Latest shipping updates: ZIM workers protest $4.2B Hapag-Lloyd deal, CMA CGM orders LNG vessels in India, and China tightens export controls on Japan. Key industry developments.

US raises global tariffs to 15%. Hapag-Lloyd increases Far East to South America rates by $1,000 per container from 2026. ONE updates AT1/AT2 shipping routes in March.

On the afternoon of February 11, the "Industrial Belt Cross-Border: IBI and Multinational Envoys High-End Business Exchange Meeting" was successfully held at the IBI Digital Economy Headquarters. Attendees included His Excellency Dario Mihelin, Ambassador of Croatia to China; His Excellency Luamanuvae Albert Mariner, Ambassador of Samoa to China; His Excellency Tresor Irambona, Ambassador of Burundi to China; His Excellency Sinisa Berjan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bosnia and Herzegovina to China; His Excellency Baada Kaladze, Ambassador of Georgia to China; Mr. Novruz Ceta, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Albania in China; and Ms. Sabita Nakarmi, Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of Nepal in China, among others.

Major shipping disruptions unfold: Panama-flagged vessel sinks near Phuket causing oil spill, Italian port strikes halt operations, and blank sailings surge to 18% on key routes.

Storm disrupts Pilbara iron ore exports, Evergreen enforces stricter cargo booking rules, and MSC announces FAK rate revisions for Africa/Indian Ocean routes from 2026.

On February 6th, the first member assembly of the Beijing Future Entrepreneurs Promotion Association was officially held. Leaders from the Beijing Federation of Industry and Commerce, Fengtai District, and nearly a hundred member representatives gathered to witness this grand event aimed at promoting high-quality regional economic development. The Beijing Future Entrepreneurs Promotion Association adheres to the core philosophy of "entrepreneurship guided by the Party, innovation for the nation, and contribution to the people." With the mission of "uniting the strength of future entrepreneurs and promoting the development of new productive forces," the association strives to build a multi-level, precise service system to assist member enterprises in achieving technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and high-quality development, aiming to become a domestic leader and an internationally influential platform for future entrepreneurs.

Italy's USB union announces a 24-hour global port strike affecting 21 Mediterranean ports. COsCO launches new CPV route from Yangpu to Seattle. Drewry's WCI index falls 5% amid rate declines.

Labor strikes halt Bangladesh's Chittagong Port. ONE appoints new West Africa agent. Hainan Logistics expands with $27M Guangdong subsidiary for cargo and warehousing services.

Italian unions announce 24-hour Mediterranean port strike for Feb 2026 affecting 21+ ports. Wan Hai acquires Osaka terminal for $87M. MSC adds Port Chalmers to Wallaby service.

MSC rules out Arctic shipping over safety concerns. 103 voyages canceled in five weeks, mainly trans-Pacific. China's 2025 port throughput beats forecasts with strong container growth.

MSC launches Australia-US East Coast service via Wellington. Maersk's APMT takes over Panama's Balboa & Cristobal ports. Global shipping rates plummet across major routes.

The FMC fines MSC $22.67M for billing violations. CMA CGM forms a $10B terminal JV with Stonepeak. COSCO launches a new trans-Pacific route from Hainan to Seattle.

COSCO reports 70.3% TEU growth at Yangpu port. ONE restructures Mediterranean services for better connectivity. Evergreen orders 23 new container vessels to expand fleet capacity.

Latest maritime updates: Ruby Tower ship grounding in Alabama resolved, Evergreen launches new Latin America route WSA6, and Drewry reports a 3% drop in Asia freight rates.

Analysis of falling global freight rates, 16% blank sailings in 5 weeks, Drewry WCI drop to $2,212/FEU, and Ningbo Port's 2025 revenue growth to ¥31.06B amid market shifts.