Sea-Intelligence estimates that 5 percent of global deep-sea container capacity is currently tied up by delays and congestion, well above the 2.2 percent pre-pandemic norm. That equates to roughly 1.7 million missing TEUs, with Asian ports, including Shanghai, Singapore, and Hong Kong, remaining the biggest hot spots.
Fitch Ratings has raised its rating on Galveston Wharves revenue bonds to ‘A+’ from ‘A,’ citing sustained cruise growth and strong financial performance. The Port of Galveston, the fourth busiest U.S. cruise port, opened its fourth cruise terminal in November 2025 and is planning a fifth.
The Panama Canal Authority is cutting daily booking capacity to 32 vessels from mid-September as worsening rainfall deficits and an approaching El Niño pattern force deeper defensive measures. Auction rules are also being restructured, with vessel types grouped separately and priority given to larger neopanamax ships.
The Houston Ship Channel region’s total trade tonnage rose 16 percent year to date through June, driven by a 22 percent jump in exports. Vessel traffic and Port Houston’s container volumes also grew, even as steel imports and total tonnage at public terminals declined.
Despite rough wind and choppy conditions on the Columbia River, Buoy 10 fishers turned out for the fourth annual Columbia River Salmon Derby in Chinook, Washington. The weekend event, benefiting the Port of Chinook, wrapped with a weigh-in, dinner, live music, and a community raffle.
The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed its 2 millionth Subaru vehicle, marking 33 years as North America’s largest Subaru import gateway.
The entire crew of the U.S.-flagged heavy-lift ship SLNC York was evacuated to a nearby vessel after flooding began in the Pacific, with the ship reported stable and under tow arrangements to port.
Germany’s Ver.di union launched a daylong warning strike affecting six seaports, including Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven, halting most container and cargo operations. The action stems from a wage dispute, with new negotiations scheduled for August 24-25 in Hamburg.
The New York City Economic Development Corp. is seeking input from maritime operators on a proposed zero-emission container-on-barge service linking the Brooklyn Marine Terminal with the future Hunts Point Marine Terminal, part of the city’s Blue Highways freight initiative to reduce truck traffic.
The Washington State Ferries vessel Tilikum diverted from its route near Orcas Island to rescue boaters aboard a rapidly flooding rowboat. Crew members launched a rescue boat, safely brought the boaters ashore, and no medical treatment was required.
