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How Did the Global Port Sector Perform in the First Half of 2025?

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The first half of 2025 delivered positive numbers for much of the international maritime trade. According to the latest report from Alphaliner, the world’s Top 30 container ports showed solid performance, with a notable recovery on the U.S. West Coast, rapid growth across Asia and India, and early signs of improvement in Europe.

Below, we break down the main trends and results that shaped the port sector from January to June 2025.

U.S. West Coast: Back in the Spotlight

The Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) port complex had its best first half since 2022, with year-over-year growth of 7.5%, reaching 9.7 million TEUs. Reduced congestion and the Red Sea crisis helped it gain ground over the East Coast.

Meanwhile, New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ) handled 4.4 million TEUs, a 4.9% increase. Although both coasts saw a July surge due to potential tariff threats, LA/LB outpaced its Atlantic counterparts in growth rate.

 

Asia Leads the Charge: Strong Growth in China, Malaysia, and India

Malaysia

Tanjung Pelepas Port recorded the highest percentage growth among the Top 30, with a 15.4% increase. Operated by PTP (MMC Corp + APM Terminals), the terminal has become a hub for the new Gemini Cooperation alliance, now handling 60% of its total volumes.

India

Jawaharlal Nehru/Nhava Sheva Port grew by 15.2% to 3.87 million TEUs, driven by the opening of Phase 2 at Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals (BMCT), which added 2.4 million TEUs of capacity.

Mundra Port has yet to publish Q2 figures, but its operator, APSEZ, reported a 20% year-on-year increase.

China

China maintained its global lead with 170 million TEUs moved in six months, growing 6.9% despite U.S. tariffs of up to 145%.

  • Shenzhen led national growth (+10.8%)

  • Ningbo-Zhoushan also performed strongly (+9.9%)

  • Shanghai remains the world’s busiest port (27 million TEUs, +6.1%)

     Together, China’s top 10 ports accounted for over half of the total volume in the Top 30.

Europe: Signs of Recovery After Difficult Years

Hamburg Port (Germany) saw a 9.3% increase, moving 4.2 million TEUs after years of decline. Growth was driven by trade with the Far East (+10.7%) and the Baltic Sea (+20.8%). The port also saw an uptick in large vessel calls:

  • Vessel calls over 10,000 TEUs: +50%

  • Vessels over 24,000 TEUs: +30%

Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium) climbed the rankings, overtaking Hong Kong for the first time, thanks to 3.7% growth.

Declines: Hong Kong and Kaohsiung Lose Ground

Despite widespread growth, some ports continued to slip:

  • Hong Kong fell 3.4%, dropping from 11th to 15th place

  • Kaohsiung (Taiwan) declined 2.2%

Both ports have seen a steady decline in relevance compared to more modern or better-connected regional competitors.

 

Ranking: Top 10 Container Ports – First Half of 2025

Rank Port Country TEUs (M) Growth %
1 Shanghai China 27.06 +6.1%
2 Singapore Singapore 21.71 +7.2%
3 Ningbo-Zhoushan China 21.05 +9.9%
4 Shenzhen China 17.23 +10.8%
5 Qingdao China 16.38 +7.8%
6 Guangzhou China 13.64 +7.7%
7 Busan South Korea 12.68 +3.5%
8 Tianjin China 12.25 +3.1%
9 Los Angeles/Long Beach USA 9.70 +7.5%
10 Dubai UAE 7.77 +6.0%

 

A Semester of Recovery and Strategic Realignment

The first half of 2025 confirms a global reconfiguration of maritime trade:

  • The U.S. West Coast ports are regaining strength

  • China and Asia are solidifying their leadership

  • Europe is beginning to bounce back after years of decline

Adaptation to new trade routes, the search for greater efficiency, and the influence of geopolitical factors—like tariffs and the Red Sea crisis—are reshaping the global logistics map.

Want to stay updated on maritime trade and port trends?

Visit our blog and get the most comprehensive insights on ports, logistics, and global transportation.

 

Maritime Freight Rates Continue to Fall Despite New Trade Agreements

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Maritime freight rates from China and Europe to the U.S. have dropped by up to 59% since June. But why new trade deals are failing to stabilize the market? 

Can Trade Agreements Save the Shipping Industry?

Not for now.

The ocean container shipping industry continues to face steep rate declines, despite recent trade agreements signed by the United States with key partners such as the European Union and China. According to the latest analysis by ocean freight intelligence platform Xeneta, diplomatic efforts have so far failed to revive a market in steady decline.

Major Rate Drops on Key Routes

Since June 1:

  • Container rates from China to the U.S. West Coast have plummeted by 59%, now sitting at USD 2,268 per FEU (40ft container). 
  • Rates to the U.S. East Coast have dropped 43%, reaching USD 3,796 per FEU. 
  • Even typically more stable routes, such as North Europe to the U.S. East Coast, have seen a 5% drop since June and a 25% decline since January, now at USD 2,000 per FEU.

Trade Agreements: Symbolic Rather Than Effective

According to Xeneta Senior Analyst Emily Stausbøll, the current trade agreements do not provide significant support to the sector:

“A 15% tariff on imports from the EU is not good news for carriers—it’s just not as bad as it could have been.”

The “Cargo Rush” Effect Has Faded

In April and May, many importers front-loaded their shipments to take advantage of a brief dip in rates. That short-lived bubble has since burst, and rates are falling again—particularly on Asia-to-America routes.

Capacity Cuts: An Insufficient Strategy

Carriers are attempting to reduce capacity on key U.S.-bound routes, but they face a larger challenge: an oversized global container fleet.

Although some companies reported record profits in previous years, they are now facing a completely different outlook.

Market Indicators in the Red

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell by 3.3% last week, marking six consecutive weeks of decline.

Projections indicate continued imbalance between supply and demand through the second half of 2025.

There is also uncertainty around:

  • The potential implementation of new U.S. sanctions on Chinese vessels (expected by October). 
  • The possible impact of future tariffs under Trump-era mandates. 

Will Rates Rise Again? Unlikely.

Despite attempts to introduce General Rate Increases (GRIs) on transpacific routes, the industry remains skeptical. Demand is still weak, and structural market conditions do not support a quick recovery.

Recent trade agreements have not been enough to stop the global decline in maritime freight rates. Oversupply, soft demand, and political uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on an industry that no longer enjoys the post-pandemic boom years.

For more maritime industry insights, visit our blog or follow us on LinkedIn.

 

Image by Rimidolove / Envato License

GP Nauticals at the Global Freight Summit 2024

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GP Nauticals proudly participated in the Global Freight Summit 2024, an event that brings together industry leaders and visionaries to explore solutions redefining global trade. This year, our presence highlighted not only our commitment to innovation but also our active pursuit of strategic alliances that drive efficiency and sustainability across the CALA (Central America and Latin America) and U.S. markets.

Investing in People and Technology

One of the event’s most inspiring moments was the keynote address, “Boosting Global Growth for Shared Prosperity,” by Jim Yong Kim, the 12th President of the World Bank, who emphasized:

“For faster economic growth, invest in infrastructure and education. The most valuable investment is in people.”

This call to prioritize human capital deeply resonates with our mission. At GP Nauticals, we firmly believe that empowering people and establishing fundamental systems—such as the digitalization of logistics processes—are essential to sustainable development.

Driving Digital Transformation

During the panel “Funding New Roads – Financing Future Trade,” Jonathan Beard, Partner at EY Infrastructure Advisory, underscored the importance of digitalization in global trade. He highlighted how modernizing cargo, shipping, and trade documents not only reduces costs and time but also unlocks greater operational volumes.

In line with this, GP Nauticals is leading the charge with our Integrity AIMS solution:

  • Secure digital management: Simplifying document handling with transparency and reliability.
  • Supply chain efficiency: Enabling stakeholders to adopt advanced technological standards.

Our vision is clear: to transform global logistics with tools that foster connectivity and trust.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

Our advanced technologies, such as tracking systems and decentralized data management solutions, are revolutionizing the sector.

Additionally, we are taking a pivotal step towards a strategic partnership with Searates by DP World, a move that strengthens our goal to enhance connectivity and efficiency in key markets.

The Future of Logistics Is Here

The Global Freight Summit 2024 reminds us that sustainable growth is achieved through investments in innovation, technology, and, most importantly, people.

At GP Nauticals, we remain committed to building a more agile, dynamic, and collaborative trade ecosystem. Let’s continue moving forward together toward a more connected future!

Increased Transit Capacity in the Panama Canal

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The Panama Canal, one of the most crucial and strategic infrastructures for global trade, has faced numerous challenges throughout its history. Among these, managing water levels in Gatun Lake has been one of the most significant. The recent news that water levels in Gatun Lake are higher than expected is a positive development, allowing the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to increase the draft and transit capacity of large vessels.

Increase in Canal Draft

Draft, which is the maximum allowable depth for ships passing through the canal, will increase in two phases. The first increase will be to 47 feet (14.33 meters) on June 26, followed by an additional increase to 48 feet (14.63 meters) on July 11. These increments are made possible by recent rains that have significantly improved water levels in the canal​​​​.

Increase in Transit Capacity in the Panama Canal

In addition to the draft increase, the ACP has announced an increase in the number of large ships (Neopanamax) that can transit the canal each day. Starting from August 5, the daily capacity will increase from 34 to 35 ships. This adjustment directly reflects improvements in water levels and the ACP’s commitment to optimizing canal operations​​​​.

The Panama Canal and its Recent Challenges

Since its opening in 1914, the Panama Canal has been fundamental to global trade, facilitating the passage of over 14,000 ships annually and significantly shortening navigation routes between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. However, it has faced significant challenges related to water resource management.

The meteorological phenomenon El Niño, which causes drought conditions, has been a major obstacle. In 2023, low water levels caused serious operational issues, reducing draft and limiting transit capacity. Unlike climate change, El Niño is a cyclical weather phenomenon that affects global weather conditions and has a direct impact on precipitation levels in the canal region​​​​.

Importance of Water Resource Management

Effective management of water resources is crucial for the continuous operation of the Panama Canal. Recent rains have provided significant relief, improving water levels and allowing greater operational flexibility for the canal. However, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) continues to work on long-term strategies to mitigate the effects of future El Niño events and other climatic challenges.

Economic Impact and Benefits of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is not only vital for global trade but also a major source of revenue for the country. Improvements in transit capacity and increased draft benefit shipping companies by reducing wait times and increasing efficiency. Moreover, they strengthen the Panamanian economy by boosting toll revenues.

Future of the Panama Canal

While recent improvements are a positive step, the canal has not yet fully recovered its total capacity. The normal draft of 50 feet remains the goal, and the ACP is committed to achieving this as conditions permit. Proactive planning and management will continue to be essential to address future challenges and ensure the Panama Canal’s role as a pillar of international maritime trade.

The recent news of higher water levels in Gatun Lake and the resulting increase in draft and transit capacity are encouraging developments for the Panama Canal. These changes not only reflect an improvement in current operational conditions but also underscore the importance of effective water resource management and the ability to adapt to climatic phenomena such as El Niño. As the canal continues to evolve and face new challenges, its success will depend on the ACP’s ability to listen, adapt, and continuously optimize operations for the benefit of global trade and the Panamanian economy.

For more news about logistics and maritime sector, visit our website.

Shipping Industry in 2024: How Shipping Lines Are Changing the Game

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Despite a quiet start to the year 2024 in the shipping industry, with stable spot rates and ample vessel space availability, April has proven to be a turning point. According to the latest reports, there has been an increase in demand aligned with a general rate increase (GRI) announcement by shipping lines of up to US$2,000. This increase suggests a strategy to incentivize the completion of remaining long-term contracts and could be indicative of a shortfall in minimum quantity commitments (MQCs) required of beneficial cargo owners (BCOs).

Jon Monroe, an analyst in the maritime port and logistics industry, points out that these tactics have positioned operators to achieve sustained increases in spot rates, paving the way for annual profitability against all previous forecasts.

Rate Dynamics in the Shipping Industry

Previously, lines had reduced spot rates during March and April, likely with the aim of maintaining container flow. With container bookings piling up in Asia and spot rates rising, the question arises of whether this trend will persist. “Spot rates have seen a significant increase, creating a significant disparity with long-term contract rates,” says Monroe. This increase is especially notable as of May 1, with average rates reaching US$4,400 for the US West Coast (USWC) and US$5,450 for the US East Coast (USEC).

Strategies for an Emerging Market

Shipping lines have adopted unprecedented strategies that are reshaping the industry landscape. MSC has made progress, showing substantial capacity and a 19% market share, while Maersk seeks to become the leading end-to-end logistics integrator. This shift in market dynamics suggests that innovation and adaptability will be key to remaining competitive.

Reflection on Alternative Strategies

To capitalize on this emerging environment, shipping lines could consider various strategies:

  • Service Diversification: Beyond cargo transport, lines can offer integrated services including logistics, storage, and supply chain management.
  • Technological Innovation: Investing in technologies that improve operational efficiency and customer experience, such as full process digitization and the use of artificial intelligence to optimize routes and loads.
  • Strategic Alliances: Forming partnerships with other companies to expand service networks and share resources, thereby reducing costs and increasing market coverage.

These strategies not only help companies adapt to market fluctuations but also prepare them to lead in a future where flexibility and innovation will be more crucial than ever.

Shipping lines are demonstrating notable resilience in the face of negative forecasts, quickly adapting to new market dynamics. As we move forward through the rest of 2024, it will be essential for these companies to continue exploring new strategies and innovative solutions to ensure not only profitability but also sustainable growth in the ever-changing shipping industry landscape.

For more insights on the shipping industry, visit our website.

Source: Mundo Marítimo

What can be expected for shipping in 2023?

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In the last three years, international trade has been affected by the decline in the shipping sector. Which is the main means of transporting cargo that has been affected throughout the supply chain, causing a rise in prices and triggering the so-called container crisis in different regions of the world.

 By 2023, this trend is expected to continue due to economic uncertainty and the different geopolitical conflicts, together with the reduction in the demand for Chinese manufacturing by the United States, which has caused China to cancel the departure of its ships to the USA and Europe. 

This also has a direct impact on Latin America, which has been affected by delivery times and container price increases.

 The shipping industry has been affected since around 2008 when the global economic crisis put its financial viability at risk. However, there have been other variables that have gradually had negative effects on the functioning of the supply chain; such as the increase in fuel and increased competition from both maritime and non-maritime companies with air and rail transport and the Covid-19 pandemic that came to aggravate the situation.

 This crisis has affected the financial position of shipping companies, which have been forced to adapt their operations to new scenarios that allow them to lower their costs, renew their services and become more autonomous. To this end, efforts are underway to revolutionize the industry with technological tools for digital transformation to help create smart ports that continue to operate even when there is a pandemic or the development of green fuels to help reduce the environmental impact of the industry.

 Efforts are aimed at investing in supply chains to make ports, maritime fleets, and connections more prepared for future crises. Improve their service offerings and stay in the game, making strategic changes and transforming a very traditional industry into opportunities for improvements with more efficient processes and full utilization of all its resources.

 

Logistics in times of expansion

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The growth and expansion of the different sectors around the world, are currently influenced by the economic ecosystem we are going through.

For some months, economic instability has been involved in the potential development of the different commercial sectors, which has generated other ways of recovery, to be able to weigh the imbalance left by the pandemic. 

One of the sectors that have had to look for other alternatives is the logistics systems, where both the shipping and aeronautical sectors are involved. 

Logistics operations globally are seeking to consolidate their bases to prevent events that may present themselves from generating crises within the transportation channels. 

That is why many not only seek to trade with new routes, they are looking to supply their distribution chains to overcome setbacks. New alliances are also essential to boost logistics operations. 

In an environment full of competition, the development of new technologies is necessary to make business meetings and achieve the necessary objectives to maintain quality standards in the development of aeronautical and maritime concessionaires. 

Technologies for the development of new opportunities…

Behind the logistics operations in seaports and airports, many processes must be followed for the functioning of the infrastructure. 

In this sense, one of the most important roles is the invoicing process. Manual logistics has become a tedious process, and in the middle of the technological universe, immediacy is vital to meet administrative commitments. 

Consequently, GP Nauticals and the SUITE AIMS were born, which offers an efficient solution for the collection processes, in the maritime and aeronautical sectors. 

This SUITE consists of several technological software that are integrated to obtain immediate results and that allows managing safely and simply, the payments of concessions and invoices that are generated within the maritime and aeronautical environment. 

PAY AIMS is one of our main collection software with which you can review your invoices and integrate different payment methods to manage them immediately. This way, you will be able to meet your requirements and optimize waiting times. 

 

Want to learn more about SUITE AIMS? Just go to our products section.