Blog

Read our latest insights and information on ocean shipping and global supply chains events.
Logistics Insight
Escalating Tension in the Middle East and Beyond - How 2024 is Reshaping Global Maritime Trade

The year 2024 has witnessed a combination of unprecedented disruptions that have significantly impeded the international shipping industry's operations. The latest includes this report by Global Maritime Risk Management expert, Ambrey, which details escalating military tensions in Lybia particularly around oil production and control, which pose a significant threat to the stability of Libya and could lead to localized conflict, impacting oil markets and regional security.

September 1, 2024
Logistics Insight
The Rise of the Northern Sea Route and Its Global Impact

As geopolitical tensions disrupt traditional shipping lanes, particularly in the Red Sea, the maritime industry is turning its gaze northward. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is emerging as a viable alternative, promising to reshape global trade routes and maritime logistics.

August 19, 2024
Logistics Insight
AIS Data that Enables Vessel Position Tracking

If you are involved in the import/export business, you may have heard of ‘ship tracking’ or have tried tracking it yourself. Through ship location tracking, people want to know where my or my customer’s cargo is on the sea, which route it takes, where it transits, etc. And consequently, the cargo’s arrival time. In addition, ship tracking will also be able to identify cargo delays and variable situations that frequently occur in maritime transportation in advance and prepare for them so that there are no disruptions to the logistics plan.

August 11, 2024
Logistics Insight
Port Congestion: Why it Happens and Strategies SeaVantage Port Insight Can Help You Stay Resilient

What happens when the world's busiest waterways become choke points for global trade? In 2024, we've witnessed this scenario unfold dramatically with the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, where Houthi attacks on commercial vessels have forced many ships to reroute around Africa. This situation together with other recent events has reignited concerns about port congestion on a global scale, highlighting the fragility of our interconnected supply chains. As businesses and consumers grapple with the ripple effects of these disruptions, understanding the causes of port congestion and developing strategies to mitigate its impact has never been more crucial. This article delves into the complexities of port congestion and introduces how SeaVantage Port Insight can help businesses navigate these turbulent waters in an increasingly unpredictable global trade landscape.

August 8, 2024
Knowledge Base
The Top 10 Largest Shipping Carriers By Fleet Size and Capacity 2024

Shipping carriers are the backbone of this industry, ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of cargo, thereby supporting global economic growth. This article aims to highlight the ten largest shipping carriers in the world, providing a detailed look into their operations, fleet sizes, and recent developments. The global shipping industry is a crucial component of international trade, handling the transportation of goods across oceans and connecting markets worldwide.

August 4, 2024
Knowledge Base
The Top 10 Container Terminal Operators in International Trade - 2024

The global container shipping industry is a cornerstone of international trade, enabling the efficient movement of goods across continents. Container terminal operators play a crucial role in this industry, providing the infrastructure and services needed to handle the vast volumes of cargo that traverse the world's oceans. These operators manage the ports where containers are loaded and unloaded, ensuring the smooth flow of trade and logistics. This article aims to highlight the top 10 container terminal operators worldwide, showcasing their significance in the global supply chain.

July 30, 2024
Logistics Insight
Crowdstrike's Catastrophe: The Aftermath in Ports and Terminals Worldwide

In an unprecedented turn of events, a faulty update from cybersecurity giant Crowdstrike recently triggered what is being called the largest global IT outage in history. The update, intended to bolster security, instead crashed Microsoft's operating system, leading to widespread disruptions across various sectors, most notably in air freight and maritime operations.

July 25, 2024
Logistics Insight
Has the Container Freight Rate Surge Peaked? Insights from Latest Market Data

The shipping industry has been closely monitoring the dramatic surge in spot container freight rates in recent weeks. However, the latest data suggests this upward trend may be losing steam, for now. Here's the current state of affairs and what it might mean for the market.

July 19, 2024
Logistics Insight
SeaVantage and HD Hyundai Marine Solution: Partnering for a Smarter, Greener Maritime Industry

In a significant move that promises to reshape the maritime industry, SeaVantage, a South Korean startup specializing in AI-driven maritime data analytics, has announced a strategic investment of $2.3 million from HD Hyundai Marine Solution. Announced on July 11, 2024, this partnership aims to revolutionize visibility and sustainability in global shipping logistics by applying advanced AI and big data technologies. The collaboration between these two innovative companies signals a new era in maritime operations, one that prioritizes efficiency, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making.

July 16, 2024
Logistics Insight
Ocean Visibility vs Tracking: Why Tracking Alone Isn't Enough

In today's complex global supply chains, simply tracking shipments is no longer enough. The recent Red Sea blockade has served as a wake-up call for the shipping industry: traditional tracking methods fall woefully short in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain volatility. From predicting ETA changes due to route diversions to managing port congestion caused by sudden influxes of rerouted vessels, ocean visibility has emerged as a critical tool for navigating these turbulent waters.

June 28, 2024
Logistics Insight
Understanding Demurrage vs. Detention: Differences and the Role of Shipment Visibility

Demurrage and detention are often used interchangeably in logistics; however, these terms refer to distinct concepts, even though they are closely linked. While both can involve charges, there are strategies to significantly reduce or avoid these costs in your supply chain.

June 21, 2024
Knowledge Base
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Container Shipping

Container shipping is a cornerstone of global trade, enabling the efficient movement of goods across the world's oceans. Container ships, with their standardized containers, have revolutionized the logistics industry since their introduction in the mid-20th century, streamlining the process of loading, transporting, and unloading goods.

June 12, 2024
Logistics Insight
Threefold Transparency: The Transformative Power of Multi-Source Data in Supply Chain Visibility

In today's competitive world market, knowing exactly where your shipment is at all times is more critical than ever. The ability to track and manage the movement of goods across the world with precision and real-time updates can make the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one.

May 31, 2024
Logistics Insight
FMC Demurrage and Detention Billing Rules: New vs. Previous

New regulations from the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) aim to enhance transparency and fairness in demurrage and detention billing. These changes impact the issuance of invoices, designate the recipients, and address dispute resolution procedures.

May 28, 2024
Knowledge Base
Ocean Shipping: How container ports and terminals work

Ocean shipping is integral to global trade, enabling the movement of goods across vast distances efficiently and cost-effectively. The key facilitators in this system are container ports and terminals, which manage the flow of goods between sea transport and land-based transport methods like trucks and trains.

May 16, 2024
Knowledge Base
Understanding Freight Forwarders: Who They Are and Why You Need One

In the complex world of global trade, navigating the intricacies of transporting goods from one country to another can be daunting. This is where freight forwarders come into play. Acting as a crucial intermediary, freight forwarders specialize in arranging the storage and shipment of merchandise on behalf of shippers. They not only take care of logistical operations but also help businesses overcome the hurdles of international trade regulations.

April 23, 2024
Knowledge Base
Understanding Master Bill of Lading and Tracking Shipments by Bill of Lading

The Master Bill of Lading (MBL) serves as a formal contract between the shipper, who is sending the goods, and the main carrier, which is the company transporting the goods. This document outlines the terms and conditions under which the cargo is moved, ensuring both parties understand their rights and responsibilities.

April 11, 2024
Logistics Insight
The Impact of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse on Ocean Shipping

The recent collision between the Singapore-flagged large container ship 'Dali' and the Francis Scott Key Bridge has resulted in significant losses for ocean shipping, particularly, impacting operations at the Port of Baltimore. With ship traffic suspended indefinitely, the aftermath of this incident has left six individuals missing and resulted in daily economic losses estimated at $15 million.

March 29, 2024
Logistics Insight
Future-Proofing Your Supply Chain: Insights from TPM24

At SeaVantage, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of shipping and logistics. That's why we're excited to share key takeaways from the recent Transpacific Maritime Conference (TPM24), where industry experts shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping today's trade landscape.

March 14, 2024
Logistics Insight
Master Shipping Challenges: SeaVantage's SVMP & Cargo Monitoring Dashboard (Red Sea Disruption and Panama Canal Drought)

The recent disruptions in the Red Sea and Panama Canal Drought have sent ripples through the global shipping industry, causing significant impacts on established routes and compelling vessels to reroute. This has introduced a complex web of challenges for vessels transiting through these regions. In such turbulent times, monitoring vessels becomes critical for businesses involved in maritime trade.

March 10, 2024
Logistics Insight
Impact of Red Sea Events on Container Vessel Routes (Download Free Report)

Since December 15, 2023, a series of attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted multiple container vessels in the Red Sea. Here is the most recent update as of December 29th on the ongoing situation around the Red Sea.

December 29, 2023
Logistics Insight
Unveiling the Power of API Integration: SeaVantage's Gateway to Unmatched Logistics Excellence

In the ever-evolving landscape of global logistics, the optimization of operations hinges significantly on the sophisticated orchestration of Application Programming Interface (API) Integration. Within SeaVantage, our unwavering commitment to operational excellence is centered on leveraging the inherent transformative capabilities of seamless API integration.

December 8, 2023
Logistics Insight
Navigating the Unseen: Panama Drought Crises, Israel-Hamas Conflict, Black Sea Port Disruptions

When it comes to managing complex supply chains, you've probably heard the old saying, "You can't manage what you can't see." In today's ever-changing world, this wisdom holds truer than ever. From geopolitical tensions to climate change, and congested ports, knowing what's happening and where is the key to effective management and communication with stakeholders.

November 10, 2023
Logistics Insight
Ocean Shipping and Global Supply Chain Disruptions - Recap of 2022

2022 was another tumultuous year for the ocean shipping industry. The combination of numerous disruptions ranging from geopolitical conflicts, Covid-19 lockdowns, industrial labor strikes, inflationary pressures, and extreme weather events gravely impacted ports worldwide and global supply chains.

January 4, 2023
Logistics Insight
Shanghai Ending Lockdown: What Impact has it had on China's Ports?

Gaining access to accurate ocean freight visibility has never been more crucial than it is today. News about China's Covid lockdowns led to multiple speculations and trending reports about tremendous congestion in Shanghai and other Asian ports. However, visibility data from SeaVantage Maritime Platform revealed a different picture of the situation of China’s ports. The extended lockdown in Shanghai resulted in some congestion in the port of Shanghai however not as severe as other trending images revealed. What actually happened?

June 2, 2022
Logistics Insight
China’s Covid Crises: The State of Chinese Port Congestion

China's rising covid cases and lockdowns due to the omicron variant have been increasing the number of vessels waiting outside the country's ports. Initial lockdowns were placed on Shanghai, the country's largest city, from March 28 to April 5.

April 27, 2022
Logistics Insight
US/EU Sanction on Russia: Impact on Ocean Shipping

Why Sanctions on Russia?The United States along with the G7 and the EU announced additional economic sanctions against Russia on April 6th for its brutality in Ukraine, particularly in Bucha.

April 13, 2022
Logistics Insight
Shanghai's Lockdown Threatens Further Disruptions in Global Supply Chain.

China is implementing a two-phase lockdown in Shanghai, the country's most populous city and financial capital with a population of about 26 million people.The citywide two-phase lockdown testing will be conducted in two rounds. Tests will be conducted on the eastern side of the city from March 28 to April 1, and on the western side of the city from April 1 to April 5. This phased locked down means that half of the city will remain functioning at a time.

March 30, 2022
Logistics Insight
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 4 Ways it is Impacting Ocean Supply Chain

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops has led to multiple fast-changing developments in global ocean supply chains that are still reeling from the ongoing pandemic. Stakeholders are bracing for the potential impacts of this conflict on shipments, freight rates, and additional logistics capacity constraints.

March 8, 2022
Logistics Insight
Images show congestion in the Port of Santos in São Paulo, Brazil.

The Port of Santos in the state of São Paulo, Brazil has been experiencing an increase in the number of vessels waiting to berth at its port. As of Thursday (24th February 2022), there were 88 vessels anchored awaiting berthing (See Port Insight image below)

February 25, 2022
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