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OceanX Radar: Logistics is a people thing; fuel fears; relentless rate rises

Another crazy week passed. Fuel prices moved up a notch again, which makes clear that things in the Middle East are getting worse rather than better. Even US VP Vance warns of a potential "worldwide energy crisis". And with the Houthies back in action, there is a second front on. However, so far no attacks on non-Saudi ships in the Red Sea - let's see how long that lasts. We continue muddling through the fog of uncertainty. Let's look at some ...

HMM muscles in on intra-Asia trade as regional cargo flows shift

South Korea's shipping industry is entering a more competitive phase in the intra-Asia market as HMM, the country's flagship container carrier, expands into this segment that has been traditionally dominated by local feeder operators. The shift is becoming particularly visible in Thailand, where growing Chinese investment is creating new manufacturing and logistics networks, and, in turn, increasing demand for container shipping between China, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Thailand is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing base for Chinese companies pursuing a "China Plus One" strategy. Rather than concentrating all production in China, manufacturers are adding facilities in Southeast Asia to diversify their supply chains and gain access to ASEAN markets. HMM has traditionally concentrated on long-haul services linking Asia with North America and Europe. But the company is now strengthening its presence in the intra-Asian market, putting it into more direct competition with compatriot carriers that have built their businesses around short- and medium-haul routes in the region. HMM already operates services linking South Korea with Laem Chabang, Thailand's largest container gateway, through Japan and Vietnam, as well as services connecting China and Thailand. Its expansion signals a broader effort to build a stronger regional network rather than relying primarily on long-haul lanes. The company is scheduled to take delivery of 22 container vessels ranging from 1,800-2,800 teu from 2028. These smaller ships could provide additional capacity for expanding its intra-Asian network. In addition, HMM's spokesperson confirmed to The Loadstar that two 1,956 teu newbuilding resales were lately bought from Chinese owner Baozhou Shipping. The vessels, HMM Milestone and HMM Harmony, will be delivered from Zhejiang Tenglong Shipyard in October and January 2027, to be assigned to intra-Asia routes. Intra-Asia has long been an important market for South Korea's mid-sized shipping companies. KMTC Line, Sinokor Merchant Marine, Dongjin Shipping, Heung-A Line, Namsung Shipping, Pan Ocean, SM Line and CK Line maintain local subsidiaries or agency networks in Thailand and operate services centered on ports such as Laem Chabang and Bangkok. Many of these carriers have developed their competitive advantage through dense regional networks connecting major South Korean ports with China, Vietnam, Thailand and other Asian markets. Unlike the long-haul trades, where scale and large vessels are particularly important, intra-Asia relies heavily on frequent services, regional connectivity and the ability to serve diverse cargo flows. Alluding to the competition among the South Korean operators, HMM's spokesperson said: "HMM's efforts to strengthen its intra-Asia presence, including in Thailand, are part of our broader mid-to-long-term strategy to optimise our regional network and enhance our hub-and-spoke feeder capabilities connecting with our mainline global services." The spokesperson added: "With cargo flows diversifying under global supply chain shifts, we're proactively expanding our network and service coverage to meet customer demand for reliable and seamless transport solutions." Indeed the intra-Asian cargo base is changing rapidly. China's growing pivot towards Southeast Asia, evidenced by Pinglu Canal's opening yesterday, is generating new two-way cargo flows. Components and raw materials are moving from China into Thailand, while finished products manufactured in Thailand are being shipped to ASEAN and global markets. Laem Chabang, Thailand's main container port, saw its volumes grow 7% year-on-year in 2025, to 10.15m teu. Accordingly, the Thai government wants to expand the port to raise annual capacity from 11m to 18m teu.

ASL Airlines Australia adds third 737-800BCF

ASL Airlines Australia has added a third Boeing 737-800 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft. This is according to data from Planespotters, which shows that the aircraft, registered VH-AZ4, was delivered this month. The 19-year-old aircraft was converted in January 2024 and was previously active in the fleet of Dubai-based SolitAir, operated by ASL Airlines Ireland. Last month, ASL said it had committed to adding four more aircraft to the ASL Airlines Australia fleet to strengthen its existing 737-800BCF network and support the continued expansion of its Australia and New Zealand operations. The airline said at the time: "The aircraft have already been identified, with some transferring from ASL's existing European fleet to the Australian AOC. "This enables a streamlined transition, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in Australia soon and the full transfer programme progressing over the coming months." Air Cargo News has asked ASL to confirm whether the most recently delivered 737-800 converted freighter is part of this previously announced expansion. The expansion of ASL Airlines Australia's fleet followed the launch of cargo operations at Western Sydney International Airport. Earlier this year, ASL Airlines Australia also signed a sale-and-purchase agreement for the takeover of troubled group Airwork's New Zealand and Australia freight business.