Daily International Freight News Brief: Gulf Shipping Risk, Higher Surcharges, and New Air Cargo Capacity

Hapag-Lloyd said on June 1 that it will apply a GRI/GRA from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan to all US and Canadian coasts. The adjustment covers 20ft and 40ft dry, reefer, special, and high-cube equipment for full containers gated in from July 1, 2026, with a US$1,000 per-container increase valid until further notice. The signal shows that North America import repricing is not limited to China exports, so shippers diversifying sourcing into South Asia should lock quote validity, equipment type, and inland destination costs early.

Maersk’s May 18 East Africa PSS update takes effect from June 1 for cargo originating in China, Hong Kong, and several Asia-Pacific origins, and from June 2 for Vietnam-origin cargo. The update covers 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft dry containers to Kenya and Dar es Salaam, with levels varying by origin and destination. East Africa importers and China exporters should check PSS, destination charges, inland transport, and the price calculation date for non-SPOT bookings together instead of comparing only base ocean freight.

Air Cargo Week reported on June 1 that LATAM Cargo Chile has launched a weekly all-cargo service from Frankfurt to Antofagasta, Chile, starting May 23 and adding about 25 tonnes of dedicated weekly capacity. The route bypasses traditional Santiago routings and targets high-value, time-sensitive cargo for mining and industrial projects in northern Chile. European exporters serving South American mining, energy, and industrial customers can treat the route as an option for critical parts, equipment, and urgent replenishment.

Port Technology International reported on June 1 that the Port of Barcelona has started the tender process for a major road junction, with a EUR98 million budget and an estimated three-and-a-half-year build period. The elevated roundabout will connect future port access roads, the wider road network, and southern container terminals, while remaining compatible with a planned rail complex in the old Llobregat riverbed. For European imports, Mediterranean transhipment, and drayage planning, this is not a near-term rate event, but it will shape future terminal access capacity and southern-zone resilience.

Air Cargo Week reported on May 29 that Brussels Airport, Liege Airport, and Ostend-Bruges Airport are aligning a digital declaration framework between cargo companies and Belgian Customs, coordinated by Air Cargo Belgium and LGG Connect. Import, export, and transit declarations will move through airport community platforms on common principles, supporting the shift from Paperless Customs and Excise to EU MASP-C, with operational readiness planned before the end of 2026. For pharma, e-commerce, and high-value air cargo customers, unified airport customs interfaces can reduce document friction, but they also raise the importance of accurate data and declaration timing.

The Maritime Executive reported on June 1 that Seaspan Yangtze, owned by Seaspan and on long-term charter to Hapag-Lloyd, has completed a methanol dual-fuel conversion in China and been returned to its owner as the first of five planned sister-ship retrofits. The work covered main and auxiliary engines, fuel systems, piping, and methanol fuel tanks, with the vessel expected to resume sailing from Ningbo on June 10. Although methanol supply and regulatory uncertainty continue to slow adoption, the case shows large in-service containership retrofits becoming a practical decarbonization path that may influence green surcharges, slot economics, and low-carbon transport products.