Most recently Maersk introduced changes in the Asia-Pacific and North America with the recruitment of a new managing director for South Asia, the opening of a ground freight hub in Georgia and joining The Customization Group as partners, while also readying themselves to make a return to Suez Canal transits even as they continue to tackle the supply chain challenges that have persisted.
Panama re-elected to the International Maritime Organization Council's Category "A" category on December 1, 2025. The Panama Canal Authority also reported results for Fiscal Year 2025 highlighting the recovery from the drought. "The Authority reported a significant fiscal year 2025 as it restored its numbers and reelected to the International Maritime Organization Council’s ‘Category A’ category on 1 December 2025. “With transits up 19.3% year on year to 13,404 vessels and cruise operations returning with cruise line Queen Elizabeth doing her transit,” wrote cruise industry writer David Eads.
A.P. Moller-Maersk and the Suez Canal Authority have signed a partnership deal committing to return container vessels gradually along its route from early December 2025, in a big win following two years of Houthi disruption costing Egypt a loss of some $7 billion in revenue.
Kairos and Virat, both sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tankers were rocked by explosions near Turkey’s coast on November 28-29th 2025, with Ukrainian forces claiming they were behind the attacks using naval drones; all crew were subsequently evacuated after the incidents and act is a demonstration of increased maritime warfare of Russia’s oil targets.
The Panama Canal Authority has launched the first chapter in its 10-year, $8.5 billion modernization drive by kicking off consultations for the two transshipment terminals and gas pipeline project. Details were revealed by Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez Morales at the Houston International Maritime Conference. Prequalification rounds for both projects will be held in 2026, while concessions will be finalized two years later in 2027.
Shipping heavyweights Maersk and CMA CGM to resume investing through the Suez Canal Authority starting December 2025. Now that's news! Not necessarily for you and me but SCA needs this badly. Saadia Muna, CEO of SCA, confirming this on the back of improving security conditions in the region, a marked shift given the crisis the global shipping lane endured two years ago. After all, when these two restart intercontinental trade that means all hell won't break loose right?
The Port of Los Angeles reported 429,000 TEUs handled for November 2025, a reflection of continued strong consumer demand despite global trade fluctuations. A cumulative 8.6 million TEUs saw action through 10 months, putting it in good shape to conclude the year in spite of an impending seasonal slow down.
Ricaurte Vasquez, during the Houston International Maritime Conference, presented on Panama Canal’s strategy (expansion) to keep one step ahead of changes in world trade - essentially, Panama just spent $8.5B in 'modernization' on adding two new transshipment terminals, an LPG pipeline project, and net zero shipping, among other features.
The Suez Canal Authority had made landmark deals with the Maersk Group and CMA CGM, and stated that both carriers were to resume transits through the waterway after it raced ahead to resume trial voyages by both vessels. The transit of the canal is expected to be resumed in December, based on greatly improved regional security conditions.
On 25th November 2025, the Suez Canal Authority and A.P. Moller-Maersk Group sealed their partnership agreement, with Maersk-affiliated vessels resuming transits through the canal in early December; CMA CGM confirmed full capacity operations through the canal from December, and traffic statistics showed improvement after continued regional attempts at peace.
October 2025 was an eventful month for maritime equipment developments with the likes of ABB landing an electric propulsion contract for Canada’s next esbreaker, Raymarine expanding its radar systems, and StormGeo introducing its next-generation bunker management platform. Digital simulation initiatives from Japanese shipbuilders were launched while Finland’s Bluetech unveiled its wind optimized tanker design.
November 2025 saw developments such as NATO’s MET Workshop more focused on digitalization than ever, Philippines’ MET conference first time ever held paperless, U.S. Navy Reserve prepares for wider responsibilities with readiness exercises, Singapore launches new energy training facility.
A series of incidents from late October to November 2025 highlighted dangers in busy shipping lanes. Container vessels collided off China and cargo ships ran aground in British waters, but, fortunately, no one died nor did the risks spread further than having to sort out insurance claims.
On November 20, the Trump administration announced the largest ever offshore oil and gas leasing program, proposing 34 possible lease sales across 1.27 billion acres. Floating offshore wind continues its international march, with 25 MW installed across the globe by 2025, and 2.5GW expected operational by 2030.
The European and international authorities escalated sanctions pressure against Russia’s shadow fleet operations in late November 2025. The EU General Court dismissed cases against challenges to sanctions listings while coordinated efforts between OLAF and Europol targeted networks involved in circumvention attempts. Ukraine sanctioned 56 vessels involved in illegal port calls. Canada tripled its shadow fleet designations to 100 vessels.
During these five days, a whole host of naval developments took place that suggested an accelerating trend toward modernization of many of the world’s sea forces; Turkey trials the LEVENT missile system for naval air defence functions, South Korea unveils the latest FFX Batch III frigate, to be ROKS Jeonnam, and Brazil commissioned its third Riachuelo-class submarine, Admiral Karam, as tangible proof of changing priorities and broadened aspirations.
Two Gambian-flagged oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, were attacked by Ukrainian naval drones in the Black Sea between November 28 and 29, 2025. Both vessels, presenting as an EU and UK sanctioned shadow fleet for transporting Russian oil, were struck by naval drones in what can be described as the second round of attacks against Russian vessels in the Black Sea by Ukraine's SBU security service.
Bulk carrier deliveries in November 2025 include Pacific Carriers’ new 40,000DWT multi-purpose vessel, and orders include Aasen Shipping’s repeat order for hybrid powered 9,500DWT carriers from Aasen Shipping. Market analysts report weakening dry bulk fundamentals in the face of declining coal shipments and slowing demand growth.
November 2025 saw two incidents involving container ships; the National Transportation Safety Board released a report on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge due to the crew of the Dali boxship, and ONE Henry Hudson facing a severe cargo fire in Port of Los Angeles.
The Transportation and Logistics Conference Americas 2025 will be held from October 21 – 23, 2025 in Panama City, Panama. The event will bring together port operators, container supply chain stakeholders, maritime professionals and maritime trade professionals to promote dialogue about the trade logistics systems, port infrastructure sustainability investments throughout the Americas, and innovation investments.