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The Leading Maritime & Transport News Portal
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Thursday, May 21, 2026
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Denmark ready to join Hormuz military mission
The Danish government has secured parliamentary backing to join a military coalition in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end, reported Denmark's Shipping Telegraph.
Any Danish military contribution would require parliamentary approval before deployment.
Acting Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and acting Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said after a Foreign Policy Committee meeting that Denmark is prepared to contribute to an international operation to secure shipping. The exact nature of the Danish role has not been specified.
Danish Shipping, the trade and employers' organisation, welcomed the move, stressing the need to protect seafarers and civilian shipping. Chief executive Anne Steffensen said the war involving the US, Israel and Iran has shown the severe impact of blocked waterways on global supply and the economy.
Ms Steffensen added that Denmark, as a major maritime nation, has a responsibility to support security at sea. The initiative is led by France and Britain, with several countries, including Denmark, declaring readiness to participate.
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Trump warns Iran clock is ticking as talks stall
President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the "clock is ticking" as peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, reports Chicago's NewsNation.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump said Iran must act quickly or face consequences, stressing that "time is of the essence." The warning followed his rejection of Iran's latest response to a White House peace proposal, which sought to separate nuclear talks from wider negotiations.
Since the war alongside Israel began in February, Mr Trump has pressed Tehran to halt nuclear enrichment. He recently described the ceasefire with Israel as on "life support" after extending it late last month.
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Iran to reopen limited Hormuz shipping route
Iran said it will reopen a restricted shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz for select commercial vessels, reports Chicago's NewsNation.
Officials said the passage, part of "Project Freedom," will exclude US and allied ships. Vessels using the route must pay fees, a move criticised by Western governments as violating freedom of navigation.
China has also opposed the fees. Pakistani mediators continue efforts to revive talks, expressing cautious optimism despite wide gaps between the sides.
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EU-China trade tensions spark fears of conflict
European Union and Chinese officials clashed in Beijing over worsening trade ties, with accusations of protectionism and bullying raising fears of a looming trade war, reports Hong Kong's South China Morning Post.
The acrimonious meeting, hosted by the EU, saw diplomats and experts exchange sharp words over long-standing grievances. European representatives accused Beijing of ignoring economic realities, while Chinese speakers dismissed EU complaints as exaggerated.
The dispute centred on claims that Europe remains open to Chinese goods, despite growing imbalances. Jens Eskelund, president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, likened the relationship to a giant containership sailing to Europe full but returning almost empty.
Chinese academics countered that Brussels was pursuing decoupling policies. Jian Junbo of Fudan University's Centre for China-EU Relations said it was unfortunate the EU was taking such steps, urging both sides to cooperate against protectionism.
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Trump, Xi agree on trade and investment boards
President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping agreed to establish new trade and investment boards and announced major economic commitments during the first US presidential visit to China since 2017, reported a US White House communique.
The two leaders said the United States and China would pursue a constructive relationship based on fairness and reciprocity. They confirmed plans for reciprocal visits, pledged cooperation at the G20 and APEC summits, and agreed Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. They also called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and reaffirmed the goal of denuclearising North Korea.
As the cornerstone of the agreement, the US-China Board of Trade will manage bilateral trade in non-sensitive goods, while the US-China Board of Investment will provide a forum for investment issues.
China committed to address US concerns over rare earth supply chains and restrictions on production equipment. It approved the purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, its first such order since 2017, expected to support high-skilled US manufacturing jobs.
Beijing also pledged to buy at least US$17 billion annually in US farm products from 2026 to 2028, alongside existing soybean commitments. It restored access for US beef by renewing more than 400 facility listings and resumed poultry imports from states cleared of avian influenza.
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Guangzhou starts US$2 billion Nansha port expansion
Work has begun on the US$2 billion fifth development phase of Nansha port, Guangzhou's main international container gateway, aiming to lift capacity to 35 million TEU by around 2030, reported London's S&P Global.
Main construction includes four berths for ships of more than 21,000 TEU and 15 berths for feeder vessels, according to China's Transport Ministry. The extension, with a combined berth length of 2.4 miles, will add 6.7 million TEU of capacity.
Guangzhou Port Group is also building the $1 billion Nansha International General Terminal, which will add 500,000 TEU capacity and berths for breakbulk, project cargo and vehicles.
Chairman Huang Bo said the fifth phase plus the general terminal and other expansion projects will add 11 million TEU of operating capacity to Nansha, located about 40 miles south of Guangzhou city.
Guangzhou throughput rose eight per cent last year to more than 27 million TEU, of which over 22 million TEU were handled at Nansha. Growth has continued this year, with a four per cent increase in the first four months to nine million TEU.
Rival Shenzhen saw volumes rise five per cent last year to 35 million TEU, with an eight per cent increase in the first four months to 8.5 million TEU. Hong Kong's volumes fell five per cent last year to 13.7 million TEU and dropped a further seven per cent to 4.2 million TEU through April, according to Hong Kong's Marine Department.
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Evergreen Marine adds 5 megamax ships at GSI
Evergreen Marine has approved an order for five 24,000-TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships at Guangzhou Shipyard International worth between US$1.31 billion and $1.48 billion, reported UK's Seatrade Maritime News. The move continues the Taiwanese line's expansion of its megamax fleet.
The newbuilds will strengthen Evergreen's dual-fuel fleet and add capacity in the largest containership class. The order follows earlier announcements this year of 17 similar vessels being built at GSI and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean.
Evergreen said the latest order is aimed at enhancing global competitiveness and promoting fleet renewal in 2026.
The company has been steadily increasing investment in LNG dual-fuel technology as part of its long-term strategy to expand and modernise its fleet.
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DP World moves 200,000 TEU via Jebel Ali corridors
DP World handled nearly 200,000 TEU through Jebel Ali Port's truck and rail corridors in the past two months as Dubai reviewed new multimodal capacity at the Middle East's largest port, reports Saint Petersburg's PortNews.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the port to inspect operations, the Jebel Ali Rail Terminal, the BOXBAY automated storage system and Terminal 2's operations centre.
The Jebel Ali Rail Terminal is running up to eight daily services and has annual capacity of 800,000 TEU, with expansion plans to 1.6 million TEU depending on market demand.
Jebel Ali Port supports 12,000 companies through the Jafza ecosystem and remains DP World's core regional gateway for container, road and rail flows.
DP World said BOXBAY increases effective port capacity without requiring additional terminal footprint, while rail integration is being used to add resilience to Jebel Ali's maritime and road network.
DP World, headquartered in Dubai, operates terminals, logistics assets, forwarding offices and maritime services across six continents.
Jebel Ali Port is DP World's flagship Dubai facility and the anchor of Jafza, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, which hosts companies across manufacturing, logistics, retail, healthcare, automotive and food sectors.
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CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd suspend Cuba bookings
French carrier CMA CGM and German liner operator Hapag-Lloyd have halted bookings to and from Cuba following a new US sanctions order that widened compliance risks for foreign companies, reported Reuters.
The move follows Executive Order 14404 signed by US president Donald Trump on May 1 and guidance from OFAC on May 7.
The measures increase sanctions risk for foreign persons involved in Cuban sectors including energy, defence, metals and mining, financial services and security.
Hapag-Lloyd said it had temporarily suspended acceptance of new bookings to and from Cuba while assessing whether services can continue and under what conditions.
CMA CGM confirmed it had suspended bookings to or from Cuba until further notice in response to the US executive order.
The suspension by the two carriers could affect as much as 60 per cent of Cuba's shipping traffic by volume.
OFAC has set a wind-down period through June 5 for certain dealings involving Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA, or GAESA, and entities majority-owned by it.
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PanStar chosen for Korea's Arctic box ship trial
PanStar Line has been preliminarily selected to operate South Korea's first 3,000-TEU containership trial through the Northern Sea Route in 2026, reports Saint Petersburg's PortNews.
The Busan-based carrier was the sole applicant in a public selection process launched on 27 April and was chosen after review by an evaluation committee.
The round voyage is planned through the Northern Sea Route. The vessel is expected to qualify for a Polar Ship Certificate, with PanStar to sign an implementation agreement with the organising bodies following further talks.
Once confirmed as final operator, PanStar will be eligible for financial support from the Korea Shipping Association, preferential vessel financing from Korea Ocean Business Corp. and reductions in port facility charges.
The project forms part of South Korea's effort to build operational experience in Arctic navigation and test alternative maritime routes for export, import and energy transport. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' 2026 plan included a Busan-Rotterdam trial by a domestic private shipping company in the second half of the year.
PanStar Line.com, led by chief executive Kim Jong-tae, is part of the PanStar group whose activities include marine transport, cargo and passenger services, international logistics, storage, ship and crew management, and vessel technology.
Korea Ocean Business Corp is a public shipping-finance institution providing support tools for the maritime sector, while the Korea Shipping Association is an industry organisation involved in programmes for domestic operators. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries oversees maritime policy, ports, fisheries and ocean administration.
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Xiong'an opens direct global air freight link
A new international air cargo terminal has opened in Xiong'an New Area, Hebei province, giving the inland region direct access to global freight networks despite lacking its own airport, reports China Daily.
The facility began operations with the activation of the NXA airline code, enabling local customs clearance and full aviation port functions.
The NXA code, granted by the International Air Transport Association, allows Xiong'an to process international shipments within its bonded zone. The first consignment, ceramic decorations from Sri Lanka, arrived at Beijing Daxing International Airport before being transported to Xiong'an for clearance.
Officials said the system streamlines coordination between Beijing and Xiong'an ports, reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency.
Beijing Capital Airlines president Liu Jun said the new system provided efficient coordination and strong service support, improving cargo handling. The airline plans to expand cooperation and routes to support regional development. Customs officials added that the mechanism allows companies in Xiong'an to enjoy the benefits of an international aviation hub at their doorstep.
Authorities said the launch marks China's first independently built international air cargo hub operating within a bonded zone. The initiative is part of efforts to deepen integration with ports in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, expand international cargo routes and build a world-class transport hub cluster.
Local officials described the project as a key step in opening up inland regions, laying the foundation for high-quality, export-oriented growth. They pledged to continue improving customs clearance efficiency and strengthen cooperation with regional ports to accelerate development.
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Air cargo tonnage, pricing and capacity fall in May
Global air freight volumes, rates and capacity declined in the first week of May as the Mother's Day flower rush ended and Asia's Super Golden Week reduced demand, reported Sydney's Asian Aviation. Despite the weekly drop, annual traffic and pricing remained elevated.
Worldwide tonnage fell three per cent week on week, with a combined six per cent decline over two weeks. Central and South America saw the sharpest fall, down 19 per cent week on week, while Asia Pacific dropped five per cent. Traffic from the Middle East and South Asia also slipped four per cent, though North America and Europe recorded gains of five per cent and 2 per cent respectively.
The Super Golden Week holiday cut Asia Pacific exports to Europe and the US by nine per cent week on week, with Japan's outbound tonnage plunging more than 40 per cent. Vietnam bucked the trend with a 22 per cent rise to Europe. From the Middle East and South Asia, traffic to Europe fell on drops from Dubai and Bangladesh, while shipments to the US surged 65 per cent from Dubai.
Pricing retreated three per cent week on week to an average US$3.22 per kilogram, mirroring the fall in tonnage. Rates dropped across most regions, led by declines from Central and South America and Africa. On an annual basis, global pricing was up 39 per cent, with spot rates 51 per cent higher, including a 135 per cent jump from Dubai to the US.
Capacity fell two per cent week on week, with reductions in Central and South America, Asia Pacific, North America and Africa. Growth from Europe and the Middle East was flat, suggesting the recovery of Gulf carriers is slowing. Airlines cut 13,000 flights in May as soaring fuel costs forced reductions in unprofitable routes, with observers warning of further schedule changes ahead.
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Cargo airlines struggle to replace ageing fleets
Global cargo carriers face mounting challenges in replacing ageing freighters as supply chain failures stall production of new aircraft, reported Montreal's Simple Flying. Airbus and Boeing programmes are delayed by bottlenecks in fuselage assembly and engine supply, leaving airlines dependent on older jets.
Airbus has capped A350F production at about six aircraft per month, far below the double-digit rates needed for a freighter launch. Structural complexity, including the 4.3 metre wide cargo door, has slowed assembly, with the programme trailing its schedule by more than 12 months. Operators expecting deliveries in 2026 now face a capacity gap that cannot be filled by secondhand aircraft.
The delivery gap has widened to 30 per cent in early 2026, with completed airframes left idle without engines. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines for the A350F and GE9X engines for Boeing's 777-8F have both faced supply chain hurdles. This has created a backlog of gliders on manufacturers' tarmacs, forcing carriers to extend leases on fuel-hungry older aircraft.
Engine shortages stem from limited global capacity for casting and forging turbine blades, which must withstand extreme heat and pressure. Manufacturers are prioritising support for in-service fleets to avoid grounding current flights, starving new-build programmes of propulsion systems.
As a result, cargo airlines are stuck with fleets averaging 20 years in age. The lack of new, fuel-efficient freighters is delaying modernisation, leaving operators reliant on maintenance-heavy aircraft while demand for high-capacity jets continues to rise.
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Rising jet costs and congestion reshape air cargo
Rising jet fuel prices and congestion at major cargo hubs are driving up costs and weakening reliability across global airfreight networks, reported London's Air Cargo Week.
Airlines and shippers are shifting focus from efficiency to resilience, adopting strategies such as route diversification, multimodal transport and higher inventory buffers.
Jet fuel remains one of the largest cost burdens for airlines, and its recent rise is hitting long-haul operators hardest. Extended flight times caused by congestion and airspace restrictions are increasing fuel burn and reducing aircraft utilisation, narrowing margins and complicating capacity planning. Carriers are introducing surcharges, but competitive pressures limit their ability to pass on costs fully.
Congestion at major hubs is compounding inefficiency, with delays in cargo handling, warehousing and customs creating cascading disruptions. Aircraft turnaround times are slowed, reducing schedule reliability and undermining just-in-time logistics. Smaller airports with limited infrastructure face greater strain than global hubs with advanced capacity.
Shippers are recalibrating logistics strategies, balancing speed, cost and risk. Some are shifting less urgent shipments to sea or multimodal transport, while sectors reliant on tight production schedules continue to depend on air freight despite rising costs. Industries using just-in-time supply chains are particularly exposed, with some introducing buffer inventories to mitigate risk.
Airlines and logistics providers are investing in resilience through fleet modernisation, digitalisation and multimodal integration. The convergence of fuel volatility and congestion signals a structural shift in global logistics, where resilience and adaptability are becoming core capabilities. The challenge now is to sustain reliability and competitiveness in an increasingly constrained operating environment.
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