The maritime industry is at a pivotal juncture. As shipping giants scramble to meet increasingly stringent decarbonisation targets, a fresh challenge has emerged—soaring costs for liquefied bio methane (LBM), which has long been considered the natural successor to LNG (liquefied natural gas). Lloyd’s Register (LR), a leading UK ship classification organisation, has sounded the alarm: shipowners and their eco-conscious customers need to brace themselves as the price of LBM continues to rise compared to other biofuels.

Shipping companies have been looking to biofuels as a critical solution to meet the upcoming FuelEU guidelines. These regulations, kicking off in January 2024, impose increasingly aggressive CO2 emissions reductions, culminating in an 80% reduction by 2050. Yet, while many biofuels are expected to become cheaper between 2020 and 2030, LBM bucks this trend.

Maersk’s Shift and the Industry’s Growing Dilemma

Major players like Maersk, which had originally hoped to spearhead an e-methanol bunkering industry, have begun pivoting towards LNG, with a transition to LBM as a second step. However, LR cautions that the supply of biofuel feedstock is limited and must be shared across multiple transport sectors. This constraint, combined with the discrepancies in carbon emissions reduction between different biofuels, could lead to misinformed decisions by shipowners and customers alike.

For example, used cooking oil biodiesel (UCO) can reduce CO2 emissions by an impressive 84%, making it compliant with the EU’s toughest upcoming environmental regulations. On the other hand, palm oil biodiesel, produced with an open effluent pond (where methane is not captured), only delivers a 20% reduction in emissions. Meanwhile, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which can replace conventional heavy bunker fuel, offers a modest 22% reduction.

Environmental concerns compound the issue, with reports of deforestation for palm oil production potentially resulting in a higher carbon footprint than conventional fossil fuels. LR’s report concludes that, although biofuels are produced in many countries, their scale is better suited to percentage blending in marine fuel rather than a full replacement for fossil fuels.

The Need for Supply Chain Visibility Tools

In this complex and shifting landscape, shipowners and customers cannot afford to be in the dark. Real-time supply chain visibility tools are becoming essential for Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to make business-critical decisions. These tools can provide detailed insights into carbon emissions, fuel costs, and operational efficiencies, empowering companies to adapt to market changes rapidly and minimise their environmental impact.

Visibility tools not only help manage rising costs and carbon reporting requirements but also assist in aligning with the evolving regulatory framework, ensuring that businesses remain competitive and sustainable. With biofuel price fluctuations and environmental complexities on the rise, having access to real-time data is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

By embracing advanced visibility software, shipping companies and LSPs can stay ahead of the curve, optimise their supply chains, and, most importantly, contribute meaningfully to global decarbonisation efforts. As the race to a cleaner shipping future intensifies, those equipped with real-time insights will be best positioned to navigate these challenging waters.

After months of escalating tensions and repeated “warning strikes,” a breakthrough has finally been reached in the labour dispute between Germany’s Ver.di union and the Central Association of German Seaport Companies (ZDS). The dispute, which had disrupted operations at key German ports, including Hamburg, saw Ver.di and ZDS reach a tentative agreement on a new contract after a fifth round of negotiations.

The conflict, initially triggered by disagreements over wages and working conditions, had severely impacted port operations, particularly at the Port of Hamburg. In September, dockworkers at Hamburg’s HHLA-operated container terminals launched another strike, further disrupting the flow of goods. The timing was significant, as it coincided with growing dissatisfaction over Hamburg’s Parliament approving MSC’s acquisition of a 50% stake in HHLA. The strike left HHLA’s intermodal operation, METRANS, struggling, as the Port of Hamburg halted the acceptance of trains, leading to delays of over 24 hours in some cases. METRANS warned that these disruptions would increase transport costs, which the company could no longer absorb.

Despite the heightened industrial action, a tentative agreement was reached on 6 September, with Ver.di calling the latest offer “viable.” The agreement includes base wage increases backdated to 1 October 2023, and further hikes starting on 1 January 2025. Additionally, all workers will receive an inflation compensation bonus of €1,700, and improvements will be made to holiday, Sunday, and overtime pay rates. The contract is set to cover a 14-month period, expiring on 31 July 2025.

Ver.di’s Federal Collective Bargaining Commission has recommended members accept the offer, with the final decision due on 27 September, based on member surveys. If ratified, the agreement will bring much-needed stability to one of Europe’s largest ports after months of unrest.

What’s Next for the Industry?

The labour deal in Germany may have brought temporary stability to the country’s ports, but the larger lesson here is the importance of supply chain resilience. The ability to adapt swiftly to disruptions is key to maintaining operational continuity. Implementing advanced supply chain visibility software will be a game-changer for companies, providing the transparency they need to react in real-time to events that affect their supply chains. From labour strikes to climate-related delays, the future belongs to those who can see—and act—faster.

As the global logistics industry continues to face evolving challenges, companies that prioritise transparency, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability will be best positioned to weather the storms ahead.

 

 

 

The Importance of Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility

The labour unrest in Germany’s ports serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable global supply chains are to external disruptions. The strikes in Hamburg not only delayed port operations but also had a cascading effect on logistics providers, particularly Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs). METRANS’ warning about rising transport costs due to these disruptions highlights the broader challenges that supply chains face in absorbing sudden shocks.

In this context, the need for real-time supply chain visibility has never been more apparent. Implementing robust software solutions that provide up-to-the-minute data insights allows BCOs and LSPs to make critical business decisions that can help mitigate the impacts of industrial action or other unforeseen disruptions. Real-time data on port delays, cargo flows, and climate impacts can help businesses reroute shipments, adjust inventory levels, and manage customer expectations with greater precision.

With growing concerns around climate change, real-time visibility into a company’s carbon footprint is also crucial. Monitoring the environmental impact of supply chain operations allows firms to make more informed decisions about the sustainability of their logistics strategies. In an era where sustainability is becoming as important as profitability, having access to this level of insight is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

In February 2025, a major shift will take place in global shipping alliances with the formation of the Premier Alliance, a new partnership that brings together Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming Marine Transportation. This five-year collaboration aims to bolster service reliability and extend global coverage across vital East-West trade routes, including Asia-North America, Asia-North Europe, Asia-Mediterranean, and Asia-Middle East.

According to Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, the Premier Alliance will provide strong and highly dependable direct port services along these critical trade lanes. Nixon highlighted the alliance’s commitment to improving end-to-end coverage for customers, ensuring that businesses can depend on reliable shipping solutions for their supply chains in an increasingly uncertain global market. To this end, the Premier Alliance has also secured a slot exchange agreement with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)—the world’s largest container line—which will take effect in early 2025. This partnership will encompass nine services on the Asia-Europe trade, enhancing direct port coverage and increasing the frequency of sailings, further strengthening the network.

This alliance forms in the wake of significant changes in the shipping landscape. Hapag-Lloyd’s exit from the current THE Alliance to join Maersk in the newly formed Gemini Cooperation has left ONE, HMM, and Yang Ming to restructure and solidify their competitive position. Alongside the formation of the Premier Alliance, ONE has announced its expanded East-West trade services, which will include Asia-Europe, Transpacific, and Asia-Middle East routes, offering more than 80 direct port calls—an important move to meet the evolving needs of their customers while maintaining high levels of reliability and expanding their global reach.

Meanwhile, MSC has been making waves by building up its fleet and moving towards operating independently across global tradelanes. By 2025, the company will have 34 standalone loops across five East-West trades, solidifying its position as a dominant force. However, the strategic slot-sharing agreement with the Premier Alliance highlights a cooperative approach that could enhance network flexibility for both parties and provide improved shipping solutions across key markets.

The Growing Need for Real-Time Visibility in Supply Chains

Amidst these sweeping changes in the shipping industry, the Premier Alliance represents more than just a strategic partnership. The complexities of global trade, fuelled by unpredictable market conditions, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, underscore the growing necessity for supply chain visibility. Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) increasingly face the challenge of managing these disruptions while maintaining efficiency and profitability.

To mitigate these challenges, the need for real-time data insights has never been greater. Supply chain visibility software, powered by real-time climate impact data and operational insights, can equip BCOs and LSPs to make business-critical decisions that address the volatility in their supply chains. This level of visibility allows for more accurate forecasting, quicker response times, and a deeper understanding of potential risks. The Premier Alliance and MSC’s expansive direct port coverage present opportunities for BCOs and LSPs to leverage this visibility, optimising shipping schedules, reducing delays, and improving overall supply chain performance.

In an era where sustainability and reliability are key drivers of success, companies that utilise visibility software to manage their logistics will be better positioned to counteract disruptions and achieve their sustainability goals. As the Premier Alliance reshapes the landscape of global shipping, businesses need to adapt by implementing digital tools that provide the real-time data required to stay agile and competitive.

The shipping industry’s transformation, spearheaded by the Premier Alliance and MSC, signals not only a new phase of collaboration but also a pressing call for the adoption of advanced technologies that bring end-to-end visibility to supply chains. As 2025 approaches, the companies that embrace these changes will be those that thrive in the ever-evolving global marketplace.

At the prestigious SMM Hamburg Maritime Exhibition, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) made waves by debuting the world’s largest container ship, the GREEN SEALION 27500, with an enormous capacity of 27,500 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). The vessel has not only set new standards for size but also for sustainability, showcasing the future of eco-friendly marine transport.

The GREEN SEALION 27500 is a dual-fuel ship, primarily powered by LNG, which significantly reduces carbon emissions and adheres to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Phase III carbon reduction standards. The vessel’s Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate, awarded by the DNV classification society, further solidifies its commitment to sustainable practices. But it’s not just about the cargo capacity—CSSC has optimized the hull design to improve fuel efficiency, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can coexist. Moreover, the ship can achieve zero emissions while docked, thanks to its integration with shore power systems.

Expanding the Fleet of Green Marine Technology

In addition to the GREEN SEALION 27500, CSSC introduced several other revolutionary vessels that continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable shipping:

• GREEN SEALION 20000: A 20,000 TEU ammonia dual-fuel container ship, which takes a bold step towards reducing emissions by using ammonia, an alternative fuel that further lowers carbon output.
• GREEN SEALION 16000: A 16,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship designed with an enhanced energy-efficient wide-body structure, ensuring optimal cargo capacity while minimising its environmental impact.
• Advanced Liquefied Gas Carriers: CSSC also revealed two cutting-edge vessels, a 103,000 cubic metre Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) and a 93,000 cubic metre Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC). Both ships are designed to transport LPG, ethane, and ammonia, featuring state-of-the-art propulsion and energy-saving systems to further advance green shipping solutions.

Driving the Future of Sustainable Supply Chains

These technological advancements in shipping are undeniably impressive, but their success hinges on more than just the ships themselves. To truly maximise the environmental and operational benefits, businesses and shipping companies must adopt and intergrate supply chain and climate impact visibility software. Real-time data insights provided by these systems allow Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to make critical, data-driven decisions.

With real-time visibility, stakeholders can accurately track shipments, monitor environmental conditions, and anticipate disruptions, all while ensuring compliance with climate regulations. As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, such technology will be essential to navigating the complexities of modern logistics.

The ability to monitor key metrics like fuel consumption, port delays, and CO2 emissions enables BCOs and LSPs to mitigate risks and improve supply chain resilience. By integrating visibility software, companies can make informed decisions that not only optimise logistics but also support broader sustainability goals, ensuring that the transition to green shipping becomes a reality.

A Call to Action for the Future of Logistics

The debut of the GREEN SEALION 27500 and its sister vessels marks a pivotal moment for the global maritime industry. CSSC has set a new benchmark for container ships, but the next step for the industry must involve empowering BCOs and LSPs with the real-time data needed to manage the impact on their supply chains. The future of logistics depends on visibility, and as these groundbreaking ships take to the seas, the tools to monitor and mitigate supply chain disruptions must sail alongside them.

The shipping industry has recently witnessed a significant rise in weather-related cargo losses and insurance claims, driven by carriers being forced to navigate the perilous waters around the Cape of Good Hope. With the ongoing threat of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, vessels have been re-routing to southern Africa, exposing themselves to extreme weather that they would typically avoid.

Over the past 270 days, this re-routing has led to a string of incidents involving cargo damage or loss. In fact, between 2 June and today, five major incidents have been recorded, highlighting the increasing risks associated with this route. According to maritime claims consultant MK Webster, these events include:

• 2 June: Car-carrier Hoegh London sustained structural damage off Port Elizabeth, leading to significant cargo damage.
• 8 July: Ultra Galaxy developed a heavy list in challenging conditions off South Africa’s west coast, forcing the crew to abandon the ship. The vessel later ran aground and capsized.
• 9 July: CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin lost 44 containers overboard in rough seas south of Durban, with a further 30 containers sustaining damage.
• 15 August: CMA CGM Belem suffered a collapse of containers on deck, losing 99 boxes overboard near Richards Bay.
• Most recently, MSC Antonia lost 46 containers overboard, with another 305 damaged, 29 nautical miles northeast of Port St Johns.

Patrizia Kern, chief insurance officer at Breeze, an embedded cargo insurance provider, emphasised the rising risk: “Higher-than-average wind speeds around the Cape of Good Hope, combined with ongoing turmoil in the Red Sea, have led to an unprecedented surge in insurance claims.”

Why Has Cargo Loss Surged?

Historically, ships would steer clear of the rough seas near South Africa, especially during the transition from winter to spring in the southern hemisphere. Last year, during the same period, there were no reported container losses in the region. However, the geopolitical challenges in the Red Sea have forced shipping lines to brave the Cape of Good Hope’s treacherous conditions, leading to this surge in incidents.

The World Shipping Council even noted that 2023 saw the fewest recorded container losses since it began tracking the data in 2008. This only underscores how much of an outlier this year’s incidents have been.

A critical factor behind these losses is a phenomenon known as parametric rolling. This occurs when the wavelength of the ocean matches a vessel’s rolling motion, increasing the angle of each roll with every wave. This can cause stacks of containers to buckle, resulting in collapses and cargo going overboard. According to an analysis by TT Club, while wave height is an important factor, wave length and period play an even more crucial role in inducing dangerous rolling conditions.

Implications for Insurance and Shipping Costs

With weather now emerging as the most influential factor in cargo loss around the Cape, insurers are bracing for the consequences. Ms Kern noted: “If this trend of increased cargo claims continues, we can expect a corresponding rise in insurance premiums.”

However, despite the alarming rise in claims, Ms Kern does not anticipate a specific surcharge for vessels transiting the southern hemisphere. “The exact impact will depend on various market factors, such as the availability of capacity,” she said. Historically, overcapacity in the shipping market has tended to drive premiums down, and this trend may continue as new players enter the sector.

The Need for Supply Chain Visibility and Climate Impact Software

As vessels continue to navigate these unpredictable waters, there is a growing need for businesses to invest in real-time supply chain and climate impact visibility software. By offering instant insights into weather patterns, shipping routes, and potential risks, such tools can provide Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) with the critical data needed to make informed decisions.

With weather now an unpredictable yet critical factor in cargo safety, these tools enable stakeholders to adjust operations, mitigate risks, and protect their supply chains from sudden disruptions. In an era where both geopolitical and environmental challenges are shaping global trade, the importance of visibility cannot be overstated.

By integrating these data-driven solutions, BCOs and LSPs can better anticipate weather impacts, reroute vessels in real-time, and manage their insurance premiums effectively, ensuring continuity and reducing the risk of catastrophic losses.

In the rapidly shifting landscape of global trade, India is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive alternative to China, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain operations. According to recent insights from Transport Intelligence (Ti), India is emerging as a strong contender in the China-plus-one strategy, as global companies seek to diversify their operations away from an over-reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

A Bloomberg report highlights a major shift: this year, US tech giant Apple will manufacture its top-tier iPhone Pro and Pro Max models in India for the first time. Currently, India accounts for 14% of Apple’s global production, a figure expected to rise as the company’s assembly operations expand. Foxconn, Apple’s sub-contractor, has already begun training thousands of workers at its plant in Tamil Nadu, marking a pivotal shift in Apple’s global strategy.

Historically, Apple has relied heavily on China for both components and assembly, but its recent move into India signals a new chapter for the company. However, Ti analysts remain cautious about how much Apple’s Indian production will still depend on Chinese component suppliers. Thomas Cullen, an analyst at Ti, remarked: “The shift to Indian production by the American company has been remarkably rapid,” further noting the speed and scale at which Apple has embraced India as a production hub.

India’s Emergence as a Viable Manufacturing Hub

Cullen highlighted that while non-Chinese competitors had traditionally favoured South-east Asia, particularly Vietnam, for mobile phone assembly, Apple’s focus on India marks a significant divergence from this trend. Until recently, India was not seen as the frontrunner in the China-plus-one strategy. In fact, it was often regarded as “not very attractive” due to a range of logistical challenges.

“India had real problems with ports, roads, and internal borders,” said Cullen. “There was also a perception that the workforce lacked the necessary skills for large-scale manufacturing.”

Yet, India has made significant strides in improving its logistics infrastructure. Recent investments in Mundra Port, the addition of hundreds of thousands of kilometres of new highways, and upgrades to airfreight capabilities, such as IndiGo introducing freighter aircraft and the restructuring of Air India, have dramatically enhanced the country’s logistics network. This progress, coupled with increasing demand, makes India a compelling option for companies looking to diversify their supply chains.

The Role of Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility in Managing Risk

However, even as India rises as a manufacturing hub, businesses face a complex global trade environment. The “violent” restructuring of supply chains, driven by geopolitical tensions, cost pressures, and sustainability imperatives, makes it vital for companies to manage risks more effectively. Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) need real-time data insights to navigate these challenges, especially in new and emerging markets like India.

Supply chain and climate impact visibility software can provide these stakeholders with critical insights, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly. By offering real-time data on everything from shipment delays to environmental impacts, such technology helps companies mitigate risks and optimise their supply chains.

India’s evolving logistics infrastructure, while promising, still comes with unpredictability. For companies to fully capitalise on India’s manufacturing potential, they must integrate visibility tools into their supply chain management to counteract potential disruptions and maintain agility in an increasingly competitive market.

India’s rapid transformation into a manufacturing hub signals a significant shift in global trade dynamics, especially as companies like Apple look to reduce their dependency on China. With the right investments in infrastructure and supply chain visibility, India can continue to solidify its position on the global stage. But for BCOs and LSPs, embracing real-time data insights will be key to navigating the risks and maximising the opportunities that come with this shift.

Global trade is changing fast, with both the Far East and Middle East playing major roles. While the Far East has advanced infrastructure and rapid growth, the Middle East is catching up with a slower but steady development. This analysis looks at three key indicators—Liner Shipping Connectivity, Container Port Throughput, and GDP Growth—to understand how these regions are shaping global trade and economic power.

Stability vs. Growth

The Middle East, though less developed than the Far East, has shown consistent progress in improving its shipping infrastructure. Its growth has been stable, avoiding major disruptions. On the other hand, the Far East, with its highly advanced maritime systems, experienced a sharp decline in trade during the 2019-2020 Covid-19 pandemic, but its stronger infrastructure allowed for a quicker recovery.

The Importance of Shipping Connectivity

A key finding is that shipping connectivity plays a vital role in recovery from global crises. The Far East’s advanced network of ports and logistics helped it bounce back quickly after the pandemic. In contrast, the Middle East was less affected by the crisis due to its lower exposure to global supply chains but still has a long way to go in enhancing its infrastructure to match the Far East.

Supply Chain Visibility Is Key

To better handle future crises, both regions need supply chain visibility. Real-time data on shipping routes, port activity, and climate impacts will be crucial for Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to make quick, informed decisions. This kind of technology allows businesses to respond faster to disruptions and adapt to changes in trade, making their supply chains more resilient and efficient.

The Middle East is on track to become a major player in global trade, but significant investments in maritime infrastructure are still needed. The Far East’s quick recovery from the pandemic highlights the importance of advanced shipping networks. Both regions can benefit greatly from real-time supply chain visibility software, which will help them navigate future global challenges and maintain smooth trade operations.

Sea-Intelligence has released issue 156 of the Global Liner Performance (GLP) report, offering a comprehensive overview of schedule reliability data up to July 2024. The report covers an impressive 34 trade lanes and over 60 carriers, delivering critical insights into the state of global shipping. This analysis focuses on the global highlights, revealing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs).

A Year of Fluctuating Reliability

In July 2024, global schedule reliability saw a decline of 2.1 percentage points month-over-month (M/M), dropping to 52.1%. This figure mirrors the situation at the start of the year, underscoring the ongoing trend of reliability oscillating between 50% and 55%. The year-over-year (Y/Y) comparison paints a more concerning picture, with schedule reliability plummeting by 12.0 percentage points.Despite the decline in reliability, there was a slight improvement in the average delay for late vessel arrivals, which decreased by 0.02 days M/M to 5.24 days. However, this delay is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, with July 2024’s figure standing 0.63 days higher than the same period in the previous year.

Maersk Leads, Wan Hai Lags

Among the top 13 carriers, Maersk emerged as the most reliable in July 2024, boasting a schedule reliability of 54.6%. Only three other carriers managed to surpass the 50% mark, while the majority fell within the 40%-50% range. Wan Hai, in particular, struggled, with its reliability dropping to a low of 41.3%.Interestingly, only ZIM and MSC managed to improve their schedule reliability M/M in July 2024. Conversely, Wan Hai experienced the most significant decline, with a sharp 11.6 percentage point drop. The Y/Y analysis revealed a broader industry challenge, with no carriers achieving an increase in schedule reliability. Yang Ming recorded the smallest Y/Y decline of -5.2 percentage points, while Wan Hai again led the downturn with a staggering -27.4 percentage point drop.

The Need for Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility

These fluctuations in schedule reliability highlight the critical need for BCOs and LSPs to implement robust supply chain visibility and climate impact software. Real-time data insights are no longer a luxury—they are essential for making business-critical decisions that can mitigate the adverse effects of schedule disruptions. With the right tools, companies can not only anticipate delays but also adapt their logistics strategies to ensure smoother operations, even in the face of fluctuating reliability.As the global shipping industry navigates these turbulent waters, the adoption of cutting-edge technology will be key to maintaining resilience and flexibility. The insights provided by supply chain visibility software can empower businesses to counteract the impacts on their supply chains, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly unpredictable market.

In June, container exports from Asia to Europe surged to 1.59 million TEUs, marking an impressive 8% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Japan Maritime Center (JMC) and the U.K.’s Container Trades Statistics (CTS). This consistent growth, driven primarily by increased exports from China, has been climbing for 16 consecutive months, underscoring the resilience and vitality of trade between these regions.

Breaking down the data by origin, China and Hong Kong together accounted for a significant 1.25 million TEUs, reflecting a 10.5% increase. Southeast Asia contributed 196,474 TEUs, up by 4.1%, while other Northeast Asian economies experienced a decline, with volumes decreasing to 140,450 TEUs, a drop of 5.8%.

On the destination side, North Europe was the largest recipient, taking in one million TEUs, a rise of 10.7%. The Eastern Mediterranean received 295,283 TEUs, a modest increase of 1.4%, while the Western Mediterranean handled 292,150 TEUs, up by 6.2%.

The JMC attributes this surge to the spike in demand just before the European Commission (EC) imposed higher import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in July, highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of global trade. As we look ahead, the impacts of such regulatory changes on trade flows warrant close monitoring.

Conversely, container imports from Europe to Asia totalled 537,854 TEUs in June, experiencing a slight 0.1% decline, marking the first year-on-year decrease in two months. By origin, imports from North Europe stood at 367,940 TEUs, down by 1.9%. The Western Mediterranean showed a positive trend with 89,264 TEUs, up by 2.7%, while the Eastern Mediterranean contributed 80,650 TEUs, reflecting a 5.5% increase.

Destination-wise, China received 261,581 TEUs, up by 1.7%, Southeast Asia saw a decrease to 152,923 TEUs, down by 5%, and other Northeast Asian economies received 123,349 TEUs, a 2.4% rise.

Over the first half of the year, exports from Asia to Europe grew by 6.7% to 8.75 million TEUs, while imports from Europe increased slightly by 0.3% to 3.19 million TEUs.

The Urgent Need for Supply Chain Visibility and Climate Impact Software

These fluctuations in global trade underscore the growing complexity and volatility in supply chains. As export and import volumes continue to shift in response to economic, regulatory, and environmental factors, the need for real-time supply chain and climate impact visibility has never been more critical. Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) must be equipped with advanced software solutions that provide real-time data insights to navigate these challenges effectively.

With the rise in container shipments and the growing emphasis on sustainability, real-time data can help BCOs and LSPs make informed, business-critical decisions to counteract disruptions and mitigate the environmental impact of their supply chains. By leveraging these insights, companies can enhance their operational resilience, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and ultimately secure a competitive edge in the global market.

In an era where every decision counts, the integration of supply chain visibility and climate impact software is not just a strategic advantage—it’s a necessity.

The Red Sea is on the brink of an environmental disaster, with the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion at the center of the crisis. Struck by missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the tanker, carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil, is now reportedly leaking crude, raising alarms about a potential large-scale oil spill that could wreak havoc on the region’s delicate marine ecosystem.

The Sounion, a 274-metre-long vessel owned by Greece-based Delta Tankers, was immobilised following the attack last Wednesday, which occurred 77 nautical miles west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. Since then, efforts to salvage the tanker have been fraught with challenges. The Houthis, who have waged a series of attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, have continued to threaten vessels attempting to rescue the stricken tanker, forcing salvage crews to withdraw.

Pentagon press secretary Major General Patrick Ryder has warned of a “potential environmental catastrophe” and emphasised the urgent need for action. “It is currently on fire and appears to be leaking oil, presenting both a navigational hazard and a potential environmental catastrophe,” Ryder stated during a press briefing on Tuesday.

This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced supply chain and climate impact visibility, particularly for Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and logistics service providers (LSPs). The ability to access real-time data insights is essential for making business-critical decisions that could mitigate the risks associated with such crises.

Statistics Paint a Grim Picture

The Sounion carries approximately 150,000 tonnes of crude, equivalent to about 1 million barrels of oil. A large-scale oil spill in the Red Sea would be the first serious environmental damage directly linked to the Houthi campaign against international shipping since November. The potential for a catastrophic oil leak is compounded by the fact that the Houthis have previously sunk two ships, the Rubymar in February and the Tutor in June, resulting in the loss of four mariners’ lives.

A Crisis That Demands Solutions

The apparent oil leak from the Sounion comes after the Houthis posted a video showing a massive explosion on the vessel, claiming responsibility for the attack. Despite efforts by the EU’s Operation Aspides naval force, which rescued the tanker’s 29 crew members the following day, the threat of environmental disaster looms large.

While previous incidents have not resulted in environmental damage on this scale, the situation with the Sounionhighlights the urgent need for BCOs and LSPs to adopt advanced supply chain visibility and climate impact software. These tools can provide real-time data insights, enabling stakeholders to respond swiftly and effectively to such crises, safeguarding both the environment and their supply chains.

Delta Tankers has stated that they are doing everything possible to move the vessel and its cargo, but the situation remains perilous. As the Sounion continues to burn, with “at least” five fires visible on the vessel, the need for comprehensive visibility across the supply chain has never been more apparent.