New Maersk container service between Italy and Egypt
Hhla Plt Italy and Maersk have launched a new weekly container shipping service linking Port Said, Trieste and Venice, further strengthening the strategic role of the Julian port. The first call of the E17 Service took place this week. Operated by the container vessels Nora Maersk, Maersk Valletta and Maersk Valparaíso, the route enhances the movement of refrigerated goods, particularly fresh produce bound for Central and Eastern Europe. Hhla Plt Italy has already invested in cold chain logistics and plans further expansions. The terminal also features a border inspection post for sanitary and veterinary checks. The service includes transhipments to Ancona and Ravenna, improving distribution along the Adriatic coast.
Truck parking project near the port of Civitavecchia
A project has been unveiled for a fully equipped rest area for lorry drivers in the industrial zone of Civitavecchia. The initiative, announced by mayor Marco Piendibene and detailed at a press conference alongside deputy mayor Stefania Tinti, aims to address the lack of facilities for heavy goods vehicles passing through the port. The parking area will include parking bays, sanitation facilities, refreshment points, camper areas and workshops. The project will also involve the Port Authority and is designed to ensure economic sustainability.
Record orders for container ships
The global order book for container vessels has reached an all-time high of 9.1 million teu, with around 800 new ships currently under construction. The figure, provided by Alphaliner, represents 29 per cent of the existing global fleet, which totals 7,300 vessels and 31.9 million teu. Despite the already significant volume, both shipping companies and non-operating charterers continue to place orders for new vessels, including large ones. The momentum is driven by the need for more efficient and environmentally friendly fleets, as well as extended delivery times: a third of the vessels on order will not be operational before 2028, with some deliveries scheduled as far ahead as 2030.
China suspends imports from US agricultural firms
On 4 April, China’s General Administration of Customs issued Announcements no.54 and no.55, suspending import authorisations for certain US products. The measure affects sorghum from one company, poultry meat and bone meal from three companies, and poultry products from two firms, all based in the United States. The decision was taken to protect consumer health and safeguard the safety of domestic livestock production, following inspection and quarantine issues identified in the products concerned.
Beijing responds to Washington with 34 per cent counter-tariffs and WTO action
China will impose additional tariffs of 34 per cent on goods imported from the United States starting 10 April. The move comes in response to an announcement by President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday introduced similar 34 per cent tariffs targeting China. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce also stated that the country has formally filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), invoking the dispute settlement mechanism.
Beijing adds 11 US companies to unreliable entities list
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has added 11 US companies, including Skydio and Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems, to its list of unreliable entities. The measure, effective from the date of publication, is justified by the need to protect national sovereignty and security. The restrictions prohibit these companies from engaging in import or export activities with China and from making new investments in the country. The decision is based on Chinese laws concerning foreign trade and national security.
