2025 opens with the prospect of industrial action at US east and Gulf coast ports, plus the Trump factor and fresh alliance schedules bringing a new wave of uncertainty to the sector

Container freight futures rebounded on strike jitters after Trump clashed with carriers over automation, though concerns remain on a Red Sea resolution

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More very large gas carriers and panamax bulkers are using the Panama Canal, a headwind for spot rates in those segments. The number of neopanamax containership transits has declined, reflecting seasonally lower US import demand, while LNG carriers continue to shun the canal, as ample vessel supply and low rates favour the Cape of Good Hope

With most top tier shipyards having a four year or more backlog of work, further capacity is being introduced to meet demand for new ships to replace the ageing fleet. However, the sector is suffering a labour shortage due to a lack of young people joining the industry. Furthermore, an increase in shipbuilding contract disputes could arise from more newbuildings being ordered from inexperienced, resurrected shipyards

The younger the better for bulkers, tankers and passengerships. But correlation does not hold for car carriers, ro-ros and boxships

ACL chief executive believes the port automation dispute between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance will be resolved amicably without significant bloodshed

Nervous container freight futures investors have sensed ominous signs drawing closer. Security experts agree that Syria is another big blow to Tehran and its proxies, but caution against simplistically linking it to a Gaza truce deal or the Red Sea crisis