Shipping

Julius Baer assesses that oil prices above $100 per barrel do not match market realities, citing stable global inventories, robust Middle East exports, and easing shipping costs.

iPhones and luxury goods were seen floating in the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, amid a sharp escalation in maritime strikes aimed at influencing global oil prices.

Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to a two-month low following a surge in attacks on oil tankers, prompting producers to shift exports to alternative routes.

ZIM raised its 2026 financial outlook, projecting adjusted EBITDA of $2.7-3 billion and EBIT of $1.4-1.7 billion, driven by strong demand and freight rates.

Egypt's Suez Canal is seeing a 54.2% surge in net tonnage for the first eight months of 2026, signaling a gradual recovery in revenues and traffic after years of Red Sea disruptions.

Zim's board of directors rejected the Government Companies Authority's demand to reopen discussions on its $4.2 billion acquisition by Hapag-Lloyd and the FIMI Fund, maintaining that post-deal operational updates do not require fresh approvals.

Iran is launching weekly drone and missile attacks against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting vessels while strategic negotiations remain deadlocked.

Zim workers' committee chairman Oren Caspi urged Israeli ministers to block the $4.2 billion sale of Zim to Hapag-Lloyd, citing severe risks to national security, operational continuity, and the company's independence.

An oil tanker exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after allegedly striking a naval mine, as regional diplomatic talks aimed at reopening the strategic waterway were abruptly postponed.

An Israeli official warns that Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait poses severe global risks, threatening 20% of container traffic and daily oil supplies.

Houthi control of the Red Sea coast threatens to severely escalate maritime disruptions in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, replacing costly missiles with direct anti-tank tactics.

Rising conflict in Yemen and Bab al-Mandeb threatens global oil routes, pushing Brent crude to $105 a barrel and straining alternative shipping corridors.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted amid Middle East geopolitical tensions, with only seven vessels crossing on Wednesday. The sharp decline raises deep concerns across global energy and financial markets.

The Shipping and Ports Authority demands that ministers use the state's golden share to impose an immediate veto on the deal with the German company, while a number of government ministries have already expressed firm opposition.

Ray Shipping has ordered about 10 Chinese-made ships with a capacity of over 8,500 vehicles each. Xiaomi is expected to start exporting its cars to Europe in 2027, and Horizon Motors is launching Chinese FAW trucks in Israel. This week in the automotive industry.

While the fate of the ZIM sale remains undecided, new CEO Chen Lichtenstein is bringing a more open management style to the shipping company, contrasting with his predecessor Eli Glickman. ZIM's second-quarter reports show a return to profitability.

The shipping company reported $1.78 billion in revenue and a net profit of $64 million, marking a significant improvement from the $24 million recorded in the same quarter last year.

Chinese company "Sea Legend" has launched a weekly container service through the Arctic Ocean. The route shortens shipping times between China and the UK, bypassing the troubled Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

High fuel prices, melting glaciers at the poles, and tensions in the Middle East have opened a faster route for cargo ships through the Arctic Ocean. China is the first to launch a regular freight service on it, and experts predict rapid growth.

According to a report in "Aram News", Washington has offered Tehran a monthly outline: opening the Strait of Hormuz to free navigation without fees in exchange for easing the blockade, releasing funds, or easing sanctions. Pakistan is mediating in an attempt to turn the proposal into a temporary arrangement.

The container was confiscated on one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, which connects China to the West. "Any attempt to export goods to Israel - directly or indirectly - contrary to the law and government regulations, will be dealt with severely," threatened the local border guard.

The emerging agreement between Tehran and Oman may restore shipping in the strait - but will grant Iran oversight and transit fees. Iran warned against "interference by third parties" - a clear hint at Washington - which rushed to offer a quid pro quo conditional on the implementation of the plan.

The plan being developed between Iran and Oman will allow Tehran to intervene in ship traffic and collect a toll for passage. Shipping companies warn that a transit fee could create a precedent that would undermine the rules of freedom of navigation in international straits.

An agreement between Tehran and Oman may restore shipping in the strait – but at the cost of Iranian oversight and the possibility of transit fees. In Washington, they warn that recognizing state control over an international shipping lane is a worrying development.

Maritime incident off the Russian coast: 22 crew members were evacuated after a fire broke out on a ship hit by a drone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara warns against the ongoing targeting of civilian vessels.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cargo ship was struck by an unidentified missile in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was located 37 kilometers northeast of Al-Khasab.

Dr. Yigal Maor, former Director of the Shipping and Ports Authority, has published an expert opinion supporting the establishment of the "New ZIM". He argues that the deal represents a strategic upgrade rather than a threat to national interests.

With the establishment of new ports, the Israel Ports Company (IPC) installed a Cold Ironing system to allow docked ships to switch off diesel engines. However, due to a lack of regulation and economic incentives, shipping companies rarely use the infrastructure.

The issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved: Iran has rejected Oman's compromise proposal for a joint regional mechanism to regulate ship traffic. Tehran insists that shipping lanes must pass through its territorial waters and has threatened to keep the strait completely closed if its demands are not met.

The Skims international website has discontinued shipping to Israel. Shoppers are now redirected to the local site, where prices are often 17%-60% higher, though the platform now offers free shipping and no additional VAT on orders over 75 dollars.

Opening the strait is a central component of the US exit strategy from the war. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb infrastructure in Iran if the attacks continue. A European diplomat noted: "The Americans are looking for a way out of the crisis and want our help."