Summary
Freight updates on 13 October showed a sharp reduction in Saudi air cargo capacity amid Riyadh’s shutdown and a fourth consecutive monthly decline in global liner reliability. The Port of Los Angeles set a monthly throughput record, while tariff uncertainty and inland rail connections remained planning variables. In China, Luoyuan Bay eased overnight departure rules, ministry data showed post-holiday activity easing, and a marine bulletin warned of strong winds in northern waters. ENGIE and CMA CGM also outlined a Le Havre biomethane project planned for 2029.
Key Updates
Select a headline to expand the full update.
The Loadstar, citing Rotate flight data, reported that Saudi Arabia’s inbound and outbound air cargo capacity fell about 33% over 72 hours versus the equivalent period a week earlier, a reduction of roughly 3,537 tonnes. Riyadh itself was left with only a small fraction of its usual capacity. The airport unavailability notice was extended through 21:00 UTC on 17 October. Shippers relying on Riyadh connections or passenger belly capacity should confirm the operating carrier, alternative gateways, and onward cutoffs before committing to delivery dates.
Source: Saudi air cargo capacity drops amid disruption from Riyadh shutdownFreightWaves, citing Xeneta’s September schedule-reliability scorecard, reported global on-time performance of 27% and average vessel delays of six days, 2.4 days higher than at the start of Q2. Far East–Europe reliability was just 4%; announced blank sailings for October were at least 17% on Far East–Europe and 13% on Far East–North America. Exporters should add schedule buffer and confirm whether individual sailings face cancellations, port-rotation changes, or rolled cargo.
Source: Shippers waiting an extra week for US-bound containersFreightWaves reported that the Port of Los Angeles handled 1.42 million TEUs in September, its highest monthly total. Loaded imports rose 19% year over year and loaded exports increased 10%. Port officials linked the surge to consumer demand, route diversions, and shifting cargo flows, while noting that tariff uncertainty makes purchasing plans difficult and rail dwell times require monitoring. Shippers should match inland rail capacity and inventory windows to port activity instead of assuming record throughput guarantees predictable delivery.
Source: Despite new record, Port of LA chief warns of tariff-driven planning riskIn its 13 October IMEA market update, Maersk said changing Gulf routes, port conditions, and inland connections can still affect routing and transit times. UAE hubs remain operational, but airline suspensions continue to limit available connections; winter schedules show some passenger routes may return from late October, which is a plan rather than guaranteed cargo capacity. For time-sensitive Europe–Gulf freight, verify the operating service, onward connection, and cargo acceptance before booking.
Source: IMEA Maersk Market Update – October 2026ENGIE and CMA CGM signed a framework agreement on 13 October to develop a biomethane production facility in the port-industrial zone of Le Havre. From 2029, the project is planned to supply 7,000 tonnes (about 100 GWh) a year for CMA CGM’s LNG-powered fleet. This is a medium-term fuel-supply plan and does not change current sailing or booking conditions, but it signals continued investment in port energy infrastructure and shipping decarbonization.
Source: ENGIE et CMA CGM s’associent pour investir dans la production de biométhane au HavreThe Fuzhou Port Development Center reported on 13 October that Luoyuan Bay port lifted its 04:00–06:00 departure restriction on 30 September. After 11 days under the new arrangement, 12 vessels had departed overnight, carrying cargo including construction materials and coal. The port said the change reduces waits tied to the restricted window and can improve berth turnover. Shippers should still confirm vessel plans against berth operations and maritime-safety requirements.
Source: 罗源湾港区夜航出港限制取消 通航潜力进一步释放A 13 October bulletin from the China Meteorological Administration, carried by the Ministry of Transport, forecast northerly to north-easterly winds of force 6–7 with gusts to force 8 in the Bohai Sea. Strong winds were also forecast in the central and southern Yellow Sea and northern East China Sea. Conditions may affect coastal vessel movements, port operations, and feeder connections; operators should check the latest forecast when confirming berthing windows.
Source: 2026年10月13日06时海洋天气公报China’s Ministry of Transport published 5–11 October operating data on 12 October. Monitored ports handled 261.04 million tonnes of cargo, down 2.91% week over week, including 6.885 million TEU, down 5.06%. Civil aviation operated 3,950 cargo flights, of which 2,490 were international; national rail freight totaled 83.569 million tonnes. The period covered the post-holiday normalization, so comparisons should account for the holiday base and be checked against individual routes and gateways.
Source: 10月5日—10月11日全国物流保通保畅运行情况DH Logistics View
- 当前运力变化集中在中东航空节点与跨太平洋海运准班率两个不同环节：前者需要优先落实替代机场和中转衔接，后者则需要为延误、空班和港序变化留出时间缓冲。港口月度纪录体现需求与货流韧性，但并不等于供应链交付时效同步改善。
- 中国港口通航时段调整可能提升泊位周转，节后统计与海况预警则提供了区域运行背景。对出口企业来说，结合货物类型、起运港和实际航次确认作业窗口，比仅看汇总吞吐或运力指标更有操作价值。
Planning Notes
- For Gulf routings or passenger-belly freight, obtain written confirmation of operating flights, alternate gateways, transfer time, and final cargo acceptance before booking.
- Allow buffer for rolled cargo, blank sailings, and schedule drift on trans-Pacific exports; confirm port rotations and inland rail connections for each sailing.
- Track Luoyuan Bay overnight arrangements and updated marine forecasts, leaving room to adjust vessel arrival and departure windows.
- Treat long-term alternative-fuel projects as an industry transition signal; use current carrier quotes and advisories for today’s rates, surcharges, and sailings.
Sources
View sources (8)
- International · Industry mediaSaudi air cargo capacity drops amid disruption from Riyadh shutdownThe Loadstar · 2026-10-13
- International · Industry mediaShippers waiting an extra week for US-bound containersFreightWaves · 2026-10-13
- International · Industry mediaDespite new record, Port of LA chief warns of tariff-driven planning riskFreightWaves · 2026-10-13
- International · Company announcementIMEA Maersk Market Update – October 2026Maersk · 2026-10-13
- International · Company announcementENGIE et CMA CGM s’associent pour investir dans la production de biométhane au HavreENGIE · 2026-10-13
- China · Official institution罗源湾港区夜航出港限制取消 通航潜力进一步释放福建省福州港口发展中心 · 2026-10-13
- China · Official institution2026年10月13日06时海洋天气公报交通运输部 · 2026-10-13
- China · Official institution10月5日—10月11日全国物流保通保畅运行情况交通运输部 · 2026-10-12