Category: Sea

Trade union action across major European ports, particularly in Rotterdam and France, are causing significant disruptions to container shipping, exacerbating existing supply chain challenges. Strikes at Rotterdam’s Delta II terminal and ongoing industrial action at French ports have created ... Read more

Held in Long Beach, California, the annual TPM conference, hosted by The Journal of Commerce, remains the premier gathering for senior supply chains executives, container shipping lines, and technology providers shaping the future of global trade. With the global container market facing anothe... Read more

In the ever-changing world of global trade, staying informed is not just an advantage, it’s a critical necessity. That’s why Metro provides the Ocean Freight Market Update, a comprehensive, data-driven report designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of container shipping. Subs... Read more

Global shipping dynamics are shifting, with rates under pressure, 5% growth in global container shipping capacity, and the impact of the US’ new trade policies. The ocean freight market is navigating a complex landscape, marked by operational and regulatory shifts. The Shanghai Containerised... Read more

New US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and auto parts threaten production costs, trade relationships and market stability, and for UK and EU carmakers, the implications of these policies could be severe, impacting everything from manufacturing costs to supply chain efficiency and trade competitivene... Read more

Recent senior executive visits to the United States and India reinforce Metro’s strategic partnerships, enhance trade opportunities and positioning the company for continued global growth in 2025. With international trade facing shifting policies, evolving supply chain dynamics, and increasi... Read more

Just seven weeks into 2025, global supply chains have already faced a whirlwind of challenges. From industrial action to trade barriers and shifting alliances, businesses must stay agile to navigate ongoing disruptions. Here are seven of the most impactful developments so far this year. 1. ... Read more

As the Gemini Cooperation officially launches, its promise of 90%-plus schedule reliability through a hub-and-spoke network is under intense scrutiny. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, the two partners in the venture, aim to address persistent reliability issues in container shipping, where schedule adh... Read more

For over a year attacks on merchant vessels by Houthi militants has forced container carriers to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. However, a newly established ceasefire and assurances from Houthi forces to limit attacks on non-Israeli vessels signal the possibility of a return to the Suez Ca... Read more

The recent resolution of labour negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance has averted a potentially disruptive strike across US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. However, the last-minute nature of the agreement has left shippers contendi... Read more

A potentially crippling strike across East and Gulf Coast ports, set to begin on 16th January 2025, has been averted with the announcement of a tentative six-year master contract agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) ... Read more

The diversion of container shipping around the Cape of Good Hope is expected to continue well into 2025 as carriers prioritise stability over the potential risks of returning to the Red Sea, despite recent advancements in the Suez Canal’s infrastructure The reluctance to return to the Red Se... Read more