Good morning, and welcome to my daily Panamax Post column.

London today will be cloudy with the odd spot of rain. Bright spells will develop in the afternoon, 13C.

With much in the news, I wish you good fixtures and safe travels until we meet here again on Monday. And now for the news before the headlines.

Port concessions terminated in Panama VLCCs print money, and top liner chief stepping down and other top stories: Seatrade Maritime News

VLCC rates on the Middle East–Asia route have surged to $170,000–$208,000 per day, their highest since 2020 — with gains expected to lift global tanker earnings.

Thai officials are sounding the alarm and calling the latest developments “worrying” as reports grow of oil leaking from the wreck of the cargoship Sealloyd Arc.

BALTIC EXCHANGE LIMITED(THE)’s dry bulk freight index decreased 0.4% to 2121.

Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd World Container Index reveals global container shipping rates fell 1% to $1,899 per 40-foot container this week.

DS NORDEN has strengthened its logistics division with two new managers, under head of logistics William Wallace FICS: Shipping Watch

Australis Shipping has officially launched operations, positioning itself as an Australian owned logistics partner focused squarely on the resources sector: Daily Cargo News

Maersk’s port compensation claim may be dismissed before proceedings begin, as delays to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company’s new Aarhus terminal stem from environmental review requirements: Shipping Watch

Star Bulk’s chief remains optimistic despite 2025 earnings falling to less than a third of the prior year, pointing to strong momentum at year-end.

Hafnia’s latest remarks on a potential TORM merger are viewed as tactical, with analysts suggesting a combination remains the likely endgame: Shipping Watch

Ammonia is the most feasible fuel option for deep sea vessel applications capable of meeting the IMO’s 2050 emission targets.

The Port of Rotterdam ‘it is becoming increasingly unlikely’ that its ambition for a 55% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 will be met.

SpecTec has appointed Joanne Thompson as Head of People, focused on aligning people strategy with performance and culture.

Inmarsat Maritime, part of Viasat, will equip 10 new Vega Reederei diesel-electric coasters with Nexus Wave connectivity and Fleet Secure cyber security solutions.

A Dutch-commissioned study examining offshore wind expansion through to 2050 warns that port and logistics operators will struggle to keep pace with projected installations: Project Cargo Journal

PSA Antwerp NV has received five new mega ship-to-shore cranes at Europa Terminal, part of its Project Emerald modernisation programme.

Kenya Ports Authority, jointly with the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa has resolved to implement measures to improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness at the Port of Mombasa.

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