Reefer trade in decline

The re-routing of mainline vessels via the Cape of Good Hope has led to a significant downturn in vessel call capacity at East and Central Mediterranean hub ports.

WorldCargo News had an insightful conversation with Captain Hemant Gupta, Principal Consultant at Drewry Maritime Advisors, and leader of the ESG advisory team, shedding light on the potential impact of automated ships on port operations and handling equipment.

The Port of Colombo is experiencing a notable surge in transshipment volumes amid heightened cargo flows to and from the Middle East due to disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis.

Drewry has underscored the continued robustness of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity within the port and terminal sector, with three potential deals emerging as focal points of industry attention.

Cold chains have come under enormous pressure over the past four years, with operators and customers alike hoping for a more normal trading environment in 2024.

While the majority of terminal concessions are extended or renewed with their incumbent operators, there is a noticeable increase in the number that are expiring and being retendered by port authorities.