Singaporean operator PSA’s mainstay at the top of the box port league is extended by another year, in a 12-month period where volume growth was fairly subdued and the end of the post-pandemic boom hit home

Decarbonisation and sanctions remain the two most important subjects for shipping regulations in 2023 on the back of looming environmental controls and sanctions that start to bite

Marine insurers stay busy year in, year out, providing the 118,000 vessels in the world fleet with all classes of cover, principally P&I and H&M. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the fighting between Hamas and Israel is providing ample work for war risk insurers too

The ubiquity of English law and London arbitration makes the UK a natural centre for barristers and solicitors specialising in shipping, although the US and Asia also play leading roles

The majority of the elite group of shipmanagers have continued to advance fleet profiles over the past 12 months, as shipowners increasingly look to the sector’s services and value proposition to run vessels on their behalf; meanwhile, the merger of OSM Maritime and Thome helps relative new player Seacon make its rankings debut

Shipbroking majors have been faced with considerable challenges brought about by the Ukraine war, having to avoid transactions that could ultimately be connected to sanctioned trades. At the same time, shipping markets and vessel asset prices have proved volatile, as both vessel supply and the shipping markets have become increasingly affected by geopolitics

The world’s leading classification societies are fundamental to the decarbonisation and digitalisation of shipping. The year 2023 has seen a flow of communications from class regarding approvals in principles for new carbon-reduction technology and concept designs for alternative fuel vessels — even including the once-derided nuclear power. Meanwhile, LR’s Nick Brown steps down from two-and-half years as chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies, to be replaced by Rina’s Roberto Cazzulo in January 2024

MAN Energy Solutions’ Dr Uwe Lauber is named this year’s top technology talent, as the engine manufacturer rises to the challenge of decarbonising the fleet, and then some

Cexim is sending a clear message to grow shipping loans beyond China, despite challenges stemming from market forces, domestic economic conditions and geopolitical dynamics

Liberia dethrones Panama after 20 years to take the crown as the world's largest flag state, a development driven by an aggressive 10-year plan by the Alfonso Castillero-led flag registry to reach the top