MSC Adds Surcharge on West Med–North America Route

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MSC Introduces Peak Season Surcharge on West Med–North America Trade Starting 23 June 2025

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) applicable to container shipments originating in the West Mediterranean and Adriatic and destined for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.

Surcharge Targets High-Demand Routes to USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean

Effective 23 June 2025 and until further notice, the surcharge will apply to all container types amid strong and sustained market demand across the transatlantic corridor.

Applies to All Container Types Amid Strong and Sustained Market Demand

  • $500 per 20’ container
  • $700 per 40’ container

Fee Structure: $500 per 20' | $700 per 40'

The surcharge is designed to ensure operational continuity and high service standards as container flows remain elevated throughout the peak season. It covers all equipment types, including reefer and special containers.

Measure Aims to Maintain Service Reliability During Peak Season Surge

This pricing adjustment reflects MSC’s proactive strategy to balance equipment supply, vessel deployment, and port handling capacity while supporting its customers through one of the busiest shipping periods of the year.

Conclusion: Proactive Capacity Management to Support Operational Efficiency

As shippers navigate peak season dynamics, the surcharge underscores the importance of early planning and allocation visibility. MSC will continue to monitor trade conditions and adapt pricing mechanisms to maintain network stability and schedule reliability.

CMA CGM, SNP to Build Haiphong Deep-Water Terminal

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CMA CGM and Saigon Newport Corporation to Develop $600M Deep-Water Terminal in Haiphong, Vietnam

CMA CGM Group, a global logistics leader, has signed a partnership agreement with Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) to develop a new deep-water container terminal in Haiphong, Northern Vietnam. Named Lach Huyen Terminals 7&8, the facility will add 1.9 million TEUs of capacity and is set to commence operations in 2028.

Strategic Investment to Support Northern Vietnam’s Booming Container Trade

The Lach Huyen development responds to a sharp increase in container traffic through Northern Vietnam, now one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economic regions. With trade volumes fueled by export-led manufacturing, the region demands expanded port infrastructure to support global logistics efficiency.

Lach Huyen Terminals 7&8 to Deliver 1.9 Million TEU Capacity by 2028

Situated in the strategically located Lach Huyen port area, the project involves joint design, construction, and operations by CMA CGM and SNP. Total investment is estimated at USD 600 million.

Terminal Design, Construction, and Operations to Be Jointly Managed

The project highlights CMA CGM’s deep-rooted strategy to build strategic capacity in high-growth regions while partnering with established local leaders like SNP, Vietnam’s largest port operator.

Strengthening Vietnam’s Role in Global Supply Chains

By enhancing infrastructure in Haiphong, CMA CGM secures long-term access to critical trade lanes linking Southeast Asia with the Americas, Europe, and intra-Asia markets. This reinforces Vietnam’s growing prominence as a core node in global manufacturing and logistics.

Built on CMA CGM’s Established Presence and Intermodal Network

CMA CGM has operated in Vietnam since 1989, with five offices and a strong footprint through 29 weekly services across seven Vietnamese ports. It also co-owns terminals in Ho Chi Minh City and Cai Mep, leveraging CEVA Logistics’ inland capabilities to deliver end-to-end connectivity.

Conclusion: Long-Term Bet on Southeast Asia’s Trade Growth Trajectory

The Lach Huyen 7&8 terminal project reflects CMA CGM’s confidence in Vietnam’s economic trajectory and reaffirms its commitment to investing in future-ready port infrastructure. As regional demand accelerates, the Group’s collaboration with SNP is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam’s next chapter in maritime trade leadership.

PIL Launches Weekly China–Indonesia Direct Service

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PIL Launches North China Indonesia Service to Strengthen Intra-Asia Trade Connectivity

Pacific International Lines (PIL) has announced the launch of a new weekly direct service—North China Indonesia Service (NIS)—that will connect key ports in China, Singapore, and Indonesia. The service will begin on 17 June 2025 and is designed to deliver fast, reliable transit within Asia’s most dynamic trade lanes.

China–Singapore–Indonesia loop

Weekly Loop Offers Fast Transit Between China, Singapore, and Indonesia

The service will operate on a 35-day rotation through a vessel-sharing arrangement. The full port sequence includes:

  • Tianjin
  • Qingdao
  • Xiamen
  • Singapore
  • Jakarta
  • Surabaya
  • Singapore
  • Tianjin

New Route Set to Begin 17 June 2025 on 35-Day Rotation

With direct connections to major Indonesian ports and transshipment via Singapore, NIS enables smoother trade for manufacturers, exporters, and importers within Asia’s critical supply chains.

Port Rotation: Tianjin – Qingdao – Xiamen – Singapore – Jakarta – Surabaya – Singapore – Tianjin

Strategic Move to Reinforce PIL’s Southeast Asia Trade Ambitions

“This initiative strengthens our ability to support customer needs across Asia and reinforces our broader ambition to drive trade flows within Southeast Asia and across our global network,” said Surendran Mathilagath, General Manager, Intra-Asia Services at PIL.

PIL Expands Regional Network to Support Growing Asia Trade Lanes

As Asia’s trade volumes surge and demand for reliable intra-regional shipping solutions rises, PIL’s North China Indonesia Service is positioned to meet the evolving needs of shippers with dependable weekly sailings and high network efficiency.

WiseTech Acquires e2open for $2.1 Billion, to Go Private

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WiseTech Global Acquires e2open in $2.1 Billion Deal to Build End-to-End Logistics Software Giant

In one of the logistics tech sector’s biggest shake-ups of the year, WiseTech Global has announced the $2.1 billion acquisition of e2open, a U.S.-based supply chain software firm. The move ends e2open’s short-lived public run, which began via a SPAC in 2020, and marks the largest acquisition in WiseTech’s history.

Deal Overview: From SPAC IPO to Strategic Exit

The all-cash transaction values e2open at $3.30 per share, a 28.4% premium over its pre-deal closing price. Once complete, e2open will be delisted from the NYSE. The decision comes after a strategic review driven by activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which had acquired a 13% stake and pushed for restructuring.

Shareholder Premium and End of Public Listing

e2open went public via SPAC in October 2020 but has struggled with poor performance and declining investor confidence. Shares, once trading above $14.50 in mid-2021, dropped to a low of $1.75 in April 2025. The deal brings closure to a rocky public chapter and provides an exit for shareholders at a relative premium.

Strategic Rationale: Combining CargoWise and e2open

Creating a Global Logistics Software Powerhouse

WiseTech, known for its CargoWise logistics platform, plans to integrate e2open’s supply chain planning tools with its logistics execution stack. The goal: build a unified end-to-end digital platform for complex, global supply chains—serving everyone from freight forwarders to OEMs and e-commerce brands.

Background: Activist Pressure and Financial Struggles at e2open

Following a $1.5 billion operating loss in FY2023 and a $652 million loss in FY2024, e2open faced mounting pressure to pivot. Subscription revenues—the company’s core—declined to $528 million in FY2024 from $537 million a year earlier. CEO Michael Farlekas was ousted in late 2023, and under interim-turned-permanent CEO Andrew Appel, a strategic review was launched.

Looking Ahead: What the Deal Means for Customers and the Market

“Together, we will offer a leading end-to-end platform for the world’s most complex supply chains,” said Appel. WiseTech CEO Richard White is expected to outline further integration plans in coming weeks, but analysts expect continued expansion beyond APAC and deeper penetration into enterprise-level supply chains in North America and Europe.

WiseTech’s Big Bet on Global Supply Chain Integration

This acquisition positions WiseTech as a formidable global force in digital supply chain infrastructure. While e2open’s recent history is marked by volatility, the combined platform could reshape how B2B logistics software is delivered—linking strategy, execution, and visibility in a single pane of glass.

Microsoft partners with NORDEN to cut maritime emissions

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NORDEN and Microsoft Launch Maritime Decarbonisation Pilot

As global supply chains come under increasing pressure to decarbonise, Microsoft and Danish shipping firm NORDEN are taking a significant step forward. Together, they’ve launched a pilot aimed at slashing maritime Scope 3 emissions by leveraging advanced biofuel solutions and a revamped Book and Claim system.

A New Collaboration for Carbon-Responsible Shipping

At the core of the pilot is a mutual ambition: accelerate maritime decarbonisation without waiting for perfect infrastructure. The partnership enables Microsoft to reduce its maritime carbon footprint through certified low-carbon shipping operations managed by NORDEN.

Book and Claim System: Tracking Carbon the Smart Way

Why Book and Claim Matters in Maritime Logistics

The Book and Claim model decouples carbon savings from fuel delivery, allowing companies to invest in biofuels even when bunkering infrastructure is unavailable in their shipping lanes.

RSB's Role in Verifying Sustainable Fuel Claims

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) will provide third-party verification, ensuring claims are credible and aligned with global ESG frameworks. This includes updates to RSB’s existing registry tools to meet maritime needs.

Impact: 10,000 Tonnes of CO2e Over Three Years

Microsoft aims to cut nearly 10,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions from its maritime operations in the next three years. This figure represents a meaningful dent in the company’s broader Scope 3 emissions strategy.

Statements from NORDEN and Microsoft

“We are pleased to work with a like-minded partner in Microsoft, sharing our ambition to scale the use of low-carbon fuels,” said Anne Jensen, COO of NORDEN. Julia Fidler from Microsoft added, “This pilot will help build registry infrastructure that supports verified carbon reduction in shipping.”

Implications for Global Supply Chain Stakeholders

More companies reliant on ocean transport may turn to similar solutions as regulatory and investor pressure mounts. This pilot, along with recent efforts by Maersk and HD Hyundai, marks a pivotal shift in how big tech and shipping giants approach climate targets.

Paving the Way for Low-Carbon Oceans

By proving that transparent, verifiable carbon reductions are possible today—not years from now—this collaboration sets a precedent. It’s a scalable blueprint for maritime decarbonisation, rooted in data and accountability.

Kuehne+Nagel Expands EU Freight Network via TDN Deal

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Kuehne+Nagel Acquires Spain’s TDN to Boost EU Freight Connectivity

Kuehne+Nagel is making a bold strategic move to solidify its footprint in Southern Europe. The global logistics major has entered into an agreement to acquire TDN, a leading Spanish road freight provider known for its extensive terminal network and daily domestic reach.

Strategic Acquisition Targets Iberian Road Freight Leadership

As one of Spain’s most trusted logistics players, TDN brings scale and regional insight to Kuehne+Nagel’s growing road logistics ambitions. The deal directly supports K+N’s goal of expanding its European groupage network while offering faster and more frequent services across Southern Europe.

TDN’s Market Footprint and Operational Scale

Shipment Volume, Fleet, and Terminals

TDN handled over one million shipments in 2024. The company’s infrastructure spans 45 terminals and includes a partner vehicle network exceeding 700 trucks. With more than 600 employees, TDN’s logistics operation is both agile and established.

Daily Reach Across Spain, Portugal & Island Routes

TDN operates over 200 daily routes, connecting mainland Spain with Portugal, the Balearics, and the Canary Islands—offering unparalleled reach in the Iberian Peninsula’s last-mile and cross-border deliveries.

Synergies & Strategic Commentary from Leadership

“TDN is a local champion with a comprehensive road groupage network in Spain,” said Hansjörg Rodi, EVP, Road Logistics, Kuehne+Nagel. “With this acquisition, we’ll better serve our European customers with faster lead times and expanded route options.”

Susana Fernández Paradela, President of TDN, added: “With this great cultural and operational fit, we look forward to offering broader solutions to our customers and opening new growth avenues for our people.”

Post-Acquisition Integration and Future Outlook

Upon closure, the transaction will be immediately earnings-accretive and fully complementary to Kuehne+Nagel’s Road Logistics portfolio. Both companies will be integrated, with a focus on streamlining operations, leveraging shared talent, and ensuring continuity in service excellence.

Conclusion: A New Powerhouse in European Road Freight

This acquisition positions Kuehne+Nagel to dominate road freight in one of Europe’s most dynamic logistics regions. As the company continues to scale across the continent, its investment in TDN marks a defining move toward seamless pan-European road connectivity.

MSC Secures Brazilian Nod for Wilson Sons Deal

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MSC’s $1.35 Billion Wilson Sons Takeover Clears Final Hurdle

After months of speculation and a rigorous review process, MSC has crossed the final regulatory checkpoint in Brazil to seal its acquisition of Wilson Sons. The $1.35 billion transaction positions MSC to become a dominant force in Latin American cabotage and port logistics.

Regulatory Approval Cements Latin American Expansion

The green light from Brazilian regulators clears the final obstacle in MSC’s strategic pursuit of Wilson Sons. This decision unlocks the completion of a deal first announced in October 2024, when MSC offered $760 million for a 56% stake owned by Ocean Wilson Holdings.

Deal Timeline and Structure

Initial Purchase and Strategic Intent

MSC’s offer was the culmination of over a year of speculation around Wilson Sons' future ownership. The acquisition grants MSC immediate control over vital infrastructure in one of Latin America’s fastest-growing coastal economies.

Tender Offer for Remaining Shares

Following the completion of the initial stake purchase, MSC will launch a public tender offer for the remaining shares. This second phase will bring the total valuation of the transaction to $1.35 billion.

Why Wilson Sons Matters to MSC’s Strategy

Strengthening Brazilian Cabotage and Port Access

Wilson Sons is a key player in Brazil’s maritime ecosystem, operating ports, towage services, and logistics platforms crucial to the nation’s trade flow. The acquisition provides MSC with direct control over this infrastructure—something it had previously lacked.

Synergy with Log-In Logística Acquisition

The deal dovetails with MSC’s 2021 acquisition of Log-In Logística, another major move in its cabotage playbook. Combined, the two entities will allow MSC to offer seamless end-to-end services across Brazil’s coastlines.

Market Reaction and Competitive Landscape

While other bidders were rumored to be in contention, MSC’s global reach and existing presence in Brazil made it the most strategic fit. Analysts expect this move to accelerate consolidation within South American port and logistics markets.

MSC Tightens Grip on South American Trade Routes

With regulatory approval now secured, MSC is poised to integrate Wilson Sons into its expansive global network. The deal marks a turning point in how container shipping giants approach domestic logistics in emerging markets—and signals MSC’s long-term commitment to Latin America.