Port congestion and terminal operations
Congestion rarely starts at the quay. It starts with a bunching of arrivals, a labour dispute inland, or a terminal system outage — and it ends with waiting time that nobody budgeted. Berth productivity and hinterland connections matter more to a schedule than vessel speed.
Durban and Cape Town port updates for 21-22 September 2026
Africa Ports provides latest ship movements for Durban, Cape Town, and Saldanha ports - details on ship positions, arrivals, and expected ETAs.
US House Votes to Overturn California's At-Berth Shore Power Rule
The US House of Representatives has passed legislation to overturn California’s shore power requirement, setting up a Senate vote and highlighting.
Gigamax 27,500‑TEU ships poised to redefine container capacity by the 2030s
Alphaliner’s revived gigamax concept predicts vessels of about 27 500 TEU, marginal fuel penalties and modest port upgrades could make them viable.
Gigamax 27 500‑TEU ships poised to reshape container fleet in the 2030s
Alphaliner’s revived gigamax concept could lift flagship capacity by roughly 40 % without major port upgrades, answering whether ultra‑large vessels will.
Russia ships first crude from Vostok Oil project through Arctic
Rosneft begins shipments via new Sever Bay terminal, marking milestone in Russian Arctic oil exports.
Calibration Services for Ships – What, When and How to Choose
This article explains exactly what ship‑borne calibration services include, the regulatory and operational moments that trigger them, and how to pick.
Choosing and Managing Gangway Services for Ship Access
This guide explains what gangway services cover, when vessels need them, how to vet providers, the typical delivery process and three practical tips.
Underwater Inspection for Ships – What to Expect and How to Choose a Provider
A ship operator’s guide to underwater inspections: scope, timing, provider selection, process steps and three practical tips for reliable results.
Towage Services – How Operators Choose the Right Provider
A detailed guide for ship operators and technical superintendents on what towage covers, when it’s needed, how to vet providers, and three actionable tips.
Port Agency Services for Ship Operators
Learn about port agency services, selection criteria, and best practices. Essential for smooth vessel operations.
Ship Supply Services: A Comprehensive Guide for Operators
Learn what ship supply services entail, when to engage them, and how to select a reliable provider. Essential for operators and technical superintendents.
Mooring Equipment Services for Ships
Discover what mooring equipment services entail, when you need them, and how to choose the right provider. Essential for ship operators and technical superintendents.
Maritime Welding Services: What Operators Need to Know
Find out when a vessel needs welding, what tasks are covered, how to vet class‑approved contractors and the typical workflow, plus three practical tips.
Spare‑Parts Logistics for Ships – Choosing the Right Service Provider
Learn what ship‑to‑shore spare‑parts logistics covers, when you’ll need it and how to vet a provider against class rules, certifications and hidden risks.
Dry Dock Planning for Ship Operators – Choosing the Right Service Provider
Learn what dry‑dock planning entails, when a vessel truly needs it, how to vet providers by class approval and red flags, plus a step‑by‑step workflow.
Tank cleaning for tankers – what, when and how to choose the right contractor
This article explains exactly what a full‑scale tank‑cleaning service covers, when a vessel must book it, and which certifications and red flags matter.
Fuel Treatment Services for Ships – What Operators Must Know
Find out when a vessel requires fuel treatment, what the service entails, how to vet providers and avoid costly pitfalls.
Oily Water Separator Services – Choosing the Right Provider for Your Vessel
This article explains what an oily‑water separator (OWS) service covers, when a ship must have it done, and how to pick a reputable provider.
Exhaust‑Gas Cleaning Services – How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Vessel
This guide explains when a ship needs exhaust‑gas cleaning, what the service covers, how to vet providers and three practical tips to avoid costly re‑work.
Maritime Automation Service for Ship Operators
Discover essential services, selection criteria, and practical tips to optimize your vessel’s automation.
Switchboard Maintenance & Repair – A Decision Guide for Ship Operators
Discover what a full switchboard service covers, when it becomes essential, and how to pick a compliant provider with the right certifications, class.
Selecting the Right Generator Service Provider for Commercial Vessels
A practical guide for ship operators and technical superintendents on what generator services cover, when they’re required, and how to vet providers.
MB Energy Bunkers Cruise Ship Mein Schiff 7 With Methanol at Port of Kiel
MB Energy has delivered renewable methanol to TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 7 in a truck-to-ship bunkering trial at the Port of Kiel.
Steering‑gear services for ship operators – what, when and how to choose
A practical guide that explains the scope of steering‑gear maintenance, identifies triggers for service, and shows how to evaluate a provider’s.
Turbo‑charger Maintenance for Marine Engines – Choosing the Right Service Partner
This article explains what marine turbo‑charger service entails, when a ship should plan it, how to vet providers and three actionable tips for reliable performance.
Ship Boiler Maintenance & Repair: Choosing the Right Service Partner
Learn what boiler services entail, when a ship requires them, how to evaluate providers and three practical tips for reliable operation.
Titan and Sogestran Agree Long-Term Charter for New LNG Bunker Vessel
Titan Clean Fuels has signed a long-term deal with Sogestran Group for a new 6,000 cbm LNG bunker vessel serving the Western Mediterranean.
Contecon Manzanillo clears way for ultra‑large container vessels up to 15.5 m draft
The article explains how ICTSI’s Mexican unit has obtained approval for ships up to 400 m long and 24 000 TEU, detailing the terminal’s new capability.
Contecon Manzanillo cleared to berth ultra‑large container ships
The ICTSI‑operated terminal at Mexico’s Pacific gateway has secured approval for vessels up to 400 m long, 15.
Choosing a Service Provider for Used Construction Machines on Board
This guide explains what services for used construction machines entail, when vessels need them, how to vet providers and three practical tips.
German‑Made Agricultural Machinery on Vessels – Service Guide for Ship Operators
Learn what maintenance, approvals and red flags matter when choosing a provider for German agricultural machines aboard ships, plus a step‑by‑step process.
Reading Maritime Labels – Service Scope, When Needed & Choosing the Right Provider
A clear guide for ship operators and technical superintendents on what maritime label‑reading services cover, when they are essential, how to vet.
Importing German Marine Machinery – What Operators Need to Know
Find out what importing German marine machinery entails, how to vet a service provider and avoid costly pitfalls for your vessel's reliability.
KfW IPEX‑Bank backs two 44,000 dwt methanol dual‑fuel bulkers
Germany’s KfW IPEX‑Bank has earmarked financing for a pair of 44,000 dwt self‑unloading bulk carriers owned by Hartmann and CSL Group, confirming the push.
Gulf nations accelerate pipeline and port projects as Hormuz blockade tightens
This article explains how the six‑month virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz has spurred billions in new pipeline and port investments across Saudi.
Port of Houston’s cargo activity drives $987 bn U.S. economic impact in 2025
A new Martin Associates study quantifies the Houston Ship Channel’s contribution of $986.9 bn to the U.S. economy and 3.
Klaipėda Port launches first works on €1 bn southern expansion
Site preparation has begun on the Lithuanian harbour’s biggest development ever, with breakwater construction slated for autumn and an investment.
Fire engulfs bulk carrier Federal Welland at Cardiff port
A fire in the hold of the Marshall Islands‑registered bulk carrier Federal Welland ignited on August 25 while berthed at Cardiff’s Queen Alexandra Docks.
Durban Gateway Terminal faces operational crisis as Presidency steps in
The South African government intervenes after SAAFF declares an operational crisis at Durban’s key gateway terminal – this piece explains what triggered.
Yusen Terminals secures 30‑year lease extension at Port of Los Angeles until 2056
The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a new 30‑year lease for Yusen Terminals, paving the way for a US$200 million rollout.
Sempra’s Port Arthur LNG North project moves into federal permitting phase
Sempra Energy’s Port Arthur LNG unit has lodged a federal permit request for a 27 mtpa expansion, outlining four new trains and marine berths slated.
Global port congestion reaches new 4.3 million TEU record
Port Technology reports record 4.3 million TEU of idle container capacity, driven by East Asia storms and delays. Analysis follows.
Ningbo‑Zhoushan overtakes Singapore as world’s second‑busiest container hub
The Chinese gateway handled 22.9 million TEU in the first half of 2026, edging past Singapore by 160 000 TEU and reshaping global port rankings.
70 Vessels Queue Near Danube Canal for Ukrainian Grain
Up to 70 vessels are waiting to load grain near the Danube's Sulina Canal, causing delays in Ukrainian exports. This article details the current situation and its impact.
CMA CGM and RSGT Invest $434 Million in Jeddah Islamic Port Expansion
CMA CGM and Red Sea Gateway Terminal to develop new terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, adding 2.6 million TEUs of annual capacity.
Port of Tyne advances recovery after July vessel collision and pellet spill
The Port of Tyne has coordinated salvage, cargo handling and a plastic‑pellet clean‑up since the 19 July collision, keeping river traffic moving while.
Port of Tyne restores traffic after July collision and pellet spill
The north‑east terminal has cleared damaged containers, off‑loaded cargo from BG Orange and begun a plastic‑pellet clean‑up, keeping trade flowing despite.
Intra-Asia rates rise as conflict and weather disrupt trade
Intra-Asia container freight rates have recovered from a six-week decline, boosted by unrest in the Middle East and poor weather conditions, according.
Saudi offshore drilling rebounds as suspended rigs resume work
Arabian Drilling and ADES have both received notices to restart their idle offshore jackups, signalling a revival of activity across the Gulf after months.
Typhoon Dolphin fuels massive container backlog at Ningbo and Shanghai ports
The storm has left 2.4 m TEU stranded in Chinese harbours, prompting carriers to reshuffle Europe‑Asia services and trigger wider supply‑chain pressure.
Long Beach adds three zero‑emission measures to port cooperative pact
The Port of Long Beach’s board signed an addendum on 10 August, introducing a truck incentive, an enhanced ship index programme and a $20 million regional.
RSGT and CMA CGM seal $434m investment for Jeddah Terminal 4
The joint venture will add up to 2.6 million TEUs of capacity, featuring new deep‑water berths and ten ship‑to‑shore cranes, bolstering Saudi Arabia’s.
Ventspils Port Advances Major Green Ammonia Plant
Ventspils, Latvia, is set to host a €1.3 billion green ammonia facility. The project, by PurpleGreen Energy, aims to reduce emissions.
Woodside pushes Louisiana LNG terminal toward 2029 first cargo
Construction on Woodside’s $17.5 billion Louisiana export hub hits a new milestone, tightening the timeline for an inaugural cargo slated for 2029.
Operational crisis hits Durban Gateway Terminal amid widening bottlenecks
The Africa Ports & Ships briefing explains why SAAFF declared an operational crisis at Durban Gateway on 24 August 2026 and how the issue intertwines.
US Treasury sanctions ten Ecuadorian fishing vessels tied to cocaine trafficking
The United States has blocked a fleet of ten boats operating out of Manta, accusing them of moving thousands of kilos of cocaine each month for Mexican cartels.
Xin Xin Hai 1 makes historic container call at Murmansk via Northern Sea Route
Murmansk’s commercial sea port received its first container cargo from China when the 29,000‑dwt Xin Xin Hai 1 arrived via the Northern Sea Route.
Los Angeles ports deepen clean‑air pact, adding $20 m for zero‑emission drayage
The LA Harbor Commission’s August 13 2026 addendum expands incentives for ultra‑clean vessels and funds regional charging and fueling stations.
Ship finance services – what they cover, when you need them and how to pick the right
This guide explains ship‑finance scope, trigger events, selection criteria (class approval, certifications, red flags) and a step‑by‑step workflow.
Chartering Services for Ship Operators
Understand what chartering services entail, when your vessel needs them, and how to choose a reliable provider with certifications like DNV/ABS/LR.
Working on cases like these?
OceanSphere Marine turns hours, photos and findings into an invoice-ready service report before you leave the ship — including AI troubleshooting and a free library of 110,483 equipment models.
Other topics
Red Sea and Bab el-MandebPanama Canal transits and draft limitsSanctions and the shadow fleetDecarbonisation, EEXI and CIILNG, methanol and ammonia as marine fuelsCollisions, groundings and casualty reports
