritime security concerns
The half-year outlook 2025: Containers
Lloyd’s List reviews the first half of the year for the container sector and identifies the key things you should be looking out for in the next six months
The week in charts: Nakhodka Bay new STS hub for sanctions-skirting tankers | Surge in ‘dark’ calls to China’s Dongying | Red Sea rerouting cues Saudi trade recalibration
Sanctioned tankers conduct ship-to-ship transfers so ‘clean’ vessels can deliver from Russia’s Far East ports; Surge in stealthy tanker visits highlights Dongying’s growing sanctioned oil trade role; Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah and Jeddah ports saw volumes decimated last year
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Latest From Ports and Logistics
Vehicle carrier markets still buoyant but clouds on the horizon
Strong newbuilding ordering activity of recent years is now over, says Veson Nautical associate director, valuation & analytics, Dan Nash
May box volumes hit all-time highs
Global container traffic hit a record 16.3m teu in May 2025, up 4.9% from April, driven by strong demand in Europe and from the emerging markets. US tariff policies continue to dent North American volumes, with Chinese imports notably down despite a healthy increase in traffic from Southeast Asian countries that has helped mitigate the impact
Ras Isa vessel queue dissipates amid sanctions and security threats
The long queue of oil and gas tankers awaiting off the Houthi-controlled fuel port of Ras Isa has dissipated in recent weeks amid the mounting security and sanctions threat
More from Containers
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Latest From Containers
The role of AI in maritime: can it help us be more human?
Eric Christofferson is Chief Product Officer at Veson Nautical, which is a provider of maritime data and freight management solutions to support global commerce. His experience with AI outside maritime reveals interesting insights in how to approach AI and get the most from it.
Secondhand boxship market suffering from limited supply of sales candidates
Despite geopolitical uncertainties, buying interest remains strong across all vessel size segments
Eleven sea robberies in Singapore Strait in one week raises concerns over record-high year
While most cases remain low in severity, enhanced patrols and vigilance are urged to prevent further escalation
WTW launches $200m cargo facility
New facility is designed to safeguard cargo owners from geopolitical risks such as terrorism, war and political violence
Taiwanese shipbuilders caught in Beijing's cross-straits export controls
CSBC says the impact is minor, but Chinese shipbuilding experts suggest the ban could potentially raise building costs for Taiwanese yards
USTR urged to kill proposed rules on vehicle carriers and LNG shipping
America’s port fee plan is rife with unintended consequences. Proposals targeting vehicle transport and LNG shipping are prime examples of how port fees could backfire, hurting US interests and doing nothing to penalise Chinese shipbuilding
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