Port affairs, quiet transitions
In Santorini, the Hellenic Ports Association appointed a new President and renewed its board in an atmosphere of unity and continuity. The focus now shifts to infrastructure, strategy and environmental goals
China’s car carrier diplomacy docks in Piraeus
The arrival of the MV COSCO Sheng Shi in Piraeus marks more than a shipping milestone. It cements the port’s role as China’s European vehicle hub—and thrusts Greece deeper into the storm of great-power competition
How Yiwu merchants keep the world stocked
Yiwu’s merchants confront escalating tariffs with strategic diversification, leveraging global networks to sustain trade momentum amid shifting economic landscapes
Beijing’s dilemma over CK Hutchison’s port sale
China’s intervention in CK Hutchison’s $22.8 billion port sale could either reaffirm its control over strategic assets or shake global investor confidence. The stakes are high, and Beijing’s decision will have lasting effects
BIMCO sounds the alarm over Trump’s tariffs on ships built in China
BIMCO warns that Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese-built ships could disrupt U.S. trade, raise consumer costs, and hinder energy exports, creating chaos in the global shipping industry
The Panama ports deal: Power, politics, and profit
A controversial ports deal involving CK Hutchison and BlackRock sparks debates on China’s national interests, security, and global power dynamics
Chokepoint chess: The silent war over global trade
The battle for maritime dominance isn’t about fleets—it’s about straits, canals, and who decides what ships get through. The world’s trade routes are the front lines of a new Cold War
BlackRock docks in Panama: $23B deal shifts canal ports to U.S. hands
BlackRock’s $23 billion acquisition of key Panama Canal ports from CK Hutchison signals a strategic shift in global shipping control, intensifying U.S.-China competition over the world’s most vital maritime passage
Sanctions and the Swiss cheese effect: How Thailand became Russia’s backdoor supplier
Western sanctions against Russia aimed to cripple its war machine. Instead, they fueled a shadow economy where Thailand has emerged as an unofficial supplier of strategic goods
The Canal chessboard: China’s quiet conquest of Panama’s ports
When it comes to maritime power plays, China isn’t splashing about. It has subtly anchored its influence across Latin America, securing key ports near the Panama Canal—without firing a shot