COSCO SHIPPING Lines has pioneered the rollout of the world's first negotiable cargo document template

On July 30, COSCO SHIPPING Lines, together with Changan Automobile, China Construction Bank, and Bank of China, successfully issued the first electronic negotiable cargo document (eNCD) based on the world's first template for negotiable cargo documents (NCD). This marks a major breakthrough in the field of multimodal transport, signifying that the NCD "one-document system" has officially transitioned from institutional innovation to commercial practice, injecting strong digital momentum into the "Chongqing vehicle exports" initiative.

Two Central SOEs Among 8 New LNG Bunkering Licensees in Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced last Thursday (30 July) that it has awarded liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering licences to eight companies, authorising them to supply marine LNG fuel in the Port of Singapore. The new licences will take effect on 1 September 2026 and remain valid until 31 August 2031.

Shanghai accelerates river‑sea‑river intermodal connectivity, aiming for 280 kilometres of Grade III and above waterways by 2030

Recently, the General Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government issued the Implementation Plan for Building Shanghai as a Pioneer Area for High-Quality Development of Inland Waterway Shipping in the Yangtze River Delta and Implementing the Inland Waterway System Connectivity Project (2026–2030) (hereinafter referred to as the "Implementation Plan").

Jinhui Group Successfully Closes Two Sale-and-Leaseback Deals for Newbuildings in Quick Succession

On July 28 and 29, Jinhui Holdings Company Limited (Stock Code: 00137, Stock Name: Jinhui Group) issued two separate announcements regarding sale-and-leaseback transactions for a total of four Ultramax dry bulk carriers under construction, with ICBC Financial Leasing and Jiangsu Financial Leasing respectively. Through the “sale and bareboat charter back” model, the group aims to raise working capital and continue its fleet renewal and upgrade programme.

Shipping Also Needs a 'National Team'? US Think Tank Recommends Government-Backed Domestic Liner Giants.

A recent report by the Washington-based antitrust research organization Open Markets Institute recommends that the United States consider establishing a publicly capitalized container shipping company to reduce its dependence on foreign-owned shipping enterprises.

The forced rerouting around Africa will cost an extra $5.4 million

According to the *Business Standard*, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation-operated oil tanker "MT Ninemia" was recently forced to abandon the Red Sea–Mandeb Strait route due to persistently deteriorating security conditions in the region, and instead rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. This has resulted in a significantly extended voyage and surged transportation costs. The vessel was carrying approximately 100,000 tonnes of Saudi Arabian crude oil, originally destined for Bangladesh's Chittagong Port for use by the Eastern Refinery.

COSCO SHIPPING Development splashes out RMB 16.6 billion on 39 new vessels in 30 days

On the evening of July 29, COSCO SHIPPING Development Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “COSCO SHIPPING Development”) announced that it plans to build, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Hainan COSCO SHIPPING Development Shipping Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Hainan Development Shipping”), a total of 15 Newcastlemax bulk carriers of 210,000 dwt each, with 10 vessels to be built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (under China State Shipbuilding Corporation) and 5 vessels by Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (under Xiamen Xiangyu Co., Ltd.).

Tanker Market: Efficiency Losses May Push Freight Rates Higher Again

Despite claims by the Houthis that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has not been closed and that recently announced maritime measures are directed only at Saudi vessels, many tanker operators may think twice before sending their ships into the Red Sea.

LNG Carrier Deliveries Drive Earnings Surge! Hanwha Ocean's Q2 Operating Profit Up 98% Year-on-Year

On July 27, Hanwha Ocean released its earnings report, showing that its second-quarter operating profit nearly doubled year-over-year, driven by batch deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, steady progress on various large-scale shipbuilding projects, and significant revenue recognition from the completion of an offshore engineering project.

LNG carrier deliveries fuel a significant leap in earnings! Hanwha Ocean reported a 98% year‑over‑year increase in operating profit for the second quarter.

On July 28, Monaco-based Greek shipowner Safe Bulkers released its financial results for the second quarter of 2026.