Can a Bill of Lading Be Amended After the Vessel Has Sailed?
The bill of lading (B/L) serves as a crucial document of title in international shipping and, in principle, should not be altered once issued. However, in real-world operations, situations may arise that necessitate amending certain elements of the B/L—even after the vessel has departed. If any of the following issues occur, it is essential to […]
Usage Comparison of 40GP and 40HQ Containers
1. Application Scenarios and Suitable Cargo 40GP (General Purpose Container) Suitable Cargo: General dry goods such as machinery, electronics, cotton, and grain. Advantages: Ideal for heavier cargo with smaller volume, such as tiles and stone. Typically used when the cargo gross weight is 22–24 tons. 40HQ (High Cube Container) Suitable Cargo: Light, bulky cargo like […]
Major Strikes Disrupt Key European Ports: Export Operations Halted in Belgium, Sweden, and South Africa at Risk
As of May 20 (local time), Belgium is bracing for a nationwide strike that will heavily impact logistics and port operations. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s busiest gateways, will be affected as members of the maritime services and port authorities join the strike action. In anticipation, the port operator has announced a suspension […]
Shipping Rate Surge Hits Europe and Mediterranean Routes – Carriers Announce Sharp Increases from June
The wave of freight rate hikes that began on the Trans-Pacific routes has now reached Europe and the Mediterranean. According to the latest updates from industry sources, several major shipping lines have officially announced significant rate increases for shipments from China to Europe and the Mediterranean, effective June 2025. These adjustments reflect a steep rise—up […]
Suez Canal: The World’s Carotid Artery – A Must-Know for Global Trade
Introduction: As China’s international trade continues to expand, understanding the origins, development, and future of global trade routes, especially in the Western world, has become a significant topic of interest. Recently, the Suez Canal Authority announced that the canal’s revenue reached a record high of $8 billion in 2022. The Suez Canal, known as the […]
Suez Canal Offers 15% Transit Fee Discount to Attract Shipping Giants
On May 13th, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced a 15% transit fee discount for container ships with a net tonnage of 130,000 tons or more. This discount will be automatically applied during the vessel’s transit, without the need for prior application or documentation. The measure, which covers both laden and ballast container ships transiting […]
Understanding Tank Containers: Types, Applications, and Advantages
Tank containers are specialized containers designed for transporting liquids, gases, and powdered goods. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of their types, uses, and specifications: Types of Tank Containers: Liquid Tank Containers: The most common type, used to transport a variety of liquid cargo such as edible oils, alcoholic beverages, chemicals, and petroleum products. The […]
US-China Tariff Adjustment: Major Changes and What They Mean for International Shipping
On May 14th, 2025, at 12:01 PM, China’s new tariff adjustment measures on imports from the United States officially took effect. The key points of the announcement are as follows: Understanding the Changes in US-China Tariffs On May 12th, the US and China released a joint statement following the Geneva trade talks, announcing a significant […]
Understanding SOC vs COC in Ocean Shipping: What’s the Difference and When to Use Them?
In ocean shipping, the term SOC is commonly heard. SOC stands for Shipper’s Own Container, referring to a container owned or leased by the shipper. The counterpart to SOC is COC, which stands for Carrier’s Own Container. In container shipping, whether it is Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), containers are […]
US-China Trade War: Key Impacted Products and Major Trade Commodities
The ongoing trade war between the United States and China has significantly impacted the trade flow of numerous commodities between the two economic giants. Below, we outline the primary products affected by the trade tensions and the key trade commodities exchanged between the two nations. I. Key Products Imported by China from the United States […]
