A shortage of modern MPP ships and an unexpected comeback for oil and gas means Hamburg-based United Heavy Lift is busy, Partner Andreas Rolner tells ShippingWatch. ”A year ago, we thought oil and gas was dead.”

Container carriers are facing a couple of difficult years, but otherwise the shipping industry looks set to do well despite dark clouds over the world economy, according to shipping analyst. ”Right now, most companies are making a lot of money.”

Demand for container freight continues to decline in Europe, which could lead to significant overcapacity once current bottleneck issues are resolved, writes Sea-Intelligence.

Almost 2,000 dock workers at Britain’s biggest container ship port plan to strike for eight days this month after failing to reach a pay deal, threatening to sever one of the UK’s most important trade routes.

Port congestion has eased, leading to a decrease in dry bulk rates. According to Clarksons, the development is not least due to low industrial production in China following Covid lockdowns.