market News

Latest maritime market updates and reports

market February 18, 2026

Los Angeles Port Exports Plummet 8% Amid Trade Tensions

Exports from the Port of Los Angeles fell by 8% in January, reaching their lowest level in nearly three years, as reported by gCaptain. The decline is attributed to the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which have significantly affected trade with China, including an 80% drop in soybean shipments.

Port of Los Angeles (US)

gCaptain

Seatrade Maritime

market February 18, 2026

Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Could Disrupt Port of LA Operations

Seatrade Maritime reports that a Supreme Court ruling on tariff validity could lead to significant disruption at the Port of Los Angeles, as tariffs continue to impact its throughput. An economist warns that the decision could result in 'a whole lot of chaos' for the port operations.

Port of Los Angeles (US)

Seatrade Maritime

market February 18, 2026

Energy Transition Supports Dry Bulk Sector Amid Newbuild Challenges

Lithium ore, bauxite, and soybeans are providing some support to the dry bulk sector, as reported by Seatrade Maritime. However, the balance could be affected by newbuild deliveries and developments in the Red Sea.

Seatrade Maritime

Splash247

market February 18, 2026

DHT Opal Secures $90,000 Daily Rate on New Charter

DHT Holdings has chartered its 2012-built VLCC, DHT Opal, at a rate of $90,000 per day, highlighting the tightening conditions for large crude carriers, as reported by Splash247.

DHT Opal (VLCC)

Splash247

market February 18, 2026

Liberia's Iron Ore Boom to Boost Capesize Demand by 2026

Liberia's expansion in iron ore exports is anticipated to increase Capesize vessel employment by 2026, as reported by Splash247. This development is part of a shift from supramax and ultramax tonnage to larger vessels for key loadings, with Liberia emerging as a significant player in West African bulk growth. Braemar's analysis highlights this trend, which has previously focused on Guinea and Simandou.

Splash247

gCaptain

market February 17, 2026

Port of Los Angeles Sees 12% Drop in January TEU Volume Amid Tariff Woes

The Port of Los Angeles experienced a 12% decline in container volumes in January, processing 812,000 TEUs, as reported by gCaptain. This decrease is attributed to ongoing tariff uncertainties, with exports reaching their lowest monthly level in nearly three years.

Port of Los Angeles (US)

gCaptain

Seatrade Maritime

market February 17, 2026

CLdN Acquires Samskip's UK and Ireland Operations

CLdN has finalized a deal to acquire Samskip's UK and Ireland business, marking a significant move in the European shortsea sector, as reported by Seatrade Maritime. This acquisition follows a week of notable maritime transactions, including Hapag-Lloyd's acquisition of Zim.

Seatrade Maritime

market February 17, 2026

Hapag-Lloyd's $4.2B Acquisition of Zim Marks Industry Shift

Hapag-Lloyd's $4.2 billion acquisition of Zim is seen as a pivotal moment in the container shipping industry, marking the end of an era of consolidation as top carriers compete for market share, according to Seatrade Maritime. This significant deal highlights the ongoing strategic maneuvers among leading shipping companies.

Seatrade Maritime

market February 17, 2026

Oldendorff Carriers Secures Major Freight Deal with Emsteel

Oldendorff Carriers has signed a five-year agreement with UAE-based Emsteel to transport 25 million tonnes of iron ore pellets, as reported by Seatrade Maritime. The deal, valued at AED600 million ($163 million), highlights a significant collaboration in the dry bulk shipping sector.

Seatrade Maritime

Splash247

market February 17, 2026

Seaborne Grain Trade Hits Record High in 2025

Seaborne agricultural trade reached a record 716.5 million tonnes in 2025, marking a 1% increase from the previous year, as reported by Splash247. This growth is based on load dates and includes all cargoes and bulk carrier types, according to analysis from Ursa Shipbrokers.

Splash247