Hundreds of new feeders under construction. Spot rates under pressure. Charter rates holding firm. Orderbooks at record highs. Something does not add up — and the answer has very little to do with shipping economics
From 31 January to 7 February 2026, global shipping markets confronted structural distortions: collapsing shadow fleets, resilient mid-size tankers, aggressive Chinese-led newbuilding orders, and a widening gap between macro narratives and physical trade reality
Global shipping markets endured another week of volatility between September 20–27, as UNCTAD delivered sobering forecasts, Chinese shipyards defied US sanctions, and container rates plummeted ahead of Golden Week holidays
Mediterranean Shipping Company orders twenty more ultra-large vessels worth billions, defying prevailing industry sentiment favouring smaller ships. This bold container shipping strategy challenges conventional thinking while competitors embrace feeder vessel flexibility