NEWS

The Red Sea ceasefire and the gradual return of container traffic through the Suez Canal place the breakbulk sector in a transitional phase, as shorter routes will reduce tonne-mile demand and release capacity, pushing down day rates and long-haul charter demand for general cargo and project cargo, while container lines are expected to reclaim cargo that had temporarily shifted to multipurpose vessels — such as steel coils, bagged or packaged goods, palletised machinery, pipe

From January 1, 2026, Maersk will increase its container-protection surcharges for shipments destined to Brazil: the “Container Protect Essential (CP1)” fee will be USD 37.05 per dry container and USD 40.85 for reefers; the “Container Protect Unlimited (CP3)” fee will rise to USD 57.95 for dry cargo and USD 61.75 for refrigerated cargo. These added charges will be on top of standard freight, documentation and port-service costs, affecting the cost structure for importers and

Delays in dredging the access channel to the Port of Montevideo, together with recent labor disputes, are raising serious concerns about the port’s regional competitiveness. The planned deepening to 14 m — critical to accommodate larger vessels and sustain operational efficiency — remains postponed, with completion now projected for 2027–2028. The lack of technical and financial progress, coupled with labor-driven disruptions, risks Montevideo falling behind other Southern Co

With a recent truce in the Red Sea and the potential resumption of traffic through the Suez Canal, demand for LR tanker tonne-miles may drop significantly. Shorter voyage durations — from about 82 days via the Cape of Good Hope to roughly 50 days via Suez — will increase effective tonnage supply. In combination with a growing global fleet, this is likely to put downward pressure on LR freight rates. Savings on regulatory costs (e.g., EU-ETS for emissions) further incentivize

Gabriele Gambaro Lestuzzi has been elected president of ASAPRA — the association representing customs brokers — consolidating the organization as a regional platform for cooperation among customs agents across the continent. His appointment aims to promote common standards, continuous training and an agenda aligned with the evolving challenges of foreign trade in the Americas. The move also strengthens Uruguay’s presence in regional forums related to logistics and internation

Uruguay is moving forward with the revival of its freight railway system as part of a broader strategy to enhance its logistics competitiveness. Improved traction capacity and updated technical configurations will enable more regular operations and higher cargo volumes, particularly boosting container flows from inland regions to the port terminal— a role long dominated by road transport. Link to Article

The ship AAL Hamburg arrived at the Port of Nueva Palmira carrying 16 new barges from LHG Mining, built in Brazilian shipyards, as part of a groundbreaking logistics programme that includes the construction of up to 400 barges and 15 tugboats. The units, measuring 61 m in length and 15 m in width, are designed to transport iron ore and other minerals from the Corumbá corridor in Brazil to the Uruguayan littoral, later connecting with ocean‐going vessels in the South Atlantic.

Uruguay is working to revitalise its logistics sector after the 25-day conflict at the Port of Montevideo, which caused an estimated US$ 60 million in losses. At Inalog’s 15th anniversary event, government and industry leaders agreed that the country must strengthen its position as a reliable logistics provider by embracing advanced technology, sustainability and artificial intelligence, highlighted as a key tool to improve efficiency and operational predictability. Transport

Maersk delivered a robust third-quarter performance driven by higher volumes, stable freight rates and operational improvements that lowered costs, enabling the company to raise its full-year financial guidance. The firm highlighted resilient demand outside North America, the strength of its East-West network and strong results across its logistics, services and terminals divisions, positioning it well for 2025 despite a challenging market environment. Link to Article

The Port of Montevideo plans to deepen its access channel to -14 metres to accommodate larger vessels and enhance its regional logistics role; however, it confronts two major hurdles: firstly, the dredging and ongoing maintenance costs surpass the port’s current revenue base, raising questions about project feasibility; secondly, cargo volumes need to rise significantly to justify the investment, because without achieving critical mass and shifting shipping routes, the operat