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EXTRANS GLOBAL - Weekly Logistics Operation Update - Week 41-2026
📌 Weekly Logistics Highlights (October 3–9, 2026)
Major container freight indices moved in different directions this week. Drewry’s World Container Index stood at USD 4,351 per 40-foot container on October 8, down approximately 1.9% from the previous week. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index reached 3,664.11 points on October 9, edging up 0.05% week on week, while the Korea Container Freight Index fell 1.05% to 4,629 points on October 6.
Korean export lanes showed particularly divergent movements. Southeast Asia rates rose 16.61% week on week and US West Coast rates increased 2.43%, while both European and Mediterranean rates declined 5.23%. In the Middle East, repeated commercial vessel security reports around the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect carrier risk assessments, routing decisions and war-risk insurance exposure.
Other key risks include labor objections related to the operating arrangements for a new terminal at Chattogram Port, localized industrial action at European terminals, and post-holiday adjustments to Asian port and gate operations.
China Market Updates
Hong Kong, China
On October 7, Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau reported that more than 9,000 companies had registered for the Port Community System, with over 20 trade-finance application cases recorded. Laden-container traffic between Guangxi and Hong Kong reached approximately 160,000 TEU in the first half of 2026, up 22% year on year, reflecting stronger connectivity between the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and Hong Kong’s international shipping network.
Shenzhen, China
The Yangjiang–Yantian combined-port service completed its inaugural sailing on October 8. The service is scheduled to operate twice weekly, moving cargo by water from Yangjiang Port to Yantian Port for connection with international shipping services. Authorities also stated that coordination covering customs declarations, inspections and cargo release will continue to be advanced.
Guangzhou, China
Preliminary figures released by Guangzhou Port on October 9 show that September 2026 container throughput is expected to reach 2.396 million TEU, up 19.6% year on year. Cargo throughput is estimated at 51.305 million tonnes, an increase of 12.5%. Container throughput for the first nine months is estimated at 21.074 million TEU, up 4.8%. These figures are preliminary rapid statistics and may be adjusted in the final data.
Shanghai, China
Operational data covering the National Day holiday show that, between October 1 and 7, Pudong maritime authorities supported the safe arrival and berthing of two liquefied natural gas carriers, six coal carriers, six crude oil tankers and eight grain vessels. The figures indicate that transport channels for essential energy and livelihood commodities remained operational during the holiday period.
Tianjin, China
Construction continues on the second multimodal-transport phase of Tianjin Port’s modern grain-logistics demonstration park. The project includes 30 silos, each with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes, providing approximately 300,000 tonnes of additional storage.
As of October 9, around 80% of the warehouse structures and 60% of the yard had been completed. Once commissioned, the project will also add approximately 250,000 square metres of yard space and expand grain handling and transfer capacity.
Qingdao, China
Qingdao reported on October 5 that Qingdao Port handled 513 million tonnes of cargo during the first eight months of 2026, up 3.1% year on year. Container throughput reached 23.57 million TEU, an increase of 6.9%. The port’s artificial-intelligence testing base has developed approximately 80 application scenarios, with automation and digitalisation continuing to support port efficiency improvements.
Vietnam Market Update
A joint statement issued by Vietnam and Panama on October 7 encouraged companies from both countries to pursue cooperation in maritime transport, aviation, logistics, bonded warehousing, insurance, finance and supply chains. The announcement currently represents policy and investment intentions and does not mean that a specific new service or logistics project has commenced operations.
Korea Market Updates
Busan, Korea
The Korea Ocean Business Corporation reported a Korea Container Freight Index of 4,629 points on October 6, down 49 points from the previous reading. The US West Coast index rose to 8,194 points and the Southeast Asia index increased to 1,622 points. In contrast, the European index fell to 3,555 points and the US East Coast index declined to 11,201 points. Exporters using Busan should continue to monitor the widening differences between individual trade lanes.
Incheon, Korea
The Incheon Port container information system issued an emergency gate-operation notice on October 8, together with a notice concerning penalties for unauthorised access to port facilities. The published notices did not provide enough quantitative information to establish port-wide congestion. Container pickup, delivery and vehicle-access arrangements therefore remain subject to real-time instructions from the relevant terminal.
United States Market Update
The Port of Los Angeles handled 1,042,652 TEU in September, setting a new all-time monthly record. Loaded imports reached 545,696 TEU, up 19% year on year, while loaded exports increased 10% to 125,751 TEU. Total throughput for the first nine months approached 8.1 million TEU, more than 3% higher than the same period last year.
Bangladesh Market Update
The Government of Bangladesh signed a 15-year operating agreement with DP World for the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port. The operator pledged approximately USD 150 million in investment.
Several port-worker organisations raised objections to the agreement and requested further consultations. No reliable evidence confirmed a port-wide shutdown during the reporting period, although continuing labor developments could affect subsequent terminal operations.
Myanmar Market Update
The Myanmar Port Authority updated vessel berthing lists on October 5, 7 and 9, providing shippers and carriers with reference information for vessel arrivals and departures at Yangon Port. The published information reflects schedules and berth arrangements and should not be interpreted as evidence of actual throughput or overall port congestion.
Middle East Market Update — Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz
Between October 3 and 9, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations office received repeated reports of commercial-vessel security incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz. These included oil tankers struck by unidentified projectiles, onboard fires and reported casualties.
On October 9, a vessel west of Al Jazeera in the United Arab Emirates reported being struck by an unidentified projectile. The onboard fire was extinguished, but the status of the crew, damage and environmental impact remained unconfirmed at the time of the report.
In the Red Sea, multiple explosions were reported near a tanker south of Al Mukha, Yemen, on October 4. The crew was safe and no environmental impact was reported. Responsibility and the full extent of damage remain subject to authoritative investigation and should not be inferred from preliminary reports.
Europe Market Update
German port employers and labor representatives reached a wage agreement on October 6. Approximately 11,000 port workers will receive a 3.4% hourly wage adjustment retroactive to August 1 under a 12-month agreement. The settlement concluded the current bargaining round and reduced the risk of indefinite industrial action at Germany’s major seaports.
Industrial action continues at the Messina terminal in the Port of Genoa, Italy, with a one-hour stoppage scheduled during every shift throughout October. The action is a localized terminal disruption rather than a port-wide closure, but it may affect vessel and container operating windows at the terminal.
Important Notice
This update is compiled from public information available during the reporting period. Freight rates, sailing schedules, capacity, port operations, insurance conditions and maritime-security arrangements may change without notice. Please refer to the latest information from carriers, terminals, port authorities and relevant government agencies before making shipping decisions.
Please contact your local EXTRANS GLOBAL team before shipment to confirm the latest arrangements.
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