Container shipping markets opened 2026 with significantly higher spot rates from East Asia to US East Coast, even as US container imports ended 2025 slightly below 2024. Early January updates from major carriers show service adjustments and limited idling of container ships as they create tight yet reshaping capacity landscape.
Container shipping rates on key China-US lanes remained at elevated levels during the week ending December 29th 2025 despite holiday lull and weak cargo volumes, according to carriers defending pricing ahead of Chinese New Year and 2026 contract negotiations, while US import forecasts predict declines due to tariffs and economic caution. Asia-Europe bookings surged sharply this month.
Mediterranean Shipping Company implemented several freight rate increases on key routes between Far East, Europe, Africa and beyond since December 2025, taking effect December 1. These updates included service enhancements such as faster transit times on Western Cape Express and new port calls; as well as surcharges due to high demand and regulations. These moves reflect market pressures as well as operational adjustments.
November 2025 saw significant advances in subsea cable infrastructure, from new vessel launches and cable installations for offshore wind to technological innovations across Japan, Europe and China. These events demonstrate how Japan, Europe and China maritime sectors are working towards improving offshore energy connectivity with increased offshore connectivity capabilities such as Jan De Nul and Asso.subsea at the forefront of these advancements.
Global offshore oil and gas investment is projected to rise steadily between 2026-2029 after experiencing a dip in 2025, with deepwater rig demand gradually picking up after postponed projects resume. China's Bohai Oilfield set new production records while European operators surge North Sea activity.
Major container ports around the world experienced severe operational disruptions in late December 2025 due to severe weather conditions and capacity restrictions, with European and UK ports dealing with fog and wind effects while Asian and North American gateways had to manage congestion ahead of Chinese New Year peak season.
MBT Subsea Technology announced yesterday its acquisition of German underwater systems provider CPU Unterwassertechnik GmbH as part of its move to expand their marine and subsea technology portfolio. This acquisition strengthens MBT's system sales and distribution capabilities for offshore energy, research and subsea infrastructure projects; reflecting consolidation and rising demand for integrated underwater solutions within European maritime markets.
Seacon Shipping Group of Hong Kong has demonstrated its aggressive expansion plans for 2025 with acquisition of seven multi-purpose vessels from Baltic Shipping, divesting product tankers to Union Maritime, placing an order for an electric research container ship and creating China's first FuelEU Maritime Compliance Pool to meet EU emission rules - all moves that enhance fleet optimization, liquidity, and sustainability during global shipping recovery.
Saltwater Communications, the specialist marine PR and marketing arm of BLUE Communications, has been hired by Honda Marine Europe to implement a multi channel communications programme supporting their next stage of growth in Europe's leisure marine market. This mandate further solidifies Saltwater Communications as a go-to partner for marine brands seeking greater engagement with boatbuilders, dealers and end users.
Optical sensor manufacturer pyroScience GmbH has introduced new insertable miniprobes for measuring oxygen, pH and temperature in semi-solid samples, as well as microfluidics sensor capability. The company specializes in delivering scientific instrumentation for laboratories and underwater science.
Honda Marine Europe has awarded Saltwater, a BLUE Communications agency and marine communications specialist, the task to build brand profile across the leisure marine market using multi-channel PR campaigns and stakeholder engagement, assisting boat shows and dealers across Europe – driving the power behind the brand’s revolutionary outboard zero-emission engines.
PyroScience GmbH, a leading provider of optical pH, oxygen and temperature sensors is taking a holiday break from 22nd December 2025 to 2nd January 2026. PyroScience continues to develop sensor solutions for marine and laboratory environments - recently with microfluidics products as well as insertable miniprobes - making this time away an opportunity to advance sensor development even further.
Bartington Instruments has increased its portfolio of advanced magnetic sensing technologies through new product launches and strategic partnerships, reinforcing its position as a market leader. The UK manufacturer unveiled new compact digitizer products while expanding its optically pumped magnetometer range - meeting rising demand for applications including maritime surveillance, defence and scientific research.
Already this week, DP World announced a $5 billion investment in India; launched its Atlas Fresh Produce Service from Morocco to UK and Europe; and began operations at Tartus Port in Syria. All strategic expansion in key trade lanes and with an eye on responsible logistics.
US and China trade officials struck an historic trade deal to suspend port fees to retaliate starting November 10, 2025, to the delight of maritime operators. There appeared some relief after hundreds of massive containers were disrupted spanning months to have reached a turning point recently, as charges could be increased without congressional families.
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.
Atlantic LNG spot charter rates jumped sharply from mid to late November as winter fundamentals continued to tighten, crossing above $110,000 per day. A further hike was seen as a result of growing US LNG exports, increasing floating storage costs, seasonal demand growth and shipowners moving Pacific vessels to take advantage of tightening spreads between basins.
LNG charter rates crossed $100,000/day for the first time since early 2024 in mid-November on the back of increased supply, greater need for floating storage capacity and seasonal winter demand. Container ship charter rates continued to fall across most sizes of vessel at this time.