Global Aperture

Air cargo operations are stabilizing after a global IT outage on July 19^th, caused by a software update from cybersecurity company Crowdstrike, led to widespread disruptions. Although the outage caused some flight cancellations and delays, most carriers reported a swift return to normal operations, while minor operational delays persist.

La Niña is expected to develop between August and October with a high probability of lasting into early 2025, causing diverse regional weather extremes. This could lead to droughts in South America and the Southern U.S., increased rainfall in Southeast Asia and India, and more cyclones in Australia, while North Asia and North Europe may experience colder winters. Recent droughts near the Panama Canal demonstrate how La Niña can disrupt critical shipping routes, causing sailings to be rerouted and ship crossings to be limited.

Americas

United States: The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) published its final ruling on vessel space accommodations. Beginning September 23^rd, ocean carriers will be prohibited from denying space for booked containers. The regulation will also require vessel-operating common carriers to file confidential export policy with the Commission.

US Maritime Alliance (USMX) has announced its readiness to resume contract negotiations with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) to avoid a strike on October 1^st at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports. Negotiations stalled in early June after the ILA discovered some carriers were using autonomous truck processing systems that bypassed ILA labor, prompting the union to demand the issue be resolved and await an audit on jobs created by new technology.

Miami International Airport (MIA) has secured a large investment for a new vertically-focused cargo facility that will boost its cargo capacity by at least 50%. Scheduled for completion in 2029, the facility’s goal is to significantly enhance cargo handling capabilities, addressing the current capacity constraints, and supporting future growth.

Asia-Pacific

Bangladesh: Dhaka Airport is facing a cargo backlog due to a three-day strike by clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents protesting a new express delivery system. Courier services can assess cargo under 30kg under the new system, cutting delivery time from 7 to 2 days. This change benefits importers and speeds up exports but negatively impacts C&F agents. The strike has caused significant delays in import and export cargo processing, impacting factory production and exacerbating space shortages at the airport.

Taiwan: Kaohsiung, the country's main container port, is experiencing significant congestion due to transshipment diversions from other Southeast Asian ports facing disruptions. There were over 800,000 containers processed at the port in June, an increase of 13% from last year. To ease congestion, improvements to the port's infrastructure and the use of barges for container transportation have been implemented.

South Korea: Smaller container ships are being redirected from intra-Asia trades to more profitable long-haul routes, causing a vessel shortage. This shift has led to increased shipping costs within Asia and disruption of South Korean supply chains, making it difficult for exporters to secure capacity and requiring domestic shipping carriers to adapt to support local shippers.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Belgium: The Port of Indiana in the U.S. and Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost economic growth, enhance container trade, and focus on decarbonization. The agreement will explore trade opportunities in industries such as steel and agriculture and aims to develop a “Green Shipping Route” to reduce carbon emissions.

Spain: The Port of Barcelona has launched its first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system. The OPS system allows ships to turn off their engines and connect to renewable electricity, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during port stays. This project lowers the port's carbon footprint and improves air quality.

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