Record orders for containerships
For the first time in history, the global orderbook for containerships has exceeded 10 million teu, according to data from Linerlytica. New orders over the past year have pushed the total to 10.4 million teu, equivalent to 32% of the global fleet, the highest level since 2010. Alphaliner recalls that previous records stood at 7.19 million teu in July 2022 and 7.12 million in June 2008. The last time the order-to-fleet ratio crossed this threshold, between 2004 and 2009, the industry endured a decade of overcapacity. Linerlytica also notes that a further one million teu is under negotiation, which could bring the total to 11 million.
The containership Marie Maersk resumes its journey after fire incident
After nearly two weeks of emergency on board due to a container fire, the Marie Maersk, a vessel with a capacity of over 19,000 teu, has resumed sailing without visible damage. Maersk confirmed that the blaze was contained thanks to the intervention of external teams and the arrival of firefighting equipment off the African coast. On 13 August smoke was detected from several containers, forcing the ship to remain anchored for a week off Liberia. The Marie Maersk then moved to Ivory Coast, where it was supplied with additional safety equipment. Following an inspection conducted with the competent authorities, the decision was taken to allow the vessel to resume its eastbound route via the Cape of Good Hope. The final destination is still under review, with the possibility of an intermediate stop to deal with damaged containers. Maersk confirmed that navigation systems and machinery were not compromised and that the ship is stable. Firefighting teams will remain on board during the voyage to ensure safety until arrival at port.
Cma Cgm commissions ten containerships in China
French carrier Cma Cgm has reportedly selected Chinese state-owned Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co to build up to ten new-generation containerships. The investment, estimated at around 2.1 billion dollars, involves 22,000 teu dual-fuel units capable of running on both LNG and conventional marine fuel. The decision comes despite the group, led by chairman and chief executive Rodolphe Saadé, pledging to expand its US-flagged fleet in support of the American maritime sector.
South Africa opens freight railway network to private operators
South Africa is opening its freight railway network to private operators, marking a key step in the sector’s reform. The decision comes as state-owned Transnet faces falling volumes and operational difficulties. Transport minister Barbara Creecy announced that 11 of 25 applicants have met the requirements for access and will now move to the contractual phase. Among them is local firm Grindrod. The new operators will be allocated slots across 41 routes and six main corridors, focusing mainly on coal, minerals, sugar, fuels and containers. Contracts will last from one to ten years and will require safety permits and port capacity. The government expects that from 2026/2027 private operators could move an additional 20 million tonnes a year, contributing to the target of 250 million tonnes by 2029. In 2023/2024, Transnet carried 152 million tonnes, far below the 226 million recorded in 2017/2018. The state has already pledged 149 billion rand to relaunch the group, which is seeking a further 35 billion for infrastructure.
Korean Air orders eight Boeing 777-8Fs
Korean Air has signed an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of eight new 777-8F freighters, with the first deliveries expected in 2028. The South Korean carrier also plans to expand its fleet with twenty 777-9s, 25 787-10s and fifty 737-10s. “This agreement represents a crucial step in our fleet modernisation strategy and in the future of the merged company with Asiana,” said president and CEO Walter Cho. Boeing began production of the 777-8F in August 2025 and has secured 59 orders since the programme was launched in 2022, with Qatar Airways as its launch customer. The most recent order before this came from China Airlines for four aircraft.
Agreement for two new customs zones in Suez
The Suez Canal Economic Zone has signed agreements to develop two container customs zones at the northern and southern ends of the canal. Partners in the initiative include the Arab Organization for Industrialization, Egyptian firm United Egy Group and Turkish companies Sigma Logistics & Containers and Logi Trade. The four parties will establish the joint venture Sigma Egypt, which will manage the sites covering a total of 100,000 square metres. The facilities will be dedicated to the storage, handling and repair of containers carrying goods subject to customs regulations. The overall investment amounts to 4.2 million dollars. The first 50,000 square metre site will be located in El Qantara, fifty kilometres south of Port Said, while the second, of the same size, will be developed in Sokhna on the Gulf of Suez.
Bridges Air Cargo takes delivery of first Embraer E190
Bridges Air Cargo has taken delivery of its first Embraer E190 freighter, becoming the world’s first operator of the model. The announcement came on 22 August through a LinkedIn post in which the Maltese carrier said it had started the onboarding process for the aircraft, owned by US lessor Regional One. The company described the delivery as a milestone in its growth path, stressing that the E190F will provide greater efficiency, flexibility and reliability in serving customers including FedEx, Dhl and Ups. A second aircraft is expected soon. The model is already certified by Easa, the Faa and Brazil’s Anac.
Rhenus to lead Rhône Modal Shift consortium
Rhenus Logistics will lead the Rhône Modal Shift consortium, which has been awarded a 25-year concession to manage the inland ports of Vienne Sud and Portes-lès-Valence. The concession follows a tender organised by Compagnie Nationale du Rhône. The two ports are located south of Lyon, in the heart of France’s main economic region. The consortium aims to double freight volumes carried by rail and inland waterway, supporting modal shift in the Rhône Valley.
Agl and Digital Africa join forces for African start-ups
Africa Global Logistics (Agl), controlled by Msc and formerly part of the Bolloré group, has signed an agreement with French incubator Digital Africa to support African start-ups in the transport, logistics and manufacturing sectors. Digital Africa is itself a subsidiary of Proparco, part of the Afd, the French development agency. The partnership has been formalised through Agl’s Yiri Innovation Centre. The hub has already launched the Accelerate programme, which concluded in May 2025 and supported four start-ups by granting access to a network of 32 partners and pilot projects within the group. Outcomes include the introduction of the digital legal assistant Alia, partnerships with Eazy Chain in maritime logistics, support for Papss in local currency payments and the development of Tambour, a mobile laundry service.
