The US and UK have launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of rebels to attack shipping in the Red Sea and protect global trade.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which advises vessel operators on incidents involving shipping, has reported that up to five armed masked men boarded a tanker in the Gulf of Oman in the early hours of this morning.

Breakbulk operator Intermarine is expanding its fleet with the long-term charter of four vessels.

Chinese electric car maker BYD’s first car carrier BYD Explorer 1 has launched into operation exporting vehicles to Europe.

Volumes in every major shipping sector took a hit in 2023, according to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges results, as war hit supply chains in both Ukraine and latterly the Middle East, sending inflation spiralling in the US and Europe and deflating demand.

As the Panama Canal’s climate and water woes continue Maersk is switching to use a land bridge for an Oceania – Americas service which will be split in two.

An apparently indiscriminate attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea was carried out on January 9 and thwarted by US and UK naval assets.

Stena RoRo has placed an order for another Ro-Pax-class E-Flexer vessel from the Chinese shipyard China Merchants Industry Jinling (Weihai) Shipyard.