AD Ports Group announced awarding a contract to Baku Shipyard in Azerbaijan for constructing two 780 TEU container vessels designated for trade routes across the Caspian Sea.
The contract was executed with the public legal entity Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding, representing Baku Shipyard.
These shallow-draft vessels, specifically engineered for Caspian Sea operations, will serve a crucial role in enhancing maritime connectivity, increasing trade volumes, and strengthening the trans-Caspian logistics corridor.
The newbuilds have been designed to address growing regional containerized cargo capacity demand and ensure more efficient, reliable, and sustainable transport solutions.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, stated that this initiative aligns with the vision and directives of the leadership in the United Arab Emirates, and reinforces AD Ports Group's commitment to supporting growing Caspian region trade requirements.
The vessels, anticipated for delivery in Q4 2027, will be deployed on strategic routes to optimize connectivity between key Caspian Sea trading hubs.
This development follows AD Ports Group and its subsidiaries' recent Central Asian region initiatives, driven by their strategic priority to increase efficient energy resource transportation to global markets while connecting diverse regions and stimulating economic growth.
In June 2025, the Group announced the inaugural phase of Tbilisi Intermodal Hub, Georgia's first modern, bonded container and intermodal terminal, and a strategic logistics connection in the Group's emerging Central Asian transport strategy.
The advanced, rail-connected logistics center links the Caspian and Black seas through Georgia, forming a vital Middle Corridor component, representing the shortest trade route between Asia and Europe.
In July 2025, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was executed between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking a significant advancement toward strengthening the UAE's economic, trade, and investment presence in the Caucasus region, and deepening engagement and partnership with southern Caspian countries, consistent with the UAE's vision to enhance strategic partnerships with high-potential markets.
The UAE represents one of Azerbaijan's largest foreign investors, with total direct investments exceeding US$ 1 billion, reflecting the economic relationship strength between both nations and these investments' impact on supporting Azerbaijan's economic growth.
Azerbaijan also serves as a strategic trade and investment partner for the UAE, attributed to its strategic Caucasus location at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia trade, a region of increasing economic significance.
Following record cargo achievements in July, Port of Los Angeles volume sustained strength in August, as efficiently processed 958,355 TEUs, nearly matching last year's robust pertormance.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka stated at a media briefing that this represents the best two-month period for any Western Hemisphere port.
Seroka added that they anticipate container volumes will moderate through the remainder of 2025, particularly against last year's exceptionally high benchmarks. This is because much year-end holiday cargo has already arrived.
Economic indicators like decelerating job growth and persistent inflation are making both importers and consumers somewhat more cautious.
Vincent lacopella, President of Trade and Government Relations at Alba Wheels Up International, joined Seroka for the briefing. An experienced customs broker and freight forwarder, Iacopella assists shippers in navigating trade and supply chain challenges.
August 2025 loaded imports totaled 504,514 TEUS, 1% below last year. Loaded exports reached 127,379 TEUS, a 5% improvement from 2024.
The Port processed 326,462 empty container units, 1% below last year.
Eight months into 2025, the Port of Los Angeles has processed 6,934,004 TEUs, 4.5% above the same period in 2024.
The Port of Long Beach reached its second-busiest August on record and marked the sixth-busiest month in its 114-year history. Retailers are receiving shipments purchased during a recent pause in tariffs, boosting the start of the peak shipping season.
Dockworkers and terminal operators handled 901,846 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUS) in August. This was slightly lower than last year, down 1.3% from the record set in August 2024. Imports fell 3.6% to 440,318 TEUs, while exports dropped 8.3% to 95,960 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port rose 3.7% to 365,567 TEUs.
"Shifting trade policies continue to create uncertainty for businesses and consumers," said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. "Our digital Supply Chain Information Highway shows that peak season volumes are on pace with last year as retailers stock up for the winter holidays."
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna praised the dockworkers. "Their hard work keeps goods moving safely and efficiently during the peak season. Our role as a primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade depends on it."
Through the first eight months of 2025, the Port has moved 6,592,708 TEUS. That is an 8.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Following the latest monitoring of Amazon River water levels, CMA CGM reports that levels are decreasing at a slower pace than previously estimated.
As a result, the implementation of the Low Water Surcharge for cargo to and from Manaus has been postponed.
The surcharge will now take effect on September 15, 2025, and will apply to all imports and exports through the port of Manaus, Brazil. It will cover all types of cargo at a rate of US$ 950 per TEU, with settlement made as per freight.
This surcharge is necessary to offset additional operational costs linked to draft restrictions and reduced vessel capacity caused by low water conditions.
Swire Shipping announces the implementation of a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on cargo shipped from Australia to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
The surcharge will take effect on 1 October 2025 and applies to all cargo on this trade lane.
The adjustment reflects ongoing equipment imbalance and increased cargo demand, and will be payable alongside ocean freight.
Swire Shipping remains committed to maintaining market-leading port coverage and service frequency across its network.
CMA CM's Short Sea Lines Division will launch MAESTRALE, a new Intramed service, starting October 5, 2025, from Malta.
The weekly service will deploy two vessels, providing direct and fast maritime connections between Malta, Durres (Albania), Rijeka (Croatia), and Salerno (Italy).
MAESTRALE strengthens CMA CM's regional coverage, offering reliable short-sea options for customers across the central Mediterranean.
The Port of Gothenburg now offers two weekly direct container services to and from Asia, further strengthening Sweden's connectivity to global trade.
In July, the Gemini Alliance announced changes to its Asia-Europe loop, designating Gothenburg as its new European end destination instead of Bremerhaven.
On Thursday morning, the 18,270 TEU Morten Maersk became the first vessel to call under the new arrangement.
With this addition, the Port of Gothenburg now hosts two direct Asia services each week: MSC's service on Sundays and the Gemini Alliance's service every Thursday.
Claes Sundmark, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at the Port of Gothenburg, noted that with these two services in place, the offering of the port is increasingly strengthened. The biggest winners are Swedish import and export industries, which now benefit from more frequent sailings to and from Asia while gaining access to a wider range of ports in China than before.
The port's growing Railport Scandinavia network links these Asia services with 26 inland terminals across Sweden, providing nationwide business access to international markets.
Sundmark added also that rail is one focus, while the fairway deepening project Skandia Gateway due for completion in 2027/2028 will enable us to handle even larger vessels.
CentrePort has reported continued growth in FY25, delivering an Underlying NPAT of US$17.6m, up 20% from FY24's $14.6m.
The result reflects the port's consistent focus on efficiency, innovation, and customer service, building on the momentum established after the 2016 Kaiköura earthquake.
Board Chair Lachie Johnstone highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting a 30% compounded annual growth in Underlying NPAT since FY22, with independent rankings, such as the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index, consistently recognise CentrePort as the leading port in Oceania.
The port also paid US$11m in dividends to shareholders in FY25, US$3.5m more than the previous year.
Chief Executive Anthony Delaney credited discipline and focus as key drivers of progress saying that dedicated 5G network, second solar array, and Battery Energy Storage System are examples of how they are embedding energy transition and futureproofing our operations.
CentrePort also successfully completed major works at Seaview Wharf on time and within the budget set in 2020 underscoring its "Make it Happen" ethos in delivering complex infrastructure projects.
The port has already secured two new container services for FY26, with growing customer engagement reflecting CentrePort's efficiency, capacity, and trusted service.
Recruitment is underway to meet increased demand, providing positive employment opportunities for the Wellington region.
Looking ahead, Mr. Johnstone expressed optimism saying that with new container services confirmed and improving conditions, CentrePort will continue to strengthen its role as a critical gateway for trade.
