Karachi Port (KPT) has received the MSC Loreto, marking the latest call by an ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) at the Pakistani gateway.
The Liberia-flagged vessel, which has a carrying capacity of 24,346 TEUs, berthed at South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPTL) carrying 3,802 TEUS for Karachi.
It arrived with a total onboard cargo of 14,538 TEUs.
According to the KPT, the call reflects the port’s ability to accommodate vessels exceeding 20,000 TEUS, which require sufficient channel depth, berth length and quay crane capacity.
A representative from KPT said: “The arrival of MSC Loreto is another important milestone reflecting Karachi Port’s growing capacity and world-class port infrastructure.
It clearly demonstrates that Karachi Port now has the capability to safely and efficiently handle some of the world’s largest containerships.”
The port authority said the vessel’s arrival follows continued investment in port infrastructure, terminal facilities and operational cut efficiency.
The Karachi call comes shortly after APM Terminals announced the arrival of the MSC Loreto at APMT Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, reflecting the vessel’s deployment on major international container trade routes.
DP World delivers first crane to Port of Tartous
DP World has taken delivery of the first of three new Mobile Harbour Cranes at the Port of Tartous.
This marks the first major investment under the company’s 30-year concession agreement with the Syrian Government, signed last year.
The first crane arrived on 29 June, with two further units due by August. Each crane can handle approximately 2 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Once all three are operational, they are expected to lift the port’s overall cargo-handling capacity by around 40 percent, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels, cut vessel turnaround times, and handle greater volumes of containers, bulk cargo and breakbulk shipments.
The upgrades form part of DP World’s broader $800 million investment programme for Tartous, which spans infrastructure upgrades, modern cargo-handling equipment, digitalisation and operational improvements aimed at supporting Syria’s trade growth and economic recovery, while positioning the port as a competitive regional and international gateway.
Fahad Al Banna. Chief Executive Officer of DP World Tartous, said: “The arrival of the first of our new Mobile Harbour Cranes marks the first major milestone in the transformation of the Port of Tartous. This is the first of a series of investments that will enhance the port’s capacity, efficiency and reliability, enabling us to better serve our customers and support Syria’s growing trade needs.
“By investing in world-class infrastructure, technology and our people, we are creating a modern gateway that will strengthen supply chains, attract new trade opportunities and contribute to the country’s long-term economic recovery.”
Alongside the new equipment, the programme includes training and skills development for local employees, aimed at building technical capabilities, embedding operational best practice and creating sustainable long-term employment at the port.
Yang Ming's third 15,500 TEU LNG ship
Yang Ming Marine Transport held a naming ceremony on June 26 at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, for YM Way finder, the third in its series of 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships, reports Shanghai’s iMarine.
Mrs Wei-Nung Kao, spouse of Yang Ming chairman Mr Feng Ming Tsai, served as Godmother and performed the ceremonial cord-cutting.
The company said the addition of LNG dual-fuel vessels will boost efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and cut carbon intensity.
The series of ships built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has a length overall of 364.97 metres, a breadth of 51 metres and a capacity of about 15,600 TEU.
Yang Ming is the first container line in Taiwan to operate LNG-fuelled vessels as part of its net-zero strategy.
The ships are fitted with high- pressure dual-fuel engines that run on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 20 percent compared with conventional fuel.
Sister vessels YM Willpower and YM Worthiness are already in service and have bunkered more than 11,158 metric tonnes of LNG cutting emissions by up to 12,532 metres tonnes
YM Wayfinder is scheduled to enter the Asia-North Europe FE3 service on July 1.
Yang Ming said the deployment will maximise slot utilisation, enhance service competitiveness and support its commitment to efficient, low-carbon transport for customers.
MPC Container Ships' four 7,000-TEUers
MPC Container Ships has agreed to acquire four eco-designed 7,000 TEU containerships, each backed by a three-year fixed-rate charter with a top-five global liner operator, reported Athens’ Container News.
The vessels, built in 2023 and 2024, were purchased for US$340 million and are scheduled for delivery between October and November 2026, subject to closing conditions.
The charters are expected to generate US$180 million in contracted revenue and about $140 million in EBITDA over the initial three-year term. The deal lifts MPC Container Ships’ contracted revenue backlog to $2.2 billion and strengthens its position in the mid-sized segment.
As part of its fleet strategy, the company has secured forward charter agreements for AS Pamela and AS Anne, while selling non-core vessels AS Selina and AS Angelina.
Following these transactions, MPC Container Ships has increased contract coverage to 99 percent for 2026, 74 percent for 2027 and 48 percent for 2028. Financial guidance for 2026 has been raised to revenue of $460-470 million and EBITDA of $280-300 million.
To support its renewal programme, the company has secured a $375 million senior secured term loan underwritten by Societe Generale, with BNP – Paribas, Credit Agricole, ING and KfW IPEX-Bank as lenders.
The financing will cover ten of 16 newbuildings ordered last year, while an additional $75 million facility for two 4,500 TEU vessels has received credit approval.
Chief executive Constantin Baack said the acquisition reflects MPC Container Ships’ disciplined renewal strategy and strengthens long-term earnings through modern vessels secured on multi-year charters.
Customers to get tariff refunds
FedEx, DHL and UPS are starting to pass on tariff refunds worth billions of dollars to customers under a US government programme, reported Yahoo Finance.
The refunds stem from duties ruled illegal under the International Emergency Powers Act of 1977.
FedEx said it has received US$800 million in refunds, which will be distributed to customers beginning in August.
Chief customer officer Brie Carere confirmed the plan during an earnings call.
DHL said funds are already being returned, though it did not disclose the amount.
UPS chief executive Carol Tome said her company could receive $5 billion in refunds overall, with $500 million applied for immediately under phase one of the programme.
She stressed UPS acts as a pass-through, remitting money directly to customers once received.
Phase two of the government’s CAPE programme begins on June 29, with phase three expected by the end of July.
These expansions will make more tariffs eligible for refunds, depending on when they were paid since President Donald Trump imposed blanket duties 14 months ago.
Other companies are also facing pressure to return funds.
Costco has been sued by customers and pledged to repay money “in some form,” while Walmart announced price cuts on 7,200 products.
At stake is an estimated $166 billion in tariffs.
The refund process comes amid continued trade uncertainty.
Many firms face 10 percent global tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which are under legal challenge.
FedEx chief executive Raj Subramaniam said shifting global trade policy remains a significant headwind.
WSC says more lost boxes at sea
The World Shipping Council said 1,478 containers were lost at sea in 2025 out of 280 million transported globally, equal to 0.0005 percent of the total, reported WCS
The figure is up from 576 in 2024 and above the recent three- year average.
One major vessel loss accounted for 640 containers, or 43 percent of the total.
Weather in the North Atlantic and North Pacific and fire-related incidents were cited as key factors.
The report noted 128 containers were recovered in 2025, the highest since recovery data collection began in 2023.
From January 2026, new mandatory reporting rules under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea require all containers lost or observed drifting to be reported. Flag states must also submit loss figures to the International Maritime Organization.
WSC highlighted ongoing id safety initiatives including its Cargo Safety Program to prevent misdeclared dangerous goods, a revised CTU Code, the Top Tier Joint Industry Project and new IMDG Code rules for charcoal shipments.
The survey is based on input from member companies representing about 90 percent of global container vessel capacity, with data extrapolated to estimate industry-wide losses.
WSC said it will continue publishing the report to ensure consistency and transparency.
CMA CGM, Asyad to build $400 million Sohar terminal
Asyad Group and CMA CGM Group have signed a Framework Agreement to develop, manage and operate a new multipurpose logistics terminal at Sohar Port in Oman, with an investment of $400 million.
The agreement was signed during the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France, reflecting the broader strengthening of economic ties between Oman and France.
The new terminal will deliver advanced integrated logistics services and supply chain solutions, with the aim of reinforcing regional and international trade corridors, increasing cargo handling volumes and deepening Omani ports’ connectivity to global shipping networks. No timeline for completion has been disclosed. Shipping& Logistics
Eng. Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, CMA CGM Group Chief Executive Officer, “Asyad Group, said: “This partnership reflects Asyad Group’s vision of building strategic collaborations with major global companies to enhance the commercial attractiveness of Omani ports and maximize the economic value of their assets.
“This cooperation will open new horizons for attracting trade flows and quality investments to ports, and free and economic zones, and strengthening Oman’s position in global supply chains, in support of the Sultanate’s objectives to establish its position as a pivotal center for trade and logistics services at the international level.”
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. CMA CGM Group, stated: “This partnership with Asyad Group marks an important step in the development of our logistics terminal at Sohar, we will strengthen regional connectivity while securing reliable inland access to key trade corridors.
It will ensure greater resilience and efficiency for our customers’ supply chains.
It also reflects our confidence in Oman’s long-term vision and our commitment to strengthening its position as a strategic gateway connecting the Gulf to global markets.”