EU duties curb Chinese air cargo
In September 2026, the tonnage of low-value e-commerce goods flown from China to the European Union fell by 50% compared with the same month in 2025, following declines of 29% in July and 40% in August. Aevean links the contraction to the flat-rate duty introduced on 1 July for small consignments worth less than €150, charged at €3 per product category. Since 1 November, an EU customs handling fee of €2 per product type has also applied to distance sales from third countries. Preliminary WorldACD figures for October also highlight weakness on the route: total air cargo volumes from mainland China and Hong Kong to Europe fell by 17% year on year, while global volumes grew by 6%. However, these figures cover a different market segment and do not measure e-commerce alone. Meanwhile, operators report a shift from small consignments flown directly to consumers towards consolidated imports, including by sea, and distribution from European warehouses.
MSC orders four new car carriers
Global Car Carriers, the Norwegian company controlled by MSC, continues to expand its fleet, ordering four more vehicle carriers and taking its newbuilding orderbook to 26 vessels. Each of the four pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) will have capacity for 8,600 vehicles and dual-fuel propulsion capable of running on liquefied natural gas. The order has been split between two Chinese shipyards: Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard will build two vessels for delivery in 2030, while China Merchants Weihai will build the other two, due for delivery by 2031. The value of the order has not been disclosed. With these additions, Global Car Carriers’ newbuilding programme has a combined capacity of 217,200 vehicles, comprising 22 ships with 8,600 spaces each and four with 7,000. The company’s orderbook reached 20 newbuildings in September 2026, rising to 22 in October. The expansion follows MSC Group’s acquisition of Gram Car Carriers in 2024. Previously listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the company was subsequently delisted and renamed Global Car Carriers in early 2026.
Electric container ship for Shandong
China’s Shandong Marine Corporation has taken delivery of Turing, a fully electric 206 TEU container ship intended for services between Shandong’s port areas. The vessel is expected to enter service on the Dagang–Qianwan route within the port of Qingdao by the end of 2026. Built by Hubei Jiangrun Shipbuilding, it measures 71.8 metres in length and 20.6 metres in width, with a deadweight of around 3,000 tonnes and total propulsion power of 900 kW. Its power system combines shoreside charging with the swapping of containerised batteries. The design incorporates remote control, autonomous navigation functions and equipment diagnostics. The project partners have applied for the additional CCS R1 notation, which provides for control from a remote station with seafarers on board to monitor operations and intervene. After Qingdao, the plan envisages extending services to Dongjiakou, Rizhao and other coastal ports in Shandong.
Hyundai explores nuclear-powered car carrier
Hyundai Glovis and Liberty Global Logistics have signed a memorandum to assess the use of a nuclear-powered car carrier between South Korea and the United States. Signed on 30 September 2026 in Jericho, New York State, the agreement covers the technical, regulatory and commercial conditions for the service. Hyundai Glovis will examine the Korean side, while its US partner will handle the American side, initially focusing on West Coast ports. The companies will also consider shipyards, the vessel’s flag and classification. The project follows approval in principle granted in June for a vehicle carrier design featuring a molten salt reactor: a preliminary assessment that does not constitute authorisation to build or operate the vessel. As of 12 November, no orders, selected ports or service launch dates had been announced. Port access, safety, insurance and the economic viability of commercial operations remain to be determined.
