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EXTRANS GLOBAL - Weekly Logistics Operation Update - Week 19 -2026
📌 Weekly Logistics Highlights (May 1–8, 2026)
This week, global logistics markets stayed in adjustment amid prolonged US-Iran ceasefire; Strait of Hormuz vessel activity remained far below normal levels while Africa rerouting became fully mainstream. US-China tariff restrictions stayed in place, Middle East air cargo capacity kept expanding and spot rates continued gradual softening. China’s green port and methanol bunkering expansion accelerated, South Korean transshipment volumes stayed at historic highs, and US West Coast port throughput maintained stability amid energy cost pressure.
China
Hong Kong, China
🔹 HK Green Shipping Fund Fifth Batch Review Concludes, 8 New Vessel Retrofit Projects Approved (May 2)
Hong Kong Marine Department completed review for the fifth batch of Green Shipping Fund applications, with cumulative approved projects rising to 81 and total disbursements topping HK$4.1 billion. Eight methanol-powered vessel retrofits and seven shore power connection projects passed assessment, expected to cut annual port carbon emissions by over 6,100 tons. 31 global shipping lines have joined the scheme, further advancing Hong Kong’s 2030 carbon neutrality roadmap.
Hong Kong Marine Department completed review for the fifth batch of Green Shipping Fund applications, with cumulative approved projects rising to 81 and total disbursements topping HK$4.1 billion. Eight methanol-powered vessel retrofits and seven shore power connection projects passed assessment, expected to cut annual port carbon emissions by over 6,100 tons. 31 global shipping lines have joined the scheme, further advancing Hong Kong’s 2030 carbon neutrality roadmap.
🔹 HKIA Weekly Cargo Volume Rises to 465,000 Tons, Cool Chain Logistics Maintains Strong Growth (May 6)
Hong Kong International Airport lifted weekly cargo throughput to 465,000 tons, supported by robust Southeast Asia-North America transshipment demand. Pharmaceutical and biotech cool chain shipments climbed another 18% week-on-week, benefiting from newly expanded temperature-controlled warehouse zones. Freighter night slot utilization stayed above 86%, helping carriers continuously clear pending cargo backlogs.
Hong Kong International Airport lifted weekly cargo throughput to 465,000 tons, supported by robust Southeast Asia-North America transshipment demand. Pharmaceutical and biotech cool chain shipments climbed another 18% week-on-week, benefiting from newly expanded temperature-controlled warehouse zones. Freighter night slot utilization stayed above 86%, helping carriers continuously clear pending cargo backlogs.
Shenzhen, China
🔹 Yantian Port Methanol Bunkering Up to 16 Weekly Calls, Monthly Supply Tops 7,800 Tons (May 3)
Shenzhen Yantian Port further scaled up green methanol bunkering to 16 weekly operations, covering more Asia-Europe liner routes and five fixed Middle East services. May methanol supply volume exceeded 7,800 tons, with cumulative carbon emission reductions hitting 6,200 tons since early March. The port sealed another long-term fuel supply deal with international energy traders, locking stable pricing until 2030.
Shenzhen Yantian Port further scaled up green methanol bunkering to 16 weekly operations, covering more Asia-Europe liner routes and five fixed Middle East services. May methanol supply volume exceeded 7,800 tons, with cumulative carbon emission reductions hitting 6,200 tons since early March. The port sealed another long-term fuel supply deal with international energy traders, locking stable pricing until 2030.
🔹 Shenzhen Q1 Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Volume Jumps 38%, Overseas Warehouse Bookings Surge (May 5)
Shenzhen’s cross-border e-commerce logistics throughput surged 38% year-on-year in Q1 2026, driven by new energy vehicles, consumer electronics and smart home products. Local logistics firms saw a sharp rise in warehouse space reservations in Dubai, Riyadh and Southeast Asia hubs, as more exporters adopt overseas inventory deployment to mitigate Red Sea route delays. Port container throughput grew 24% YoY, maintaining strong export momentum.
Shenzhen’s cross-border e-commerce logistics throughput surged 38% year-on-year in Q1 2026, driven by new energy vehicles, consumer electronics and smart home products. Local logistics firms saw a sharp rise in warehouse space reservations in Dubai, Riyadh and Southeast Asia hubs, as more exporters adopt overseas inventory deployment to mitigate Red Sea route delays. Port container throughput grew 24% YoY, maintaining strong export momentum.
Guangzhou, China
🔹 Nansha Port NEV Monthly Exports Reach 24,500 Units, Sixth Middle East Ro-Ro Route Launched (May 1)
Guangzhou Nansha Port launched the sixth weekly Middle East Ro-Ro service, covering Jeddah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Driven by strong global new energy vehicle demand, April-May NEV exports hit 24,500 units, with automated loading systems cutting average port stay below 7 hours. The Pearl River Delta manufacturing capacity release continued to push monthly NEV export growth above 45% month-on-month.
Guangzhou Nansha Port launched the sixth weekly Middle East Ro-Ro service, covering Jeddah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Driven by strong global new energy vehicle demand, April-May NEV exports hit 24,500 units, with automated loading systems cutting average port stay below 7 hours. The Pearl River Delta manufacturing capacity release continued to push monthly NEV export growth above 45% month-on-month.
🔹 Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Adds Third Daily Middle East Freighter Service, Cargo Volume Rises 35% (May 7)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport launched a third daily dedicated freighter to the Middle East, operated by SF Airlines and China Southern Cargo. Weekly cargo volume to the region increased 35% week-on-week, with electronics, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals accounting for 69% of total shipments. Additional air capacity pushed general cargo spot rates down to $4.70–5.90/kg, while premium cool chain rates remained steady at $7.80–9.80/kg.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport launched a third daily dedicated freighter to the Middle East, operated by SF Airlines and China Southern Cargo. Weekly cargo volume to the region increased 35% week-on-week, with electronics, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals accounting for 69% of total shipments. Additional air capacity pushed general cargo spot rates down to $4.70–5.90/kg, while premium cool chain rates remained steady at $7.80–9.80/kg.
Shanghai, China
🔹 COSCO Cape Route Vessel Utilization Hits 95%, War-Risk Surcharges Extended to Mid-June (May 3)
COSCO Shipping’s 14 Asia-Middle East rerouted services via Cape of Good Hope maintained 95% berth utilization, with booking visibility extending into August. Transit times stayed 8–11 days longer than pre-crisis norms; Jeddah and Salalah still handled over half of Gulf-bound feeder transshipment cargo. War-risk surcharges were extended to mid-June, holding at $1,500–2,000/20GP and $3,000–4,000/40HC.
COSCO Shipping’s 14 Asia-Middle East rerouted services via Cape of Good Hope maintained 95% berth utilization, with booking visibility extending into August. Transit times stayed 8–11 days longer than pre-crisis norms; Jeddah and Salalah still handled over half of Gulf-bound feeder transshipment cargo. War-risk surcharges were extended to mid-June, holding at $1,500–2,000/20GP and $3,000–4,000/40HC.
🔹 Yangshan Port Full 5G Automated Operation Stabilizes, Efficiency Improves 38% Month-on-Month (May 4)
Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water Port fully stabilized 5G remote intelligent operation across all 42 berths. Single-operator multi-crane control capability was further optimized, raising peak terminal efficiency by 38% and lowering manual intervention ratio to under 50%. The port accelerated AI predictive maintenance system debugging, scheduled for official full launch in Q1 2027.
Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water Port fully stabilized 5G remote intelligent operation across all 42 berths. Single-operator multi-crane control capability was further optimized, raising peak terminal efficiency by 38% and lowering manual intervention ratio to under 50%. The port accelerated AI predictive maintenance system debugging, scheduled for official full launch in Q1 2027.
Tianjin, China
🔹 Tianjin Port Green Corridor Coverage Rises to 55%, On Track for Year-End 60% Target (May 6)
Tianjin Port’s green shipping corridor coverage climbed to 55% of total port traffic, with 110 LNG and methanol-powered vessels accessing the dedicated channel weekly. Another 30 shore power connection points were completed, bringing the total to 230. Monthly carbon emissions reduced by an estimated 6,500 tons in May, steadily advancing Northern China green port development goals.
Tianjin Port’s green shipping corridor coverage climbed to 55% of total port traffic, with 110 LNG and methanol-powered vessels accessing the dedicated channel weekly. Another 30 shore power connection points were completed, bringing the total to 230. Monthly carbon emissions reduced by an estimated 6,500 tons in May, steadily advancing Northern China green port development goals.
🔹 Tianjin Binhai Airport Adds Eighth Weekly Middle East Freighter, Auto Parts Cargo Dominates (May 2)
Tianjin Binhai International Airport increased weekly cargo flights to Jeddah to eight frequencies, catering to strong demand for auto components, machinery and electronics exports. B747 freighters delivered stable weekly capacity of 2,300 tons, with transit time controlled within 10 hours. The expanded route undertakes nearly half of Tianjin’s air cargo to the Gulf, effectively easing pressure from disrupted sea lanes.
Tianjin Binhai International Airport increased weekly cargo flights to Jeddah to eight frequencies, catering to strong demand for auto components, machinery and electronics exports. B747 freighters delivered stable weekly capacity of 2,300 tons, with transit time controlled within 10 hours. The expanded route undertakes nearly half of Tianjin’s air cargo to the Gulf, effectively easing pressure from disrupted sea lanes.
Qingdao, China
🔹 Qingdao Port Weekly Green Fuel Bunkering Rises to 28 Calls, Q2 Volume Continues Doubling (May 7)
Qingdao Port recorded 28 weekly green methanol and LNG bunkering operations, supplying over 3,300 tons of alternative fuels in the week. The port continued issuing berthing preferential policies for eco-friendly vessels, with cumulative subsidies reaching RMB 5.8 million in May. Green fuel throughput maintained double-quarter growth, consolidating its position as Northern China’s core green fuel distribution hub.
Qingdao Port recorded 28 weekly green methanol and LNG bunkering operations, supplying over 3,300 tons of alternative fuels in the week. The port continued issuing berthing preferential policies for eco-friendly vessels, with cumulative subsidies reaching RMB 5.8 million in May. Green fuel throughput maintained double-quarter growth, consolidating its position as Northern China’s core green fuel distribution hub.
🔹 Qingdao–Osaka Cargo Flights Maintain Seven Weekly Frequencies, Seafood Exports Up 28% (May 3)
Qingdao Airlines kept seven weekly cargo flights on the Qingdao-Osaka route, with B737-800BCF freighters providing stable weekly capacity of 1,050 tons. Dedicated cold chain lanes ensured full temperature control for fresh seafood and electronic components. Shandong’s seafood exports to Japan jumped 28% month-on-month, driving steady growth in cross-border cargo flow.
Qingdao Airlines kept seven weekly cargo flights on the Qingdao-Osaka route, with B737-800BCF freighters providing stable weekly capacity of 1,050 tons. Dedicated cold chain lanes ensured full temperature control for fresh seafood and electronic components. Shandong’s seafood exports to Japan jumped 28% month-on-month, driving steady growth in cross-border cargo flow.
Vietnam
🔹 Haiphong Port April Full Throughput Hits 960,000 TEUs, Electronic Exports Rise 32% (May 2)
Haiphong Port closed April with total throughput of 960,000 TEUs, marking 30% year-on-year growth. Electronics and textile exports to the US and EU rose 32%, supported by 24/7 port operation and optimized customs clearance. Average container dwell time stayed at 2.1 days, continuing to benefit from global supply chain diversion to Vietnam.
Haiphong Port closed April with total throughput of 960,000 TEUs, marking 30% year-on-year growth. Electronics and textile exports to the US and EU rose 32%, supported by 24/7 port operation and optimized customs clearance. Average container dwell time stayed at 2.1 days, continuing to benefit from global supply chain diversion to Vietnam.
🔹 Vietnam $2B Logistics Infrastructure Plan Accelerates, Two ICD Projects Enter Site Preparation (May 5)
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport pushed forward its $2 billion national logistics infrastructure plan; the approved Cai Mep ICD expansion and Tan Cang-Moc Bai inland depot projects officially entered site preparation phase. South Korean and Japanese investors confirmed full capital commitment of $450 million, with construction set to start in Q3 2026, targeting a 15% cut in national logistics costs by 2030.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport pushed forward its $2 billion national logistics infrastructure plan; the approved Cai Mep ICD expansion and Tan Cang-Moc Bai inland depot projects officially entered site preparation phase. South Korean and Japanese investors confirmed full capital commitment of $450 million, with construction set to start in Q3 2026, targeting a 15% cut in national logistics costs by 2030.
South Korea
Busan, South Korea
🔹 Busan Port Weekly Transshipment Volume Reaches 720,000 TEUs, Chip Express Lane Growth 45% (May 1)
Busan Port weekly transshipment volume climbed to 720,000 TEUs, setting a new weekly record for eight consecutive weeks. Port authorities added 18 new container cranes and extended terminal operating hours to handle surging cargo volume. Dedicated semiconductor “Chip Express” lane throughput rose 45% week-on-week, supporting steady export demand for South Korea’s tech industry.
Busan Port weekly transshipment volume climbed to 720,000 TEUs, setting a new weekly record for eight consecutive weeks. Port authorities added 18 new container cranes and extended terminal operating hours to handle surging cargo volume. Dedicated semiconductor “Chip Express” lane throughput rose 45% week-on-week, supporting steady export demand for South Korea’s tech industry.
🔹 Busan Port AI Smart Logistics Pilot Fully Covered All Terminals, Efficiency Target Raised to 32% (May 4)
Busan Port Authority completed full rollout of Microsoft AI predictive logistics system across all five major terminals. The platform analyzes vessel schedules, weather and real-time congestion to cut waiting time significantly. Full system integration will finish in Q1 2027, with the overall port efficiency upgrade target lifted to 32%.
Busan Port Authority completed full rollout of Microsoft AI predictive logistics system across all five major terminals. The platform analyzes vessel schedules, weather and real-time congestion to cut waiting time significantly. Full system integration will finish in Q1 2027, with the overall port efficiency upgrade target lifted to 32%.
Incheon, South Korea
🔹 Incheon Airport Middle East Air Cargo Keeps 40% Growth, Expanded Cold Chain Warehouse Operational (May 6)
Incheon International Airport maintained a 40% week-on-week increase in air cargo to the Middle East, with five weekly round-trip flights fully loaded. High-value electronics and pharmaceutical cargo accounted for 76% of shipments. The newly built 5,000㎡ temperature-controlled cold chain warehouse officially opened, pushing pharmaceutical processing capacity up 42% month-on-month.
Incheon International Airport maintained a 40% week-on-week increase in air cargo to the Middle East, with five weekly round-trip flights fully loaded. High-value electronics and pharmaceutical cargo accounted for 76% of shipments. The newly built 5,000㎡ temperature-controlled cold chain warehouse officially opened, pushing pharmaceutical processing capacity up 42% month-on-month.
🔹 Incheon Port Smart Platform Cumulative Processing Hits 18,000 TEUs, Busan System Integration Speeds Up (May 3)
Incheon Port’s smart logistics platform cumulative processed over 18,000 TEUs since launch, serving more than 480 local logistics enterprises. The system cut document processing time by 60% and improved supply chain visibility for 97% of users. Digital network joint debugging with Busan Port is ongoing, scheduled for unified official operation in Q1 2027.
Incheon Port’s smart logistics platform cumulative processed over 18,000 TEUs since launch, serving more than 480 local logistics enterprises. The system cut document processing time by 60% and improved supply chain visibility for 97% of users. Digital network joint debugging with Busan Port is ongoing, scheduled for unified official operation in Q1 2027.
United States
🔹 CAPE Tariff Refund Applications Surpass 75,000, First Batch Refunds to Be Issued in 30 Days (May 2)
US CBP’s CAPE tariff refund portal saw registered importers exceed 75,000 within two weeks of launch, applying for refunds related to $166 billion of invalid tariffs. The first batch of official refunds will be issued within 30–60 days; the White House maintained the 180-day review window for temporary 10% tariffs, with more Section 301 trade investigations pending follow-up.
US CBP’s CAPE tariff refund portal saw registered importers exceed 75,000 within two weeks of launch, applying for refunds related to $166 billion of invalid tariffs. The first batch of official refunds will be issued within 30–60 days; the White House maintained the 180-day review window for temporary 10% tariffs, with more Section 301 trade investigations pending follow-up.
🔹 Los Angeles Port May Early Throughput Stays Stable at 740,000 TEUs, Rail Dwell Time Remains 3 Days (May 5)
Port of Los Angeles handled 740,000 TEUs in early May, staying stable against tariff uncertainty and rising energy costs. Automated cranes and extended gate hours kept truck turnaround time under 60 minutes. Rail yard container volume reached 38,000 TEUs with dwell time steady at 3 days; China-related cargo still accounts for 38% of the port’s total business volume.
Port of Los Angeles handled 740,000 TEUs in early May, staying stable against tariff uncertainty and rising energy costs. Automated cranes and extended gate hours kept truck turnaround time under 60 minutes. Rail yard container volume reached 38,000 TEUs with dwell time steady at 3 days; China-related cargo still accounts for 38% of the port’s total business volume.
Bangladesh
🔹 Chittagong Port Container Dwell Time Improves to 3.5 Days, New Mooring Terminal Bidding Finalized (May 1)
Chittagong Port operated at 135% designed capacity with additional cranes and extended working hours, preparing cargo shipments ahead of peak garment export season. Average container dwell time improved to 3.5 days. Bidding for foreign operators of the New Mooring Container Terminal was finalized, with six international terminal operators shortlisted for the December 2026 handover.
Chittagong Port operated at 135% designed capacity with additional cranes and extended working hours, preparing cargo shipments ahead of peak garment export season. Average container dwell time improved to 3.5 days. Bidding for foreign operators of the New Mooring Container Terminal was finalized, with six international terminal operators shortlisted for the December 2026 handover.
🔹 Bangladesh Railway Dhaka–Chittagong Daily Container Trains Rise to 20, Transit Time Cut Further (May 4)
Bangladesh Railway expanded daily container trains between Dhaka ICD and Chittagong Port to 20 trips, each carrying 60 TEUs. Transit time remained 5.5 hours, far faster than road transport. The expansion further reduced highway congestion by 28% and lowered overall logistics costs for garment exporters, fully supporting autumn-winter order shipment demands.
Bangladesh Railway expanded daily container trains between Dhaka ICD and Chittagong Port to 20 trips, each carrying 60 TEUs. Transit time remained 5.5 hours, far faster than road transport. The expansion further reduced highway congestion by 28% and lowered overall logistics costs for garment exporters, fully supporting autumn-winter order shipment demands.
Myanmar
🔹 Yangon Port China Imports Rise 42% MoM, Customs Clearance Stabilizes at 16 Hours (May 6)
Yangon Port recorded a 42% 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 16 hours. May is scheduled to welcome 58 container vessels, with cross-border trade continuing post-holiday recovery.
Yangon Port recorded a 42% 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 16 hours. May is scheduled to welcome 58 container vessels, with cross-border trade continuing post-holiday recovery.
🔹 Myanmar Railways Yangon–Mawlamyine Parcel Trains Increase Frequency, Agricultural Cargo Priority Granted (May 3)
Myanmar Railways added two extra weekly special parcel trains on the Yangon–Mawlamyine route, with each train carrying 300 tons of rice, pulses and construction materials. The route effectively eased daytime road congestion. Mandalay-Yangon night freight resumed stable 14 daily trips, prioritizing agricultural product delivery to stabilize domestic supply chains.
Myanmar Railways added two extra weekly special parcel trains on the Yangon–Mawlamyine route, with each train carrying 300 tons of rice, pulses and construction materials. The route effectively eased daytime road congestion. Mandalay-Yangon night freight resumed stable 14 daily trips, prioritizing agricultural product delivery to stabilize domestic supply chains.
Middle East
Red Sea & Strait of Hormuz (May 1–8, 2026)
🔹 Hormuz Daily Vessel Transit Still 92% Below Pre-Crisis, No Sign of Route Normalization (May 8)
Strait of Hormuz commercial vessel traffic stayed 92% below pre-crisis levels, with only 8–12 vessels passing daily under Iranian corridor control. Around 2,700 vessels remain stranded west of the strait, including over 700 tankers and container ships. Major carriers continue full Africa rerouting with no plan to resume direct Gulf lane services temporarily.
Strait of Hormuz commercial vessel traffic stayed 92% below pre-crisis levels, with only 8–12 vessels passing daily under Iranian corridor control. Around 2,700 vessels remain stranded west of the strait, including over 700 tankers and container ships. Major carriers continue full Africa rerouting with no plan to resume direct Gulf lane services temporarily.
🔹 Iranian Controlled Corridor Transit Fees Stable at $1.4–1.9M Per Vessel, Yuan Settlement Still Accepted (May 5)
The Iranian coastal narrow corridor kept controlled operation under military monitoring, with vessel transit fees steady at $1.4–1.9 million per ship. Shipping sources confirmed some carriers still adopt RMB yuan for settlement. Tanker transits saw slight growth, while container liner traffic remained nearly suspended due to high costs and risk concerns.
The Iranian coastal narrow corridor kept controlled operation under military monitoring, with vessel transit fees steady at $1.4–1.9 million per ship. Shipping sources confirmed some carriers still adopt RMB yuan for settlement. Tanker transits saw slight growth, while container liner traffic remained nearly suspended due to high costs and risk concerns.
🔹 Egypt-Saudi Land Logistics Corridor Weekly Cargo Reaches 1,100 TEUs, Transit Time Shortened to 11 Days (May 4)
The Egypt-Saudi cross-border logistics corridor achieved stable weekly operation, with cargo routed from Trieste–Damietta–Safaga to Saudi Gulf ports hitting 1,100 TEUs weekly. Transit time is shortened to 11 days, much faster than the 32–35 days Cape route. Refrigerated food and pharmaceutical cargo take up 34% of volume, with more liner companies planning to join the service.
The Egypt-Saudi cross-border logistics corridor achieved stable weekly operation, with cargo routed from Trieste–Damietta–Safaga to Saudi Gulf ports hitting 1,100 TEUs weekly. Transit time is shortened to 11 days, much faster than the 32–35 days Cape route. Refrigerated food and pharmaceutical cargo take up 34% of volume, with more liner companies planning to join the service.
🔹 Middle East Air Cargo Capacity 40% Above Pre-Crisis, Spot Rates Continue Mild Decline (May 7)
Air cargo capacity to the Gulf region remained 40% above pre-disruption levels, with newly added freighter services from China and Europe fully operational. General cargo spot rates eased to $3.80–4.90/kg, while high-value electronics and pharmaceutical priority rates stood at $6.80–8.80/kg. Asia-Europe air freight rates retreated 14% from recent peaks, with full market recovery expected in mid-June.
Air cargo capacity to the Gulf region remained 40% above pre-disruption levels, with newly added freighter services from China and Europe fully operational. General cargo spot rates eased to $3.80–4.90/kg, while high-value electronics and pharmaceutical priority rates stood at $6.80–8.80/kg. Asia-Europe air freight rates retreated 14% from recent peaks, with full market recovery expected in mid-June.
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