Weekly International Logistics Highlights (Week of May 23, 2025)

1. Yang Ming Reconsiders Megamax Orders
Yang Ming plans to expand its fleet to 1.3 million TEUs by 2032 and is now open to ordering 20,000 TEU Megamax vessels. The current largest ships in its fleet are 15,000 TEU. The carrier has recently ordered methanol-ready 8,000 TEU vessels and is building five 15,500 TEU ships, expected for delivery in 2026.

2. KMTC Returns to Trans-Pacific Trade After 40 Years
Korea’s KMTC is re-entering the Trans-Pacific route in partnership with SeaLead and TS Lines. It becomes the third Korean carrier on this trade lane, following HMM and Sinokor.

3. CMA CGM Acquires Air Belgium Cargo Operations
French giant CMA CGM has acquired the cargo division of Air Belgium, retaining 124 jobs (including 72 pilots). The move strengthens CMA CGM’s integrated air freight services across Europe.

4. MSC Expands into Ukraine’s Logistics Sector
MSC’s logistics arm MEDLOG has acquired a 50% stake in Ukrainian intermodal operator N’UNIT and 25% of the Mostyska terminal, extending its inland logistics footprint in Eastern Europe.

5. Suez Canal Authority Offers Fee Discounts
Starting May 15, container vessels of 130,000+ net tons will receive an automatic 15% discount on Suez Canal transit fees. This applies to both loaded and ballast transits for 90 days.

6. Hapag-Lloyd Announces Rate Increases
From May 28, a $500 GRI will apply to shipments from Asia/Oceania to Pakistan. FAK rates for Far East–Europe routes will increase starting June 1, covering dry, reefer, and high cube containers.

7. DP World Invests $760M to Expand in Latin America
DP World will invest $760 million to expand the Caucedo Port in the Dominican Republic and develop 555 acres into a Free Trade Zone. The group also continues major port upgrades in Mozambique, the Philippines, and Singapore.

8. ONE Upgrades Transpacific Services with New PS5 Route
Ocean Network Express (ONE) launches a new PS5 service (Qingdao–Ningbo–Long Beach, etc.) starting June 5. PS4 and PS6 services will be adjusted accordingly to optimize port coverage.