Global Container Index: +7%
10.12.2025
The global index for container shipping rose by 7%, reaching $1,927 per 40-foot container.
According to market analysts:
- after three consecutive weeks of decline — during which spot rates hit their lowest level since January 2025 — the market finally turned upward;
- several carriers shifted away from the traditional biweekly adjustments and adopted weekly GRI increases;
- instead of announcing large single hikes that quickly erode, carriers now apply smaller, incremental increases to maintain upward pressure on spot rates.
Drewry notes that this strategy has been effective so far, and rates are expected to remain stable over the coming week.
The Suez Canal Factor.
The ongoing uncertainty around Suez continues to increase volatility on Asia–Europe trades.
A full restoration of transit flows would add significant capacity back into the market and apply downward pressure on rates — though the effect is likely to be gradual, considering possible port congestion.
SCFI Down: –5.5 Points.
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) fell by 5.5 points, reaching 1397.
Key drivers behind the decline:
- the index reflects only China’s export market;
- demand has softened after the autumn peak;
- carriers are not withdrawing capacity, which leads to stagnating rates on the China–Europe and China–US routes and pushes the index lower.
Batu Ampar North Pier Moves to a Unified Operator Model
01.12.2025
Starting December 1, all operations at the North Pier of Batu Ampar Port (Batam, Indonesia) will be consolidated under a single operator. Management will be assumed by Batu Ampar Container Terminal (an ICTSI subsidiary) in partnership with Interport Mandiri Utama, with the involvement of Batam Terminal Petikemas, granting the group full port-operator rights and responsibilities.
According to ICTSI, unifying the operational structure will raise service standards, improve efficiency, and strengthen Batu Ampar Port’s position as a regional logistics hub. The North Pier is equipped with modern infrastructure, offering an annual capacity of 900,000 TEU, a 1,032-meter quay, 5 quay cranes, 12 RTGs, and 10 electric terminal tractors, with the fleet expected to expand to 25 units soon.
ICTSI notes that the transition to a single-operator model will help shorten vessel turnaround times and enhance overall service reliability.
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is a global port operator founded in 1988 in the Philippines. It is controlled by Filipino businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr. through the Razon Group.
Capital Clean Energy Carriers Continues Full Exit from the Container Shipping Market
24.11.2025
Capital Clean Energy Carriers (CCEC), listed on Nasdaq and controlled by Greek shipowner Evangelos Marinakis, has taken another major step in its strategic withdrawal from the container shipping sector. The company has agreed to sell Buenaventura Express — one of its two remaining container vessels (13,312 TEU, built 2023). The handover to the new owner is expected in Q1 2026.
The deal will generate approximately $4.4 million in accounting profit, with proceeds used to repay around $84.4 million in debt and support general corporate needs. The sale is fully aligned with CCEC’s long-term strategy to focus on LNG and next-generation energy carriers, leaving the container segment behind.
Since February 2024, CCEC has sold or contracted the sale of 14 container ships, generating roughly $814.3 million in total proceeds.
Once Buenaventura Express leaves the fleet, CCEC will retain just one neo-Panamax containership, operating under a long-term charter through 2033 with an option to extend to 2039.
Today the company operates a fleet of 14 vessels, including:
- 12 modern LNG carriers
- 2 container vessels (one already sold and awaiting delivery)
- Its orderbook includes 16 new LNG and gas carriers scheduled for delivery in 2026–2027.
About CCEC:
Capital Clean Energy Carriers was established as a dedicated energy-focused subsidiary of the Marinakis shipping group. The company has been rapidly transforming into a pure-play LNG and clean gas carrier operator, completing its gradual exit from container shipping.
Suez Canal Makes a Comeback: Shipping Giants Return After Two Years
06.11.2025
The Suez Canal is officially making waves again
After months of decline due to regional tensions, October marked the best month in two years for vessel transits through the canal. The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) reported a 10% rise in total tonnage between July and October, with more than 4,400 ships passing through — including 229 returning vessels last month alone.
To keep the momentum going, SCA Chairman Admiral Ossama Rabiee met with representatives from 20 major shipping companies to discuss the latest developments in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. His message? “We’re open — and ready to welcome you back.”
Among the highlights:
- CMA CGM has begun trial voyages with 17,000+ TEU ships and plans to increase traffic through the canal.
- MSC expects a swift return of southbound vessels soon.
- Evergreen and COSCO both confirmed readiness to resume full operations once conditions stabilize.
However, as Inchcape Shipping Agency noted, high marine insurance costs remain a key obstacle delaying some carriers’ return.
Still, optimism is rising — and the Suez Canal appears ready to reclaim its role as a vital artery for global trade.
India’s Seven Islands Shipping Expands Fleet with $44 Million Suezmax Purchase from Eastern Pacific Shipping
13.10.2025
India’s Seven Islands Shipping is continuing its fleet expansion strategy by acquiring a Suezmax-class tanker from Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), owned by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer.
According to shipbrokers, Seven Islands has purchased the “Brightway”, a 2012-built tanker constructed at Hanjin Subic Shipyard in the Philippines. The vessel, with a deadweight capacity of 160,000 tons, reportedly changed hands for over $44 million.
The acquisition reflects Seven Islands’ long-term strategy to expand and modernize its tanker fleet, strengthening its role in global crude oil transportation. The company continues to diversify its assets, focusing on mid-aged, efficient vessels that offer flexibility amid fluctuating oil demand.
The purchase of Brightway marks one of the largest transactions in India’s shipping sector in 2025, underscoring Seven Islands’ growing international ambitions in charter and tanker operations.
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Mumbai, Seven Islands Shipping Ltd. is one of India’s leading private tanker operators. The company specializes in crude oil and petroleum product transport, managing a fleet of over 20 vessels, and works closely with major state-owned companies such as Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum.