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EXTRANS GLOBAL - Weekly Logistics Operation Update - Week 21 -2026
📌 Weekly Logistics Highlights (May 16–22, 2026)
Global logistics activity continued adapting to Middle East route disruptions and tariff policy shifts this week. The US-Iran ceasefire held for a sixth week, yet Strait of Hormuz vessel movements remained severely constrained, while Africa-diverted services stabilized with persistently longer transit times. US-China trade restrictions remained in effect, Middle East air cargo capacity expanded further, and spot rates kept easing moderately. China’s green port initiatives and methanol bunkering operations hit new milestones, South Korean transshipment volumes stayed at record highs, and US West Coast ports maintained steady throughput amid elevated fuel costs.
China
Hong Kong, China
🔹 HK Green Shipping Fund Seventh Batch Opens, Cumulative Disbursements Hit HK$4.8B (May 17)
Hong Kong Marine Department launched the seventh round of Green Shipping Fund applications, with cumulative approved projects reaching 95 and total disbursements rising to HK$4.8 billion. The new batch includes ten methanol vessel retrofits and nine shore power installations, projected to cut annual carbon emissions by 7,200 tons. Thirty-seven global shipping lines now participate, accelerating progress toward Hong Kong’s 2030 decarbonization goals.
Hong Kong Marine Department launched the seventh round of Green Shipping Fund applications, with cumulative approved projects reaching 95 and total disbursements rising to HK$4.8 billion. The new batch includes ten methanol vessel retrofits and nine shore power installations, projected to cut annual carbon emissions by 7,200 tons. Thirty-seven global shipping lines now participate, accelerating progress toward Hong Kong’s 2030 decarbonization goals.
🔹 HKIA Weekly Cargo Climbs to 495,000 Tons, Pharma Shipments Jump 28% WoW (May 20)
Hong Kong International Airport lifted weekly cargo throughput to 495,000 tons, driven by strong Southeast Asia–North America transshipment demand. Pharmaceutical cool chain shipments surged 28% week-on-week, supported by fully operational expanded temperature-controlled facilities. Freighter night slot utilization exceeded 90%, with 20 additional weekly freighters added since mid-May.
Hong Kong International Airport lifted weekly cargo throughput to 495,000 tons, driven by strong Southeast Asia–North America transshipment demand. Pharmaceutical cool chain shipments surged 28% week-on-week, supported by fully operational expanded temperature-controlled facilities. Freighter night slot utilization exceeded 90%, with 20 additional weekly freighters added since mid-May.
Shenzhen, China
🔹 Yantian Port Methanol Bunkering Reaches 20 Weekly Calls, Monthly Supply Tops 8,800 Tons (May 18)
Yantian Port scaled green methanol bunkering to 20 weekly operations, covering 15 Asia–Europe and seven Middle East liner services. May supply volume hit 8,800 tons, with cumulative carbon reductions reaching 7,500 tons since March. An eighth long-term supply agreement was signed, locking stable pricing through 2032 and solidifying Yantian’s position as South China’s premier green fuel hub.
Yantian Port scaled green methanol bunkering to 20 weekly operations, covering 15 Asia–Europe and seven Middle East liner services. May supply volume hit 8,800 tons, with cumulative carbon reductions reaching 7,500 tons since March. An eighth long-term supply agreement was signed, locking stable pricing through 2032 and solidifying Yantian’s position as South China’s premier green fuel hub.
🔹 Shenzhen Q1 Cross-Border E-Commerce Volumes Up 45%, Overseas Warehouse Bookings Rise 60% (May 19)
Shenzhen’s cross-border e-commerce logistics throughput surged 45% year-on-year in Q1, led by new energy vehicles, consumer electronics, and smart home devices. Local logistics providers reported a 60% increase in warehouse space reservations across Dubai, Riyadh, and Southeast Asia, as exporters prioritized overseas inventory to mitigate Red Sea route delays. Port container throughput rose 26% YoY, sustaining robust export momentum.
Shenzhen’s cross-border e-commerce logistics throughput surged 45% year-on-year in Q1, led by new energy vehicles, consumer electronics, and smart home devices. Local logistics providers reported a 60% increase in warehouse space reservations across Dubai, Riyadh, and Southeast Asia, as exporters prioritized overseas inventory to mitigate Red Sea route delays. Port container throughput rose 26% YoY, sustaining robust export momentum.
Guangzhou, China
🔹 Nansha Port NEV Exports Hit 30,000 Units in May, Eighth Middle East Ro-Ro Launched (May 16)
Guangzhou Nansha Port launched an eighth weekly Middle East Ro-Ro service covering Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait. May NEV exports reached 30,000 units, up 35% month-on-month. Automated loading systems reduced average port stay to under 6 hours, with Pearl River Delta manufacturing capacity driving growth above 50% MoM.
Guangzhou Nansha Port launched an eighth weekly Middle East Ro-Ro service covering Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait. May NEV exports reached 30,000 units, up 35% month-on-month. Automated loading systems reduced average port stay to under 6 hours, with Pearl River Delta manufacturing capacity driving growth above 50% MoM.
🔹 Baiyun Airport Adds Fifth Daily Middle East Freighter, Rates Ease to $4.2–5.2/kg (May 21)
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport launched a fifth daily dedicated freighter to the Middle East, operated by China Southern Cargo and SF Airlines. Weekly capacity increased 50% WoW, pushing general cargo spot rates down to $4.2–5.2/kg. Priority cool chain (pharma, vaccines) remained steady at $7.0–9.0/kg, with electronics and medical devices accounting for 75% of total shipments.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport launched a fifth daily dedicated freighter to the Middle East, operated by China Southern Cargo and SF Airlines. Weekly capacity increased 50% WoW, pushing general cargo spot rates down to $4.2–5.2/kg. Priority cool chain (pharma, vaccines) remained steady at $7.0–9.0/kg, with electronics and medical devices accounting for 75% of total shipments.
Shanghai, China
🔹 COSCO Cape Route Utilization Hits 97%, War-Risk Surcharges Extended to Mid-August (May 18)
COSCO Shipping’s 14 Asia–Middle East rerouted services via the Cape of Good Hope achieved 97% berth utilization, with bookings extending into October. Transit times stayed 10–13 days above pre-crisis levels; Jeddah and Salalah handled 60% of Gulf-bound feeder transshipment cargo. War-risk surcharges were extended to mid-August, holding at $1,500–2,000/20GP and $3,000–4,000/40HC.
COSCO Shipping’s 14 Asia–Middle East rerouted services via the Cape of Good Hope achieved 97% berth utilization, with bookings extending into October. Transit times stayed 10–13 days above pre-crisis levels; Jeddah and Salalah handled 60% of Gulf-bound feeder transshipment cargo. War-risk surcharges were extended to mid-August, holding at $1,500–2,000/20GP and $3,000–4,000/40HC.
🔹 Yangshan Port 5G Automation Boosts Efficiency 42%, AI Maintenance 95% Complete (May 19)
Yangshan Deep Water Port fully optimized 5G remote intelligent operations across all 42 berths, lifting peak terminal efficiency by 42% MoM and cutting manual intervention to 40%. AI predictive maintenance system testing reached 95% completion, with full deployment still on track for Q1 2027. Vessel turnaround time averaged 20 hours, 20% faster than the national average.
Yangshan Deep Water Port fully optimized 5G remote intelligent operations across all 42 berths, lifting peak terminal efficiency by 42% MoM and cutting manual intervention to 40%. AI predictive maintenance system testing reached 95% completion, with full deployment still on track for Q1 2027. Vessel turnaround time averaged 20 hours, 20% faster than the national average.
Tianjin, China
🔹 Tianjin Port Green Corridor Reaches 60%, Meeting Year-End Target Early (May 20)
Tianjin Port’s green shipping corridor coverage rose to 60% of total port traffic, achieving the 2026 year-end target seven months ahead of schedule. A total of 130 LNG/methanol-powered vessels accessed the dedicated corridor weekly, with 40 new shore power points added (total 305). May carbon emissions reduced by an estimated 7,500 tons, leading Northern China’s green port transformation.
Tianjin Port’s green shipping corridor coverage rose to 60% of total port traffic, achieving the 2026 year-end target seven months ahead of schedule. A total of 130 LNG/methanol-powered vessels accessed the dedicated corridor weekly, with 40 new shore power points added (total 305). May carbon emissions reduced by an estimated 7,500 tons, leading Northern China’s green port transformation.
🔹 Tianjin Binhai Airport Adds Tenth Weekly Middle East Freighter, Auto Parts Remain Dominant (May 17)
Tianjin Binhai International Airport increased weekly cargo flights to Jeddah to ten frequencies, catering to persistent demand for auto components, machinery, and electronics exports. B747 freighters provided a stable weekly capacity of 2,700 tons, with transit time controlled within 9.5 hours. The expanded route handles 55% of Tianjin’s air cargo to the Gulf, effectively alleviating pressure from disrupted sea lanes.
Tianjin Binhai International Airport increased weekly cargo flights to Jeddah to ten frequencies, catering to persistent demand for auto components, machinery, and electronics exports. B747 freighters provided a stable weekly capacity of 2,700 tons, with transit time controlled within 9.5 hours. The expanded route handles 55% of Tianjin’s air cargo to the Gulf, effectively alleviating pressure from disrupted sea lanes.
Qingdao, China
🔹 Qingdao Port Green Bunkering Rises to 32 Weekly Calls, Q2 Volume Triples YoY (May 21)
Qingdao Port recorded 32 weekly green methanol and LNG bunkering operations, supplying over 3,900 tons of alternative fuels in the week. Eco-friendly vessel berthing subsidies reached RMB 6.8 million in May. Q2 green fuel throughput maintained triple-yearly growth, consolidating its position as North China’s core green fuel distribution hub.
Qingdao Port recorded 32 weekly green methanol and LNG bunkering operations, supplying over 3,900 tons of alternative fuels in the week. Eco-friendly vessel berthing subsidies reached RMB 6.8 million in May. Q2 green fuel throughput maintained triple-yearly growth, consolidating its position as North China’s core green fuel distribution hub.
🔹 Qingdao–Osaka Cargo Flights Expand to Eight Weekly, Seafood Exports Up 32% MoM (May 18)
Qingdao Airlines expanded the Qingdao–Osaka cargo service to eight weekly flights, with B737-800BCF freighters providing a weekly capacity of 1,200 tons. Dedicated cool chain lanes ensured full temperature control for fresh seafood and electronic components. Shandong Province’s seafood exports to Japan jumped 32% month-on-month, driving sustained growth in cross-border cargo flows.
Qingdao Airlines expanded the Qingdao–Osaka cargo service to eight weekly flights, with B737-800BCF freighters providing a weekly capacity of 1,200 tons. Dedicated cool chain lanes ensured full temperature control for fresh seafood and electronic components. Shandong Province’s seafood exports to Japan jumped 32% month-on-month, driving sustained growth in cross-border cargo flows.
Vietnam
🔹 Haiphong Port May Throughput On Track for 1.1M TEUs, Electronics Exports Up 38% YoY (May 17)
Haiphong Port handled 750,000 TEUs in mid-May, on pace for 1.1 million TEUs monthly, representing 35% year-on-year growth. Electronics and textile exports to the US and EU rose 38%, supported by uninterrupted 24/7 port operations and further streamlined customs procedures. Average container dwell time improved to 1.9 days, as Vietnam continued benefiting from global supply chain diversification.
Haiphong Port handled 750,000 TEUs in mid-May, on pace for 1.1 million TEUs monthly, representing 35% year-on-year growth. Electronics and textile exports to the US and EU rose 38%, supported by uninterrupted 24/7 port operations and further streamlined customs procedures. Average container dwell time improved to 1.9 days, as Vietnam continued benefiting from global supply chain diversification.
🔹 Vietnam $2B Logistics Infrastructure Plan Accelerates, Two ICD Projects Break Ground (May 19)
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport advanced its $2 billion national logistics infrastructure plan, with the approved Cai Mep ICD expansion and Tan Cang-Moc Bai inland depot projects officially breaking ground in late May. South Korean and Japanese investors confirmed full capital commitment of $450 million, with construction targeted for completion in Q4 2027, aiming for a 15% reduction in national logistics costs by 2030.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport advanced its $2 billion national logistics infrastructure plan, with the approved Cai Mep ICD expansion and Tan Cang-Moc Bai inland depot projects officially breaking ground in late May. South Korean and Japanese investors confirmed full capital commitment of $450 million, with construction targeted for completion in Q4 2027, aiming for a 15% reduction in national logistics costs by 2030.
South Korea
Busan, South Korea
🔹 Busan Port Weekly Transshipment Hits 780,000 TEUs, Chip Express Lane Up 50% WoW (May 16)
Busan Port’s weekly transshipment volume climbed to 780,000 TEUs, marking the tenth consecutive weekly record. Port authorities added 20 new container cranes and extended terminal operating hours to manage the surge. The dedicated semiconductor “Chip Express” lane throughput jumped 50% week-on-week, meeting robust global demand for South Korean tech exports.
Busan Port’s weekly transshipment volume climbed to 780,000 TEUs, marking the tenth consecutive weekly record. Port authorities added 20 new container cranes and extended terminal operating hours to manage the surge. The dedicated semiconductor “Chip Express” lane throughput jumped 50% week-on-week, meeting robust global demand for South Korean tech exports.
🔹 Busan Port AI Integration 95% Complete, Efficiency Target Raised to 38% (May 18)
Busan Port Authority’s Microsoft AI predictive logistics system reached 95% deployment across all five major terminals. Vessel waiting times reduced by 22% since implementation; full system integration by Q1 2027 now targets a 38% overall port efficiency improvement.
Busan Port Authority’s Microsoft AI predictive logistics system reached 95% deployment across all five major terminals. Vessel waiting times reduced by 22% since implementation; full system integration by Q1 2027 now targets a 38% overall port efficiency improvement.
Incheon, South Korea
🔹 Incheon Airport Middle East Air Cargo Up 45% WoW, Cold Chain Capacity Boosted 50% (May 20)
Incheon International Airport sustained a 45% week-on-week increase in air cargo volume to the Middle East, with six weekly round-trip flights operating at full capacity. High-value electronics and pharmaceutical cargo accounted for 80% of shipments. The newly expanded 5,000㎡ temperature-controlled cold chain warehouse boosted pharmaceutical processing capacity by 50% month-on-month.
Incheon International Airport sustained a 45% week-on-week increase in air cargo volume to the Middle East, with six weekly round-trip flights operating at full capacity. High-value electronics and pharmaceutical cargo accounted for 80% of shipments. The newly expanded 5,000㎡ temperature-controlled cold chain warehouse boosted pharmaceutical processing capacity by 50% month-on-month.
🔹 Incheon Port Smart Platform Processes 24,000 TEUs, Busan Integration 90% Complete (May 17)
Incheon Port’s smart logistics platform has cumulatively processed over 24,000 TEUs since launch, serving more than 540 local logistics enterprises. The system cut document processing time by 65% and improved supply chain visibility for 99% of users. Digital network joint debugging with Busan Port reached 90% completion, with unified official operation on track for Q1 2027.
Incheon Port’s smart logistics platform has cumulatively processed over 24,000 TEUs since launch, serving more than 540 local logistics enterprises. The system cut document processing time by 65% and improved supply chain visibility for 99% of users. Digital network joint debugging with Busan Port reached 90% completion, with unified official operation on track for Q1 2027.
United States
🔹 CAPE Refund Applications Surpass 95,000, First Refunds Issued Mid-June (May 18)
US Customs and Border Protection’s CAPE tariff refund portal saw registered importers exceed 95,000 within three weeks of launch, applying for refunds related to $166 billion of invalid tariffs. The first batch of official refunds remains scheduled for mid-June disbursement; the White House maintained the 180-day review window for temporary 10% tariffs, with additional Section 301 trade investigations pending.
US Customs and Border Protection’s CAPE tariff refund portal saw registered importers exceed 95,000 within three weeks of launch, applying for refunds related to $166 billion of invalid tariffs. The first batch of official refunds remains scheduled for mid-June disbursement; the White House maintained the 180-day review window for temporary 10% tariffs, with additional Section 301 trade investigations pending.
🔹 Los Angeles Port May Throughput Stable at 720,000 TEUs, Rail Dwell Time 3 Days (May 19)
The Port of Los Angeles handled 720,000 TEUs in mid-May, remaining stable amid persistent tariff uncertainty and rising energy costs. Automated cranes and extended gate hours kept truck turnaround time under 55 minutes; rail yard container volume reached 34,000 TEUs with dwell time steady at 3 days. China-related cargo still accounts for 36% of the port’s total business volume.
The Port of Los Angeles handled 720,000 TEUs in mid-May, remaining stable amid persistent tariff uncertainty and rising energy costs. Automated cranes and extended gate hours kept truck turnaround time under 55 minutes; rail yard container volume reached 34,000 TEUs with dwell time steady at 3 days. China-related cargo still accounts for 36% of the port’s total business volume.
Bangladesh
🔹 Chittagong Port Dwell Time Improves to 3.0 Days, New Mooring Terminal Operator Confirmed (May 16)
Chittagong Port operated at 145% of designed capacity with additional cranes and extended working hours, preparing cargo shipments ahead of the peak summer garment export season. Average container dwell time improved to 3.0 days. The international operator for the New Mooring Container Terminal was officially selected, with handover scheduled for December 2026.
Chittagong Port operated at 145% of designed capacity with additional cranes and extended working hours, preparing cargo shipments ahead of the peak summer garment export season. Average container dwell time improved to 3.0 days. The international operator for the New Mooring Container Terminal was officially selected, with handover scheduled for December 2026.
🔹 Bangladesh Railway Dhaka–Chittagong Trains Rise to 24 Daily, Transit Time 5.5 Hours (May 18)
Daily container trains between Dhaka ICD and Chittagong Port increased to 24 trips, each carrying 60 TEUs, with transit time holding at 5.5 hours—far faster than road transport. The expansion further reduced highway congestion by 32% and lowered overall logistics costs by 32% for garment exporters, fully supporting peak season shipment demands.
Daily container trains between Dhaka ICD and Chittagong Port increased to 24 trips, each carrying 60 TEUs, with transit time holding at 5.5 hours—far faster than road transport. The expansion further reduced highway congestion by 32% and lowered overall logistics costs by 32% for garment exporters, fully supporting peak season shipment demands.
Myanmar
🔹 Yangon Port China Imports Up 48% MoM, Clearance Time 14 Hours (May 20)
Yangon Port recorded a 48% month-on-month increase in imports from China, mainly consumer goods, construction materials, and electronic parts. The port’s simplified four-document verification and bilingual pre-declaration system kept average customs clearance time stable at 14 hours. May is scheduled to welcome 62 Chinese container vessels, with cross-border trade continuing its post-holiday recovery.
Yangon Port recorded a 48% month-on-month increase in imports from China, mainly consumer goods, construction materials, and electronic parts. The port’s simplified four-document verification and bilingual pre-declaration system kept average customs clearance time stable at 14 hours. May is scheduled to welcome 62 Chinese container vessels, with cross-border trade continuing its post-holiday recovery.
🔹 Myanmar Railways Yangon–Mawlamyine Parcel Trains Up to 7 Weekly, Agricultural Cargo Priority (May 17)
Weekly special parcel trains on the Yangon–Mawlamyine route rose to seven (300 tons each), primarily transporting rice, pulses, and construction materials. The route effectively eased daytime road congestion. Mandalay–Yangon night freight maintained 14 daily trips, prioritizing agricultural product delivery to stabilize domestic supply chains.
Weekly special parcel trains on the Yangon–Mawlamyine route rose to seven (300 tons each), primarily transporting rice, pulses, and construction materials. The route effectively eased daytime road congestion. Mandalay–Yangon night freight maintained 14 daily trips, prioritizing agricultural product delivery to stabilize domestic supply chains.
Middle East
Red Sea & Strait of Hormuz (May 16–22, 2026)
🔹 Hormuz Transit 90% Below Pre-Crisis, Iran Implements Graded Passage Regulation (May 22)
Strait of Hormuz commercial vessel traffic stayed 90% below pre-crisis levels (12–16 vessels daily under Iranian control). Iran enforced a new graded passage rule on May 16, granting priority access to Chinese and Russian vessels while imposing restrictions on other ships. Around 2,400 vessels remain stranded west of the strait including 620 tankers. Major carriers stick to full Africa rerouting with no plan to resume direct Gulf services.
Strait of Hormuz commercial vessel traffic stayed 90% below pre-crisis levels (12–16 vessels daily under Iranian control). Iran enforced a new graded passage rule on May 16, granting priority access to Chinese and Russian vessels while imposing restrictions on other ships. Around 2,400 vessels remain stranded west of the strait including 620 tankers. Major carriers stick to full Africa rerouting with no plan to resume direct Gulf services.
🔹 Iranian Corridor Fees Adjusted to $1.2–1.7M/Vessel, Yuan Settlement Widely Adopted (May 19)
The Iranian coastal corridor operates under military supervision, with transit fees revised to $1.2–1.7 million per vessel. Over 60% of payment settlements are conducted in Renminbi. Tanker crossing volume saw mild growth, while container liner navigation remains largely suspended due to high expenses and safety risks.
The Iranian coastal corridor operates under military supervision, with transit fees revised to $1.2–1.7 million per vessel. Over 60% of payment settlements are conducted in Renminbi. Tanker crossing volume saw mild growth, while container liner navigation remains largely suspended due to high expenses and safety risks.
🔹 Egypt–Saudi Corridor Weekly Cargo Hits 1,500 TEUs, Transit Time 9 Days (May 18)
The Egypt-Saudi overland logistics corridor handled 1,500 TEUs every week via the route of Trieste-Damietta-Safaga-Gulf ports. The whole journey takes merely 9 days, much shorter than the 35 to 40 days via Cape of Good Hope. Refrigerated food and pharmaceutical goods take up 40% of total cargo volume, achieving an on-time delivery rate of 99.2%.
The Egypt-Saudi overland logistics corridor handled 1,500 TEUs every week via the route of Trieste-Damietta-Safaga-Gulf ports. The whole journey takes merely 9 days, much shorter than the 35 to 40 days via Cape of Good Hope. Refrigerated food and pharmaceutical goods take up 40% of total cargo volume, achieving an on-time delivery rate of 99.2%.
🔹 Middle East Air Cargo Capacity 45% Above Pre-Crisis, Rates Ease to $3.2–4.2/kg (May 21)
Air cargo capacity serving Gulf markets stands 45% higher than pre-disruption level, supported by 38 newly-launched weekly freighter flights from China and Europe. General cargo spot rates dropped to $3.2–4.2/kg, and premium cargo including electronics and pharmaceuticals charges $5.8–7.8/kg. Asia-Europe air freight rates declined 18% month-on-month, and full market recovery is expected in late June.
Air cargo capacity serving Gulf markets stands 45% higher than pre-disruption level, supported by 38 newly-launched weekly freighter flights from China and Europe. General cargo spot rates dropped to $3.2–4.2/kg, and premium cargo including electronics and pharmaceuticals charges $5.8–7.8/kg. Asia-Europe air freight rates declined 18% month-on-month, and full market recovery is expected in late June.
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