Decks and Deals Weekly #40
The period 20–25 April 2026 produced the most intense maritime standoff since the tanker wars of the 1980s: the Hormuz blockade turned fully kinetic, Brent crossed $100, and six vessels were seized
The period 20–25 April 2026 produced the most intense maritime standoff since the tanker wars of the 1980s: the Hormuz blockade turned fully kinetic, Brent crossed $100, and six vessels were seized
Between 8 and 14 March 2026, the tanker market set confirmed all-time rate records, Greek-owned ships took direct hits in two separate war zones, and the IEA launched its largest-ever emergency oil release
Global shipping shook itself awake 18–24 January 2026: Maersk dared Suez, CMA CGM blinked, container rates crumbled, and Greek tankers skirted sanctions—capital and tanker deals whispered audacious confidence
The first week of January 2026 exposed an illusion in global shipping: spot container rates jumped, but short-term discipline masks structural oversupply, rising regulatory costs, and geopolitical risk, leaving downside heavier than upside
The week before Christmas offered few miracles but plenty of action. Container rates continued their inexplicable climb, the Houthis remained a stubbornly expensive problem, and Greece decided to start building ships again. Just another week in shipping
The global shipping industry, from December 14–20, 2025, saw container rates spike as geopolitical temperatures rose. Maersk cautiously re-entered the Red Sea, while Ukraine’s drone campaign expanded into the Mediterranean Sea
The shipping market hit an inflection point this week as tankers turned into geopolitical targets, container rates split by geography, and carriers bet on green vessels despite weakening demand
From October 26 to November 1, 2025, the global shipping market mixed drama and déjà vu—container rates jumped, tariffs paused, and Greek owners proved once again who’s really captaining the show
In the week of 19–25 October 2025, the global shipping market defied logic: tankers roared, containers sank, and Trump’s port fees drew $74 million in pain. Greek owners, meanwhile, raised a glass to the IMO’s latest postponement
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