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Tag: freight

  • Karachi Port Lifts Cargo Traffic to 19.3 Million Tonnes

    Karachi Port Lifts Cargo Traffic to 19.3 Million Tonnes

    Karachi Port handled 19.286 million tonnes of cargo between July and October 2026, lifting throughput 3.8 per cent as shipping lines rerouted vessels away from Middle East disruptions.

    Total ship calls climbed 13.7 per cent to 764 vessels during the four-month window, up from 672 calls a year earlier.

    Export cargo rose 10.5 per cent, while dry bulk volumes jumped 26.1 per cent across the same period. The gains follow fiscal year 2025-26, when terminal operators processed an all-time peak of 55.438 million tonnes, handled 2.749 million 20-foot equivalent units and berthed more than 2,100 vessels.

    Fee Cuts and Free Storage

    Commercial incentives drove the shift. Federal authorities rolled out a unified transshipment framework in August 2026 that lowered wet cargo vessel tariffs by 20 to 80 per cent and gave shippers 14 days of free terminal storage at Karachi Port Trust facilities.

    Port Qasim Authority waived wharfage completely and expanded free storage to between 7 and 21 days. Terminal concessions followed quickly.

    Four private container handlers, Karachi International Container Terminal, South Asia Pakistan Terminal, Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited and Qasim International Container Terminal, reduced terminal handling charges by up to 25 per cent.

    Customs agencies also opened the gates to off-dock transshipment, sea-to-air cargo transfers, around-the-clock physical checks and pre-arrival paperwork to clear quayside bottlenecks.

    Direct European and Gulf Links

    Global carriers responded by adding direct tonnage. Mediterranean Shipping Company opened a weekly direct European loop called Premium IPAK through Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited in October 2026.

    A dedicated feeder run connects Karachi directly to Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates. These links bypass congested regional transfer hubs and cut transit days for consumer goods entering and leaving South Asia.

    Connectivity scores tracked the added routes. Karachi Port gained 30 spots to place 69th on the Container Port Performance Index for 2025, while its Port Liner Shipping Connectivity score climbed from 309 in the first quarter of 2026 to 357 in the third quarter.

    The Logistics Bottleneck Outside the Gate

    Terminal efficiency alone does not protect supply chains if cargo stalls on city streets. Retailers and manufacturers moving freight into northern Pakistan face crumbling municipal roadways between terminal gates and national transport corridors.

    Karachi Port Trust delivers 12 billion rupees annually in federal taxes and 5 billion rupees to Sindh province, while provincial authorities collect 160 billion rupees through the Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess on seaborne goods. Yet freight corridors linking maritime docks to inland distribution hubs remain heavily congested, inflating drayage fees and stretching inventory holding costs for importers.

    The maritime trust wants provincial administrators to allocate 50 per cent of provincial cess receipts straight into access road repairs. Without quick road fixes, transit gains made at berths evaporate once containers clear the main gates.

    Reforms After Red Sea Shifts

    Government initiatives began taking shape in March 2025 with targeted tariff reductions and cargo discounts designed to draw mainline vessels skipping high-risk waterways. The country later climbed to 34th place on the global Liner Shipping Connectivity Index, up from 35th.

    Long-stay auction containers were shifted out of primary yards to secondary off-dock facilities, clearing physical ground for transshipment boxes. The country also secured removal from Lloyd’s war-risk list, lowering marine insurance surcharges for commercial fleet owners.

    Contractors will finish capital dredging across the main Karachi Port navigation channel by December 2026 to clear access for deeper-draft mother vessels. Commercial managers are also tendering 250 acres for fresh terminal buildouts alongside 140 acres earmarked for an integrated marine commercial district.

  • Yamato Holdings to Raise Delivery Fees for Major Corporate Clients

    Yamato Holdings to Raise Delivery Fees for Major Corporate Clients

    Japanese parcel carrier Yamato Holdings will negotiate price increases with major corporate clients across Japan as it pivots from chasing delivery volume to shoring up operating profits.

    President Toshiyuki Sakurai told Nikkei that the strategy shift aims to lift slim margins in the group’s core express delivery division by rightsizing operations.

    The move lands as Yamato Holdings targets leaner operations, deploying artificial intelligence tools to optimize parcel routing while trimming network capacity across its domestic terminal base.

    Pruning Delivery Capacity

    Yamato plans to trim its domestic transportation network, deploying artificial intelligence tools to optimize parcel routing across sorting terminals. The carrier handles the bulk of consumer e-commerce drop-offs in Japan, where persistent driver shortages and rising vehicle fuel expenses have squeezed operating returns.

    Passing higher line-haul expenses onto large corporate accounts marks a deliberate break from volume-first carrier contracting. Corporate accounts that secured steep volume discounts during earlier e-commerce surges must now absorb steeper per-box handling fees or reconfigure their dispatch schedules.

    Squeeze on Online Merchants

    For online retailers and marketplace sellers operating across Tokyo and regional hubs, carrier fee increases hit order economics directly. Merchants who built free-shipping tiers around discounted express carrier contracts will either raise minimum checkout thresholds or swallow narrower gross margins.

    Rival carriers face identical wage pressures under tightened domestic overtime rules. When Yamato lifts commercial rates, competitors typically follow rather than absorb discounted volume, preventing merchants from shopping freight accounts across town.

    The Operational Pivot

    Yamato historically expanded depot capacity to absorb peaks from domestic e-commerce platforms. That footprint carried heavy capital outlays and overhead costs when box growth decelerated.

    The company now uses routing algorithms to consolidate regional sorting points, matching truck dispatches to daily manifest volumes rather than running fixed-capacity transport lanes.

    Contract Talks Ahead

    Annual freight negotiations with primary corporate shippers represent the immediate operational hurdle for Sakurai. The company will test its bargaining power when contract renewal rounds open across its largest enterprise accounts.

  • MSC Restores Direct Karachi Service to Seven European Ports

    MSC Restores Direct Karachi Service to Seven European Ports

    Mediterranean Shipping Company has reinstated its direct weekly container service linking Karachi to seven major European ports, Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced in Islamabad on Thursday.

    The return of the weekly calls at Karachi Gateway Terminal International gives apparel and textile producers a direct sea link to Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway via Colombo.

    Weekly Rotations on the Restored Route

    MSC reinstated the PREMIUM IPAK service after Pakistani export houses petitioned the maritime ministry for dedicated capacity to Europe. Red Sea shipping reroutings around Africa had stretched voyage times, inflated container freight rates and disrupted delivery schedules for overseas retail buyers.

    Vessels will berth weekly at Karachi Gateway Terminal International, taking aboard export cargo destined for European and British retail distribution hubs while handling regional transshipment flows through Colombo. The maritime ministry confirmed that Karachi Port will handle full-swing transshipment volume under the restored service rotation.

    Relief for Textile and Apparel Exporters

    Pakistani textile manufacturers, who generate the bulk of the country’s outbound containerised freight, faced severe margin compression throughout 2024 as longer transit times compromised order delivery dates for European fashion brands. Factory operators had informed the ministry that diverted vessels and round-Africa voyages were eroding their pricing competitiveness against regional textile exporters in South Asia.

    Restoring dedicated European sailings cuts intermediate handling delays for factory shipments leaving Karachi. Fast and predictable transit schedules allow apparel vendors to commit to seasonal delivery windows across Britain and continental Europe without building excess safety stock into supply chains.

    Port Operations and Night Clearance Upgrades

    Sustaining the restored shipping link requires faster turnaround times on the quay. At a meeting of the Working Group on Shipping Connectivity and Optimisation held at the Karachi Port Trust head office, the KPT chairman proposed standardising 24/7 electronic delivery orders alongside risk-based container inspections, joint sampling and non-intrusive scanning.

    Terminal operators at Karachi confirmed they are prepared to conduct night inspections to clear vessel backlogs quickly. Pakistan Customs has been asked to operate round-the-clock clearance shifts to match the terminal schedule and eliminate physical cargo bottlenecks before vessels dock.

    “The restored service will improve connectivity with major European ports and provide exporters with greater options for planning and moving their shipments,” he said.

    Supply Chain Pressures on Global Trade

    Chaudhry cautioned that while the dedicated carrier service restores direct capacity from Karachi, it does not resolve the wider security disruptions across international maritime lanes. Ocean carriers worldwide continue to navigate elevated operating costs and longer sailing itineraries on voyages between Asia and the West.

    The maritime ministry plans to maintain discussions with international ocean lines and domestic export lobbies to defend trade route connectivity. Customs clearance authorities in Karachi are now reviewing procedural steps to implement the round-the-clock electronic cargo inspection system.

  • Germany Blocks COSCO Buy as Chinese Logistics Firms Face EU Scrutiny

    Germany Blocks COSCO Buy as Chinese Logistics Firms Face EU Scrutiny

    Germany this week blocked Chinese state-owned shipping giant COSCO from acquiring one local business over national security concerns. The regulatory veto arrives as European authorities tighten oversight across transport networks and critical infrastructure assets connected to mainland firms.

    The decision immediately complicates European expansion plans for other Chinese logistics providers, including startup Speedaf. That company is working to establish a delivery hub in Switzerland and expand services into Ireland.

    Security reviews across European freight hubs

    European Union authorities have intensified investment screening across transport corridors and data-heavy distribution networks. Berlin’s intervention against COSCO sets a stricter regulatory precedent for cross-border logistics deals involving Chinese capital. Emerging operators seeking European footholds now face heightened compliance hurdles before securing warehouse assets or operational permits.

    Speedaf built its initial delivery model across developing trade lanes before targeting European distribution nodes. Establishing transport links through Switzerland and Ireland requires local clearance, which European regulators increasingly assess through the lens of strategic asset protection.

    Shifting trade dynamics between Brussels and Beijing

    Logistics operators from Asia now face higher regulatory friction when deploying direct capital into European domestic supply chains. For e-commerce platforms and Asian cross-border merchants relying on Chinese logistics operators, tighter European scrutiny raises the cost of building dedicated last-mile capacity across the bloc. Investors in cross-border logistics will need to weigh the likelihood of extended regulatory reviews or forced restructuring of planned European acquisitions.

    Trade friction between the European Union and China extends beyond freight infrastructure into high-value manufacturing. European trade officials recently held talks in Beijing addressing electric vehicle tariffs and a widening bilateral trade deficit, signaling broader economic disputes.

    Scrutiny turns to private logistics networks

    Chinese state-backed port operators have spent years purchasing stakes in European maritime terminals, drawing steady pushback from national security regulators. Berlin previously reviewed COSCO’s investment in Hamburg port infrastructure, setting the stage for wider screening across logistics assets.

    Speedaf’s planned expansion in Ireland and delivery network rollout in Switzerland now face review under these expanded European screening frameworks.

  • Woolworths Triples Fuel Levy on Major Grocery Suppliers

    Woolworths Triples Fuel Levy on Major Grocery Suppliers

    Woolworths sharply increased the fuel levy charged to major food and grocery suppliers for trucking services in October 2026, threatening a fresh round of supermarket inflation.

    The supermarket giant raised the freight charge to nearly three times its previous level, applying the steeper rates across both metropolitan and regional transport routes.

    Higher Distribution Charges on National Routes

    New freight charges apply directly to primary distribution networks moving shelf-stable goods, fresh produce and cold-chain items into distribution centres. Woolworths calculates the levy on top of base haulage agreements. It adjusts the rate against diesel price movements.

    Suppliers using Woolworths Primary Connect logistics services now face the full pass-through of regional transport spikes. The charges hit both metro delivery legs and long-distance linehaul runs. Consequently, volume manufacturers operating distributed factory networks bear the steepest cash impact.

    Margin Squeeze for Food Manufacturers

    Consumer goods companies operate on thin margins across the Australian supermarket sector. When trucking levies triple quickly, suppliers face two options. They can absorb the cost and accept lower factory margins, or lodge formal wholesale price rise requests with supermarket buying teams.

    Retail buyers routinely reject or delay price adjustment claims from packaged goods vendors. This dynamic creates an immediate working capital drag for mid-sized food processors. Many rely entirely on supermarket distribution contracts to sustain production scale.

    Passing Transport Costs to Retail Shelves

    The distribution surcharge hits a supply chain already managing persistent cost pressure across packaging, utilities and agricultural raw materials. Retailers and manufacturers have struggled to contain shelf prices across dry grocery and dairy aisles over the past two years.

    Australian households have absorbed four central bank interest rate increases this year alone. That pressure dampens discretionary spending and drives basket volume into private-label alternatives. When fuel surcharges lift wholesale prices on branded lines, shoppers trade down to basic house-brand staples.

    Logistics Contracts Face Review

    Chains tied their freight levies to geopolitical volatility and crude market shifts following disruptions around the Iran conflict. Surcharges that adjust on weekly or monthly schedules transfer fleet operational volatility directly onto vendor balance sheets.

    Suppliers are reviewing third-party carriers and renegotiating delivered-into-store terms. They aim to bypass dedicated retailer logistics networks wherever independent freight options offer lower variable surcharges.

    Upcoming supplier cost-price review cycles for the next quarter will determine how much of the tripled freight surcharge filters directly onto consumer grocery bills.

  • Pakistan Railways to Outsource 13 Passenger Trains by December

    Pakistan Railways to Outsource 13 Passenger Trains by December

    Pakistan Railways will hand over commercial operations of 13 express passenger trains to private operators by December 31. The transfer expands an existing model that already sees private contractors running six passenger services across the national network.

    Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi directed railway authorities in Lahore to complete the bidding, advertising and contract awards before the end of the year. The state-run network is restructuring passenger and luggage operations while shifting its commercial weight toward higher-yielding transport corridors.

    The Routes Bound for Private Tenders

    The 13 services scheduled for private management include several long-haul express lines and regional passenger links. The list covers Tezgam, Karachi Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Allama Iqbal Express, Sukkur Express, Fareed Express, Mohenjodaro Express, Sandal, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Babu Passenger, Bulleh Shah Passenger, Lasani Express and Sialkot Express.

    Private contractors take over ticketing, onboard services and passenger management on outsourced routes, while Pakistan Railways retains control of track infrastructure, locomotives and train drivers. Luggage vans will also pass to private operators under the same tendering programme.

    “At present, the commercial operation of six trains is being carried out by the private parties,”

    Commercial outsourcing allows the railway department to secure guaranteed concession revenue without carrying the operational overhead of retail ticketing, catering and onboard cleaning. For commercial transport operators, securing established long-distance passenger trunk routes provides predictable cash flow, though profitability depends heavily on locomotive reliability and punctual turnaround schedules.

    Freight Overtakes Passenger Earnings

    Freight revenue has surpassed passenger revenue across Pakistan Railways for the first time in the department’s history. The carrier expects total earnings from passenger and freight operations combined to reach Rs120 billion by the close of the current fiscal year on June 30.

    Industrial freight corridors have taken priority across Asian railway networks looking to reduce operating losses, from India’s dedicated freight corridors to Southeast Asian intermodal lines. In Pakistan, freight profitability gives the state carrier a financial buffer while passenger concessions transfer retail revenue risk to commercial partners. State authorities are also moving to protect revenue by blacklisting material vendors who miss supply deadlines, while installing modern closed-circuit television systems and private security guards at workshops and rail yards to halt parts theft.

    Infrastructure Repairs and Fleet Recovery

    Private train concessions will depend on track availability and rolling stock fitness. Pakistan Railways is accelerating the repair of idle coaches and wagons while replacing faulty brake cylinders, blocks and shoes across its fleet.

    Heavy monsoon flooding damaged critical transport links earlier this year, cutting rail traffic on key industrial routes. Rehabilitation of the flood-damaged Mian Kallar Bridge on the Lahore-Faisalabad track is scheduled for completion within 60 days to restore full regional traffic.

    Sukkur Track Works and Timetable Targets

    Ongoing track renewal in the Sukkur division is scheduled to finish by December 31. Completing the replacement work will cut travel time by approximately 90 minutes on key north-south services connecting Punjab with Sindh ports.

    Contract awards for the 13 passenger services will roll out through December, with the department targeting Rs120 billion in full-year operational revenue when the fiscal period closes on June 30.

  • FedEx Transports Two Giant Pandas from China to the US

    FedEx Transports Two Giant Pandas from China to the US

    FedEx transported two giant pandas from Chengdu, China to Atlanta, Georgia in September 2026 aboard a Boeing 777 freighter known as the FedEx Panda Express.

    The airline partnered with Zoo Atlanta to move six-year-old male Ping Ping and five-year-old female Fu Shuang, donating the full transportation cost as part of its conservation efforts.

    Custom handling on the transpacific route

    Both bears departed Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and landed nonstop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang traveled in custom-built travel crates under the care of Zoo Atlanta animal specialists as the sole cargo aboard the aircraft.

    Ground logistics teams in Atlanta managed the final truck transfer directly to the zoo’s veterinary facilities. FedEx provided the transport under its conservation charter program, which operates at zero cost to the receiving institution.

    Specialized charters and express capacity

    Specialized live-animal charters require dedicated aircraft allocation, temperature-controlled main deck space, and direct routings that bypass standard transshipment hubs. For global integrators with large transpacific networks, these single-mission flights show charter responsiveness. They also demonstrate cold-chain precision across long-haul Asian corridors.

    Animal transports pull main deck capacity out of commercial rotation on high-demand export lanes out of western China. Chengdu remains a primary air cargo gateway for electronics and industrial exports. Slot management and widebody availability are central to carrier yields in the region.

    Two decades of Chengdu animal transport

    This operation follows a series of conservation flights handled by the 86 billion dollar logistics operator over the past 24 years. The company first carried giant pandas out of China in 2000. It has since run multiple dedicated missions between Chinese breeding centers and international zoological facilities.

    We have had the privilege of transporting giant pandas for more than two decades, and every time the FedEx Panda Express is called into service, our entire team feels the significance of the mission.

    Quarantine and public debut schedule

    Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are now in mandatory quarantine at Zoo Atlanta. Veterinary staff are monitoring their adjustment to the facility. Zoo management plans to clear the pair for public exhibition later this year once routine health checks conclude.

  • DHL Express Names Julian Neo Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau

    DHL Express Names Julian Neo Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau

    DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as managing director for Hong Kong and Macau on October 1. He brings 25 years of company experience to the regional role.

    Neo led operations across Malaysia and Brunei from 2019. Over that period, he delivered consecutive gains in revenue and operating earnings.

    His career across the logistics group spans commercial, sales and regional management roles in Singapore, Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific territory. Before running the Malaysian unit, Neo served as vice president for global multinational customers across the region. He succeeds Andy Chiang.

    Leadership change in Hong Kong and Macau

    Neo takes on the role with extensive commercial experience in Southeast Asia. Hong Kong serves as a primary air express gateway for the Pearl River Delta manufacturing region, handling high-value tech components, cross-border e-commerce parcels and time-critical trade documentation.

    Annual price adjustment from January 1, 2027

    DHL Express will raise average shipping rates in Hong Kong and Macau by 4.9 per cent on January 1, 2027. According to the company, it adjusts its prices annually to account for inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations and industry-specific cost developments.

    Investment in air freight capacity and security

    DHL Express has completed deliveries for its global order of 28 Boeing 777 dedicated freighters. The aircraft add long-range capacity while reducing fuel burn per ton-kilometer.

    The company also surpassed 500 Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) certified sites globally in 2026 and expanded deployment of its MyExpress cross-border shipping platform.

  • UltraTech Cement to Add 600 Electric Trucks to Indian Logistics Fleet

    UltraTech Cement to Add 600 Electric Trucks to Indian Logistics Fleet

    UltraTech Cement will deploy more than 600 heavy-duty electric trucks across its Indian supply chain by December 2026. The fleet will haul over five million metric tonnes of clinker and raw materials annually across seven states.

    Operations will span industrial corridors in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Odisha. The company calculated that replacing diesel prime movers at this scale cuts net carbon emissions by more than 117,000 tonnes annually, eliminating the consumption of roughly 39 million litres of diesel fuel each year.

    Fleet suppliers and regional deployment

    Procurement contracts have been split among domestic and international commercial vehicle builders. Suppliers include Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, IPLTech, Sany and Energy In Motion, alongside third-party logistics operators.

    The heavy vehicles will manage mine-to-plant transport as well as inter-plant transfers of clinker. UltraTech currently runs more than 850 alternative-fuel commercial vehicles, a tally that blends compressed natural gas units with battery-electric haulers.

    Scaling heavy-duty electric freight

    Electrifying heavy industrial freight remains rare across Asian emerging markets, where high battery pack costs and limited mega-watt charging infrastructure keep most operators tied to diesel. UltraTech tested the waters in June when it put 45 electric trucks into service on a 250-kilometre clinker route between Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh with Energy In Motion, bringing its dedicated electric fleet to 89 units at the time. Expanding that base almost sevenfold indicates commercial confidence in operating economics on fixed factory-to-mine loops.

    Delivery schedules for the new vehicle batches begin over the coming quarters, with all 600 prime movers scheduled to enter full revenue service before the end of 2026.

  • DragonSea Deploys 37 Farizon Electric Vans to Expand UK Removals Fleet

    DragonSea Deploys 37 Farizon Electric Vans to Expand UK Removals Fleet

    Chinese logistics specialist DragonSea took delivery of 37 Farizon SV electric vans to handle door-to-door residential moves across the United Kingdom.

    The two-year lease deal equips the operator with battery-powered commercial vehicles tailored for cargo arriving from China. Broker Driveway Vehicle Solutions structured the transaction, with Pentagon Farizon Derby supplying the vehicles directly.

    Payload specs and route range

    Each SV L1H1 van runs on a 93 kWh battery pack delivering an operating range of up to 234 miles (377 kilometres) under WLTP testing. Cargo capacity reaches 6.95 cubic metres alongside a maximum payload rating of 1,265 kilograms and a 550-millimetre loading height.

    Those specifications allowed DragonSea to switch heavy household freight to electric traction without sacrificing daily operating radius on domestic transfer routes. Farizon Auto UK head of sales Zoe Tonks noted the model combines cargo volume with driver assist functions suited for dense urban removals.

    Chinese commercial EVs target European fleets

    Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturers are pushing rapidly into western European fleet networks, using competitive battery capacities and pricing to displace legacy diesel models. For cross-border logistics providers managing Asian trade flows, deploying Chinese-built electric vans in overseas destination markets creates fleet consistency across both ends of the supply chain.

    Farizon expanded its British lineup earlier this year by introducing the V7E medium electric van in Birmingham, alongside refreshed Core trim packages for the SV platform. Fleet operators will watch real-world battery degradation and second-hand residual values as these two-year lease terms approach renewal in 2028.

  • Cosco Shipping Sets Sights on Southeast Asia: Plans Expansion in Vietnam and Indonesia Amid Growing Trade Demand

    Cosco Shipping Sets Sights on Southeast Asia: Plans Expansion in Vietnam and Indonesia Amid Growing Trade Demand

    Cosco Shipping International (Singapore) is setting sights on increased investment in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia within the next three to five years, in anticipation of a surge in Southeast Asian trade. The firm’s president, Jiang Kai, expresses a robust sense of assurance in the potential of the Southeast Asian market.

    Cosco Shipping International, the logistic subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned maritime behemoth China Cosco Shipping Corporation, is currently listed in Singapore. The company generates its consolidated revenue primarily from its operations in Singapore and Malaysia, with the city-state contributing to approximately 87% of the total. The firm also has a vested interest in logistical enterprises in Indonesia and Vietnam, along with a share in a dry-bulk shipping associate that operates throughout the region. These affiliated firms provide about one-fourth of the group’s pre-tax profit, as witnessed in the latest financial results for the first half of 2026.

    Resilience Amid Global Trade Uncertainties

    Global trade has witnessed a few turbulent years, with factors such as U.S. tariffs and geopolitical instabilities in Ukraine and Iran causing disruptions in shipping routes and supply chains. However, manufacturing activities continue to show resilience in Southeast Asia, notes Jiang. There is also an observed revival in the region’s dry-bulk shipping market, which deals in the transportation of industrial raw materials like coal and iron ore, as manufacturing activities gain traction.

    The demand for specialized cargo shipping, catering to industrial machinery, vehicles, and new energy equipment, is also on the rise, mirroring the region’s progression. “The expansion in Southeast Asia’s shipping industry has resulted in a steady surge in logistics demand,” says Jiang. He adds that many Chinese manufacturing firms, when exploring overseas markets, often consider Southeast Asia as a preferred manufacturing base, a trend that spells long-term benefits for Cosco.

    In the first half of the year, Cosco Shipping International recorded a 6% rise in revenue to SGD96.8 million (US$76 million), propelled by increased contributions from logistics, ship repair, and marine engineering. The company is also expanding its footprint in Singapore. One of its prominent ongoing projects is the Jurong Island Logistics Hub Phase II.

    This project, the company’s most significant investment in Singapore, promises enhanced integrated logistics services and is projected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Cosco Shipping International’s plan over the next three to five years?
    They are planning to increase investment in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia in anticipation of a surge in Southeast Asian trade.

    What is the primary source of Cosco Shipping International’s consolidated revenue?
    The majority of the company’s consolidated revenue comes from operations in Singapore and Malaysia, with Singapore contributing about 87%.

    What trends are observed in the Southeast Asian dry-bulk shipping market?
    There is a recovery observed in Southeast Asia’s dry-bulk shipping market, with increasing demand for the transportation of industrial inputs such as coal and iron ore, as manufacturing activity strengthens.

  • Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Teams Up with Visy for Sustainable, Efficient Freight Transport Deal

    Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Teams Up with Visy for Sustainable, Efficient Freight Transport Deal

    Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) in the Australia Pacific region has formed a strategic partnership with Visy to oversee freight transport on select national transit paths.

    Partnership Details

    Within the framework of Visy’s national fleet network, CCEP is set to reap the benefits of dependable capacity, operational adaptability, and state-of-the-art transport facilities. This includes access to Volvo FH600 prime movers and high-capacity 36-pallet trailer configurations.

    These uniquely configured trailers enable CCEP to transport 6% more goods per journey compared to the standard 34-pallet configurations, thus reducing the total number of road trips. The incorporation of Euro 6 engines is anticipated to decrease CCEP’s freight fuel consumption by 5%.

    Tim Chapman from CCEP Australia Pacific stated the importance of having the right partners across their supply chain, given the company’s role in manufacturing and moving some of Australia’s favorite beverages on a daily basis. He noted that Visy Logistics provides the necessary scale and linehaul ability to support this, while also granting access to higher-capacity equipment for a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.

    The partnership agreement includes plans for dedicated CCEP branding to be displayed on select Visy Logistics trailers as they transport goods interstate.

    Partnership Goals

    The collaboration aims to ensure stable, efficient product distribution for the beverage distributor, while also addressing corporate supply chain sustainability goals through the use of modernized freight equipment.

    Wayne Boxshall, president of Visy Logistics Australia, spoke about the partnership reflecting the robustness of their transport capabilities and their consistent delivery of high-quality results for their clientele.

    Visy made headlines earlier this year with the announcement of its investment in a new packaging hub in Devonport, which will supply cardboard packaging throughout Tasmania.

    Questions & Answers

    What benefits will CCEP gain from its strategic partnership with Visy?
    CCEP will gain reliable capacity, operational flexibility, and access to modern transport facilities, including high-capacity trailers and Euro 6 engines, which are expected to decrease CCEP’s freight fuel consumption by 5%.

    How will the partnership affect product distribution?
    The partnership aims to ensure consistent, efficient product distribution for CCEP, while addressing corporate supply chain sustainability targets through modernised freight equipment.

    What future plans does the partnership include?
    The agreement includes plans for dedicated CCEP branding to be displayed on select Visy Logistics trailers as they transport goods interstate.

  • Emirates SkyCargo Boosts Freight Services in East and Southeast Asia Amid Rising Demand

    Emirates SkyCargo Boosts Freight Services in East and Southeast Asia Amid Rising Demand

    Emirates SkyCargo, the air cargo carrier, has unveiled a strategic expansion plan for its freight services throughout East and Southeast Asia. The move is aimed at enhancing the cargo flight frequencies and destinations to meet the increasing demand. Businesses and manufacturers in East and Southeast Asia are seeking comprehensive connections to rapidly and securely transport their goods to high-demand markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

    Facilitating International Trade

    In the FY 25/26, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 439,000 tonnes of cargo via its freighter and passenger flights from 12 markets in East and Southeast Asia. This reflects a 5% increase in cargo tonnage compared to FY24/25, illustrating the thriving demand from businesses and exporters to transport goods across the globe.

    Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, highlighted the importance of East and Southeast Asia as global manufacturing epicentres. They contribute significantly to the production of high-tech goods, export of perishables, and are a significant origin for global e-commerce flows. He added that by increasing the number of freighter flights and expanding their freighter services, they provide rapid connectivity to ensure swift and safe cargo transportation to customers worldwide.

    Expansion of Freighter Flights

    Emirates SkyCargo plans to double its freighter capacity to Narita Airport in Tokyo, increasing from one to two weekly freighter flights. This expansion will cater to Japan’s robust manufacturing industry, spanning diverse sectors like automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

    The carrier is also escalating its flights to Hong Kong to 37 weekly freighter flights, offering maximum flexibility and choice to customers in this export-led economic corridor. Moreover, Emirates SkyCargo has broadened its reach into Central China with three weekly flights from Zhengzhou, linking the industrial hub of Henan province to Dubai and other destinations.

    The carrier has also resumed its freighter flights from Singapore, with a weekly flight connecting to Dubai via Mumbai. This forms a vital trade lane across Asia. Furthermore, Emirates SkyCargo plans to double its footprint in Taiwan, enhancing its service from one weekly to twice-weekly freighters to Taipei, to meet the increasing demand for high-tech electronic cargo movement.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main aim of Emirates SkyCargo’s expansion in East and Southeast Asia?
    The primary objective is to increase the freighter flight frequencies and destinations to meet the surging demand for rapid and secure transportation of goods to high-demand markets.

    How is Emirates SkyCargo responding to the demand in Japan’s manufacturing industry?
    The company plans to double its freighter capacity to Narita Airport in Tokyo, thereby catering to diverse sectors in Japan’s robust manufacturing industry.

    What new development has taken place regarding Emirates SkyCargo’s operation in Taiwan?
    Emirates SkyCargo intends to double its footprint in Taiwan, increasing its service from one weekly to twice-weekly freighters to Taipei, to meet the rising demand for high-tech electronic cargo movement.

  • Qantas Freight Expands Asia Pacific Presence with New Singapore Stop, Boosting Changi Airport’s Air Cargo Network

    Qantas Freight Expands Asia Pacific Presence with New Singapore Stop, Boosting Changi Airport’s Air Cargo Network

    Qantas Freight, a subsidiary of the Australian airline Qantas, recently announced the launch of its dedicated freighter services to Singapore. These services, which are expected to begin on April 3, 2026, will operate twice a week and include stops in Sydney, Shanghai, and Singapore.

    New Freight Services

    Qantas Freight’s new services are expected to further bolster the cargo network at Changi Airport. The services will provide increased capacity, more routing options, and more flexible scheduling for shippers and freight forwarders. The services will be carried out through Qantas’ A330 freighter flights on Fridays and Sundays, delivering more than 50 tons of cargo capacity per flight.

    The Singapore stopover is a new addition to Qantas’ existing Sydney-Shanghai freighter operations, which is set to enhance connectivity across the Asia Pacific cargo network.

    First Dedicated Freighter Service

    This is the first time Qantas is offering a dedicated freighter service to Singapore. This service is expected to complement its existing belly-hold cargo capacity on scheduled passenger services. Moreover, this new routing reflects the growing demand for time-sensitive air cargo moving across Asia, Australia, and beyond.

    Singapore’s strategic location and significant global air cargo connectivity make Changi Airport an essential consolidation and transshipment hub for regional and intercontinental cargo flows.

    Statements from Qantas Freight and Changi Airport Group

    Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub and Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group, stated that Qantas Group’s decision to expand its freighter operations to Singapore couldn’t have come at a better time. According to him, there has been an increase in air cargo demand in the Asia-Pacific region, and the region is playing a more significant role in global air cargo growth.

    Igor Kwiatkowski, Qantas Freight Executive Manager, also remarked on the importance of the new Singapore stop. He said that it would be a significant addition to the airline’s Asia Pacific presence and freight network. According to Kwiatkowski, Singapore’s status as one of the world’s major cargo hubs will play a crucial role in connecting shipments between Australia, China, and Southeast Asia. He added that the new stop would provide freight forwarders with more routing options and flexibility, especially for high-tech goods and e-commerce.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Qantas Freight’s new service?
    Qantas Freight’s new service is a dedicated freighter service to Singapore, with twice-weekly operations that include stops in Sydney, Shanghai and Singapore.

    What benefits does this new service bring to shippers and freight forwarders?
    The new service provides increased capacity, more routing options, and more flexible scheduling to shippers and freight forwarders.

    How will the new service impact Qantas Freight’s presence in the Asia Pacific region?
    The new Singapore stop is expected to significantly enhance Qantas Freight’s presence and freight network in the Asia Pacific region. It will connect shipments between Australia, China, Southeast Asia, and improve routing options and flexibility for freight forwarders.

  • DHL Supercharges Asia-Europe Trade Lanes with Expanded Air Freight Capacity

    DHL Supercharges Asia-Europe Trade Lanes with Expanded Air Freight Capacity

    DHL Global Forwarding, which is part of the DHL Group and specializes in air and ocean freight, is looking to increase its dedicated air capacity between Asia and Europe. This will be achieved through the introduction of new weekly flights that will connect the primary logistics centers of Shanghai-Leipzig and Liège-Hong Kong. The new service offering highlights the synergy between DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express, thereby bolstering the Group’s capacity to cater to the burgeoning Asia-Europe trade routes.

    Launch of Weekly Boeing 777F Rotations

    Coinciding with the initiation of the summer flight schedule, DHL Global Forwarding will commence weekly Boeing 777F rotations. These rotations will connect Shanghai-Leipzig and Hong Kong-Liège, facilitating further distribution across Europe. These flights will significantly augment the uplift available for DHL Global Forwarding’s client base.

    Henk Venema, the Global Head of Air Freight at DHL Global Forwarding, stated that the expansion of their company’s controlled capacity on the Asia-Europe route underscores their commitment to delivering reliability, speed, and resilience for their clients. He mentioned that the demand on this specific trade lane is escalating at a remarkable rate, and bolstering their network will allow them to remain a step ahead of their customer’s needs.

    Enhancing DHL’s Asia-Europe Air Freight Capacity

    Leipzig was selected as it is a pivotal DHL Express aviation hub and boasts robust infrastructure for operational processing. It will act as a crucial gateway for shipments received from Shanghai. This move aligns with DHL’s larger strategy of utilizing its European hubs to optimize efficiency and cater to demand spikes during high season.

    The Liège-Hong Kong route will include a stop in Tel Aviv, which is crucial in maintaining market support and ensuring consistent service for clients. In collaboration with the operating airline partner, the flight may also accommodate limited cargo loading or offloading if necessary. The return trip from Hong Kong will feed directly into DHL’s European distribution network.

    Enhancements Across Intercontinental Air Network

    DHL is also planning to make further improvements to its intercontinental air network, alongside the new Asia-Europe capacities. This includes the planned increase in transpacific uplift between Southeast Asia and the United States later this year.

    Travis Cobb, EVP Global Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, commented on the cross-divisional collaboration, stating that it exemplifies their commitment to facilitating global trade flows. This collaboration between DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express will allow customers to capitalize on their combined strength as the world’s premier logistics provider.

    By offering additional flight capacities, DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express are closely aligning to provide customers with enhanced reliability, flexibility, and global reach across the supply chain. Leveraging shared assets and operational strengths within DHL, the divisions continuously deliver integrated solutions that complement each other.

    Questions & Answers

    Why is DHL Global Forwarding expanding its air capacity between Asia and Europe?
    DHL Global Forwarding is expanding its dedicated air capacity to cater to the increasing demand on the Asia-Europe trade lanes and to enhance the Group’s ability to serve this rapidly growing market.

    What role will Leipzig play in DHL’s expanded services?
    Leipzig will serve as a key gateway for shipments arriving from Shanghai, leveraging its status as a major DHL Express aviation hub with a strong operational processing infrastructure.

    How is DHL working to enhance its intercontinental air network?
    In addition to the new Asia-Europe capacities, DHL is preparing further enhancements across its intercontinental air network. Plans include increased transpacific uplift between Southeast Asia and the United States later in the year.