December 2025 marked an historic turning point in global ocean shipping as carriers gradually resumed Suez Canal transits after nearly one year of Cape of Good Hope diversion. CMA CGM launched regular eastbound services while Maersk promised 10-14 day transit time reductions; yet oversupply and weak demand continue pressurizing rates across major trade lanes.
Recent months have‚ heralded‚ a “sea change” in the mariner education sector with the introduction of digital assessment platforms, changes in simulator standards and the need to comply with new competencies needed for alternative fuels. Trends reported on include the UK’s MCA introducing trainee assessments on digital, simulators, DNV revising simulator standards and further changes in the corporate landscape aiming to increase the “quality of training globally."
APM Terminals announced in November 2025 substantial infrastructure projects across different regions, including a $550 million greenfield terminal in Bangladesh and a $131 million berth expansion in Mobile Alabama that will help support ongoing capacity expansion.
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.