Wiernicki Announces Departure from ABS After Over a Decade of Leadership

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Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), will retire at the close of 2025, the classification society confirmed. His decision comes after 14 years in the top role, during which ABS broadened its global footprint and navigated significant industry shifts.

The organisation has already outlined its succession plan. John McDonald, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, is expected to assume leadership starting January 1, 2026, pending final board approval.



Fleet Expansion and Market Share Define Wiernicki’s Legacy

Under Wiernicki’s guidance, ABS recorded steady growth. In 2024 alone, the classed fleet reached 300 million gross tons. ABS also held a 22% share of global new construction orders—a benchmark achievement reflecting its continued relevance among shipowners and builders.

Reflecting on the challenges faced, Wiernicki noted:

“From the pandemic to regulatory upheaval and emerging technologies, we’ve worked through a period of immense change. We stayed the course with key investments that helped secure our role as a leader in both safety and technology.”

Expansion Beyond Classification: Offshore, Digital and Government Sectors

Beyond its core mission, ABS invested in a broader portfolio during Wiernicki’s tenure. The organisation extended its reach in the offshore energy sector and built out its support services for government clients. At the same time, it prioritised digital innovation and sustainable practices—areas now central to classification society competitiveness.

Rear Admiral Wayne R. Arguin, Jr., Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy at the U.S. Coast Guard, commended the organisation’s role:

“ABS has been a steady and essential partner in shaping maritime safety standards and pushing forward with technical innovation.”  

Transition Signals Continuity with Eyes on the Future

The upcoming transition to John McDonald is positioned as a continuation of ABS’s current strategic path. With decades of experience inside the organisation, McDonald is expected to maintain momentum across digital, offshore, and regulatory focus areas.

Wiernicki’s retirement marks the close of a significant chapter for ABS—one defined by growth, adaptation, and renewed relevance in a fast-evolving maritime sector.

Hapag-Lloyd announce peak season surcharge from East Asia to North America

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After CMA-CGM, German shipping carrier Hapag-Lloyd has also announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) from East Asia to North America. The peak season surcharge will be effective from 12 May until further notice.



Hapag-Lloyd has added US$1,000 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit(TEU) and US$2,000 per Forty-foot Equivalent Unit(FEU) as Peak Season Surcharge (PSS).

East Asia area includes Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan (PRC), Hong Kong (PRC), China (PRC), Macau (PRC), Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines, while North America covers United States and Canada.

South Korea's Hanwha Ocean Plans to Construct First US-Made LNG Tanker

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Following a major trade policy recommendations aimed to reduce China's position in the Global ship construction market, South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean (Hanwha Philly Shipyard in the USA) plans to construct the US's first indigenous liquefied natural gas tanker



Hanwha Ocean, which is aggressively expanding in U.S. footprint in response to a proposal unveiled by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The proposal recommended tariffs on Chinese-built vessels entering American ports after a six-month phase-in period. The proposal also recommended mandating that LNG carriers transporting U.S.-sourced fuel must be constructed and flagged domestically.

The only problem is US currently lacks the necessary infrastructure required to construct such complex vessels

While it will increase the global LNG Fleet sails under the U.S. Flag from the current approx 1%, American LNG exporters argue that enforcing a U.S.-build mandate would drive up costs, and not only jeopardise long-term export contracts but also affect the USA's leadership in the LNG market.

DHL to Suspend Consumer Package to USA

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DHL Express, a division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, has announced that it will suspend global business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments valued over $800 to individuals in the United States starting April 21. This decision follows recent changes in U.S. customs regulations, which have significantly increased the time required for clearance.



While the notice on DHL’s website does not bear a date, metadata indicates it was published on Saturday.

The suspension is attributed to new U.S. customs requirements that mandate formal entry processing for all shipments exceeding $800 in value. Previously, this threshold was set at $2,500, but the regulation was amended on April 5.

DHL clarified that this suspension does not apply to business-to-business (B2B) shipments, although such shipments may experience delays. Additionally, shipments valued under $800—whether B2B or B2C—remain unaffected by the regulatory change.

The company emphasised that the suspension is a temporary measure.

In response to Reuters' inquiries last week, DHL stated that it would continue processing shipments from Hong Kong to the U.S. “in accordance with the applicable customs rules and regulations.” DHL also added that it would “work with our customers to help them understand and adapt to the changes that are planned for May 2.”

The development follows a recent announcement from Hong Kong Post, which suspended sea mail services for goods sent to the United States. Hong Kong Post accused the U.S. of “bullying” after Washington revoked tariff-free trade privileges for packages originating from China and Hong Kong.

India's first sea route exports pomegranate consignment to U.S

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India has exported its first pomegranate consignment to the U.S.A. via sea route. The pomegranate consignment comprising 4,620 boxes, weighing around 14 tonnes, has reached the U.S. East Coast in March 2025.



The consignment was sent from Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra to New York, USA.

Traditionally, for pomegranate exports, companies use the Air Route. However, after the success of the static trial to enhance the shelf life of Pomegranates for up to 60 days by APEDA in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate.


Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables from Mumbai, has used the sea freight mode to send the consignment cost-effectively and sustainably.

India’s Largest Port Operator Adani Port Acquires Australia's NQXT Terminal, Adds 50 MTPA

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 India’s largest integrated transport utility, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), has acquired the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) in Australia, adding 50 MTPA capacity.



In all-share deals, Adani Ports (APSEZ) will issue 14.38 crore equity shares at (A$ 3,975 million) to Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore holdings Pte Ltd (CRPSHPL) in exchange for 100% ownership of Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd (APPH).


Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd (APPH), a Singapore-based entity currently owned by Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd (CRPSHPL).


APPH owns and operates NQXT, a major export terminal located at the Port of Abbot Point, roughly 25 kilometres north of Bowen in North Queensland, on Australia’s east coast.

As part of the deal, APSEZ will also take over certain non-core assets and liabilities listed on APPH’s balance sheet, which the company plans to liquidate within a few months.

Maersk issued advisory on Mombasa Port

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Due to berthing congestion due to yard density and equipment constraints, Danish Carrier Maersk has been facing delays in vessel berthing and departure delays.


To address the situation, Maersk has issued a customer advisory about actions to handle the ongoing situation and delay in berthing and departures at the port of Mombasa.


In the advisory by Maersk said, “As a result of these challenges, from time-to-time we may experience unexpected cuts and runs where we may not be able to accommodate all the containers as we strive to meet connections at the transhipment ports.”