Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) has completed the removal of its second gantry crane, wrapping up the final phase of a major modernization project.
The removal frees up valuable berth space, allowing the terminal to operate more efficiently. With seven modern ship-to-shore (STS) cranes now in service, ACT can handle vessels faster and cut down on berth waiting times. Additionally, ACT can speed up cargo turnaround for customers. The upgrade is expected to make vessel calls more predictable and keep shipping schedules on track.
ACT has also tied the modernization to its sustainability goals. So, ATC will recycle all dismantled equipment.
Maersk posted solid results in the second quarter, reporting a 2.8% rise in revenue and EBIT of USD 845 million. While slightly down from the previous quarter, the figures remain on par with last year, a noteworthy result given ongoing geopolitical tensions and rate pressure across the industry.
Stronger demand outside North America and steady performance across all business units led Maersk to raise its financial guidance for 2025.
The Ocean segment delivered a solid performance despite rate volatility and demand swings. Volumes rose 4.2% year-on-year, largely thanks to increased exports from Asia. Maersk also fully implemented the Gemini Cooperation in June, achieving reliability scores above 90% within the first few months — a key milestone.
Logistics & Services saw continued improvements in profitability and operations. EBIT jumped 39% to USD 175 million, with the EBIT margin improving to 4.8% from 3.5% a year ago. Strong cost control and increased productivity drove the gains.
Terminals had another strong quarter. Volume growth reached 9.9%, supported by additional Ocean volumes through the Gemini network. Revenue hit record highs, and EBIT surged 31% to USD 461 million, backed by robust operations and joint venture contributions.
Across all segments, Maersk emphasized tighter cost discipline and ongoing efficiency efforts as key drivers behind the Q2 results.
French Minister for Transport Philippe Tabarot and Singapore's Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow signed an Enhanced Maritime Partnership Agreement.
The agreement builds on an existing partnership established in 2021 and aims to further deepen maritime collaboration between the two countries.
This enhanced partnership focuses on five key areas: maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity, innovation, and training.
As part of the agreement, Singapore and France will launch joint pilot projects in collaboration with industry stakeholders. A bio-methane bunkering trial, involving shipping giant CMA CGM, will be conducted in Singapore as a key milestone of the partnership.
On digitalisation, MPA will collaborate with HAROPA PORT and the Port of Marseille-Fos to enhance port call optimisation and digital processes. This includes trials with CMA CGM vessels to improve ship-to-shore data exchange, streamline port clearance procedures, minimise paperwork, and boost data accuracy and efficiency using internationally recognised standards.
The agreement also promotes maritime innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging maritime startups, companies, and investors from both nations to participate in platforms such as the PIER71*™ Smart Port Challenge, ZEBOX, and Landing Pad to drive cross-border innovation and collaboration.
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said this partnership represents a significant milestone in deepening maritime ties between Singapore and France, while, Eric Banel, Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DAMPA), added that France and Singapore see this partnership as strategically vital to shaping the future of green shipping, digital ports, and resilient maritime systems.
Associated British Ports has successfully leased a significant industrial unit at King George Dock, Hull, to Mitsubishi Chemical UK Limited, a subsidiary of the global Mitsubishi Chemical Group, one of the world's leading chemical producers.
The new lease comprises 158,000 sq ft of storage space alongside a 53,000 sq ft canopy, located in a prime logistics position overlooking the Humber Estuary, adjacent to the Hull Container Terminal.
This strategic location enables efficient cargo handling and supports seamless import operations.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of ABP Humber, commented that this partnership highlights a commitment to supporting business growth and providing flexible, high-quality industrial infrastructure.
Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber), added that port-based warehousing offers a distinct strategic advantage, providing direct access to key logistics networks and reducing transportation costs.
Mitsubishi Chemical UK Limited will use the facility to support its contractor, Fluor Corporation, during the development of the SoarnoL ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer facility at Saltend Chemicals Park in Hull.
On this, Michael Curtis, PUMA Lead Construction Delivery Manager at Mitsubishi Chemical Group, stated that leasing this new facility at the Port of Hull is a major milestone in their long-term investment in Hull, Saltend, and the wider Humber region as it supports the doubling of the production capacity and enhances the ability to meet growing global demand.
Matson reported net income of US$94.7 million, or US$2.92 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to net income of US$113.2 million, or US$3.31 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2024.
Consolidated revenue for Q2 2025 was US$830.5 million, down from $847.4 million in Q2 2024.
Matt Cox, Matson's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented the second-quarter financial performance exceeded expectations despite challenges from market uncertainty, tariffs, and global trade volatility. He added the onset of tariffs in April significantly reduced freight demand in China, but from mid-May onward, the Transpacific services saw a rebound in demand following the U.S. and China's agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs.
He also noticed shifts in production across Asia as the customers adapted to tariffs, resulting in higher container volumes outside China compared to the first quarter.
Mr. Cox continued that the domestic trade lanes, we saw higher volumes in Hawaii and Alaska compared to last year, but lower volumes in Guam.
The company expects continued uncertainty related to tariffs, global trade, regulatory measures, and geopolitical factors.
Assuming these conditions remain stable, Matson anticipates higher operating income for Ocean Transportation for the full year compared to the guidance provided in May, though still moderately lower than last year.
Logistics operating income for the full year is expected to be in line with the previous year.
For Q3 2025, Matson expects Ocean Transportation operating income to be significantly lower than the US$226.9 million achieved in Q3 2024, primarily due to lower freight rates and volume in the China service, compared to the higher demand levels from last year's third quarter and expectations of a muted peak season.
For Logistics, operating income in Q3 2025 is expected to be comparable to the $15.4 million achieved in the same period last year.
The Yeoman Bank has made its final call at the Port of Liverpool, ending more than 30 years of service.
The self-discharging bulk carrier is operated by Holcim UK. It has delivered more cargo to Liverpool than any other vessel. Since 1991, it visited Royal Seaforth Dock 195 times. In total, it carried almost seven million tonnes of granite aggregate.
"The Yeoman Bank has been a true workhorse and a constant presence at the Port of Liverpool over the last three decades. Its final sailing really is the end of an era," said Phil Hall, Port Director for Mersey Ports, Peel Ports Group.
The stone came from Glensanda quarry in Oban, Scotland. It supported major UK projects, including Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport. The ship was key to Peel Ports' "virtual quarry" setup. It used overhead conveyors to unload, with no extra handling.
"The Yeoman Bank has been more than just a vessel; it has played a vital role in our supply chain for over three decades. Its consistent service into the Port of Liverpool has supported the delivery of construction materials to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects," commented Simon Turk, Director, Holcim UK Marine Logistics. Built in Greece in the 1970s, it was later converted in Norway. The vessel joined Foster Yeoman's fleet in 1991.
It spent nearly all its career serving Liverpool. Its retirement marks the end of a remarkable run.
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The Port of Barcelona reported solid growth in container traffic and accelerated infrastructure investments during the first half of 2025.
Export and import container traffic rose 10% compared to the same period last year. Full exports hit 365,062 TEUs, up 8%. Imports climbed 12% to 356,399 TEUS, bringing the total to 721,461 TEUS. Strong performance in key markets like Asia and high-demand products such as pork and alfalfa helped drive the increase.
Port General Manager Alex Garcia credited the rise to resilient demand and strong activity from regional exporters.
Port turnover reached €101 million, up 4% year-on-year. Export and import containers alone contributed €1 million to the increase.
Liquid bulk surged 22.1%, totaling 8.25 million tonnes. This was mainly due to rising gasoline and LNG volumes. Dry bulk fell sharply by 21.9%, hurt by strong harvests and a temporary shutdown at the Elian terminal.
Vehicle traffic dropped 6.5% to 362,951 units. But imports and domestic shipping (cabotage) both rose, up 7% and 11%, respectively. ITUs remained steady at 218,237 units.
The port has already tendered out 95% of its planned 2025 investments. That's €314.5 million of the €332.5 million budget. Major works include:
- Phase 1 of Catalunya wharf: €72.3 million awarded
- Phase 4 of Adossat wharf (future ferry terminal): €54.7 million awarded
- Cruise Terminal G infrastructure: tendered at €6 million
- New berths for liquid bulk: €124 million out to tender
- OPS system for MSC Cruises: €12.2 million awarded
- Nou Llobregat rail access (Phase 1): €18 million greenlit
Only one key project remains. A €16 million tender for new medium-voltage electrical lines is expected in September.
Port President José Alberto Carbonell emphasized green initiatives. OPS systems for ferries at Sant Bertran Wharf are now in service. Work has started on OPS for MSC Cruises as well.
The port's first Energy Transition Plan has been approved and will launch soon. The goal: a carbon-zero future.
- The port opened new public spaces at the Fisherman's and Barcelona North wharves.
- Over 15,000 people attended this year's Open Day.
- Japanese company NYK was awarded the third vehicle terminal. It will feature Europe's first fully-automated vehicle silo and a solar system producing over 3,200 MWh annually.
Maersk informed about upcoming railway capacity constraints at the Port of Koper due to significant infrastructure upgrades on the Slovenian public rail network.
These extensive projects are set to intensify between June and December 2025, affecting key rail corridors across the country.
The most notable impact will be on the Ljubljana-Sezana/Koper line, the primary rail connection to the Port of Koper, where considerable disruption is expected.
Specific closures will contribute to the capacity challenges. From 29 June to 30 July 2025, the Divaca-Gornje Lezece section will be fully closed. Additionally, from 4 August to 10 December 2025, one track of the Verd-Logatec section will be continuously closed, limiting throughput on that route.
Further disruptions will occur as reconstruction work begins at Jesenice station in September 2025. Initially, closures will take place over weekends, but starting in March 2026 and continuing until January 2027, rail traffic to and from Austria via Slovenia will face operational restrictions due to these works.
At Ljubljana station, reconstruction is scheduled from 6 October 2025 through January 2026. During this period, only two tracks will remain operational for both freight and passenger transport, which will significantly reduce handling capacity.
These projects combined are expected to reduce rail capacity by up to 50 percent, decrease service frequency, complicate planning, and lead to delays in shipment handling.
