News

French shipping giant CMA CGM Group has unveiled a landmark $20 billion investment plan to strengthen America’s maritime transportation, logistics, and supply chain capabilities over the next four years.

Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG:

“Aviation is and remains an industry of the future with sustained strong demand. Especially in unstable times, it enables international understanding through cultural and economic exchange. At the Lufthansa Group, we can look back on the strongest year in our history in terms of revenue, with a new load factor record. I would therefore like to thank our guests for their loyalty and all our employees for their great commitment.

1) % of industry RPKs in 2023 2) Year-on-year change in load factor 3) Load Factor Level

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in November 2024 compared to November 2023. Europe had the highest load factors (85.0%) while Asia-Pacific led on growth with a 19.9% year-on-year expansion in demand.

In this edition of Apollo in the Spotlight, we turn our focus to Fernando Wu, the driving force behind Longwind Logistics Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen, China. From starting his career with a single job application to building a thriving logistics business, Fernando’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for global connections. He shares his thoughts on the evolving logistics industry, the challenges and opportunities in the Chinese market, and even an unexpected adventure from his childhood.

Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison has reached a blockbuster mega deal with BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) to sell 80% of its giant ports division for $22.8bn in a record-breaking ports transaction that covers 43 ports comprising 199 berths in 23 countries.

The global ocean shipping industry that handles 80% of world trade is navigating a sea of unknowns as U.S. President Donald Trump stokes trade and geopolitical tensions with historical foes as well as neighbors and allies.

The Panama Canal Board of Directors has approved critical funding for the construction of a new reservoir in the Rio Indio basin, marking a significant step toward ensuring water security for both the vital waterway and the country’s population.

In what it describes as a “surprise move”, Alphaliner is reporting Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world’s largest containerline, has decided to shift all of its 19,200 to 24,300 teu megamax vessels, currently trading between Asia and North Europe, to the Asia – Med and Asia – West Africa trades.

Airports Council International (ACI) World today unveiled its anticipated Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053, projecting significant long-term growth in global passenger traffic. Over the next three decades, global passenger numbers are expected to reach 17.7 billion by 2043 and 22.3 billion by 2053, the later nearly 2.4 times the projected volume for 2024.

Shipping is reeling from what could be the most seismic decision to effect the industry yet in the opening weeks of Donald Trump’s second term in office.

Vessels are critical to our economy, with over 80% of the world’s trade facilitated by the maritime industry. The average container ship measures approximately four football fields, carrying about 15,000 standard 20-foot containers. These vessels carry goods and materials across the world’s oceans, often overlapping with important habitat for marine life. For marine species like whales, which have not evolved to avoid these massive ships, this can result in deadly collisions known as ship strikes. Ship strikes are a major contributor of mortality to whales around the globe and are especially of concern in whale hotspots that overlap with major international shipping routes. However, if large vessels reduce their speeds to 10 knots or less in these areas when the likelihood of whale presence is highest, the risk of fatal strikes is reduced by 50% or more. Furthermore, reduced speeds result in fewer emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. This is why Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) works to incentivize global shipping lines to voluntarily participate in vessel speed reduction measures in key areas off of the California coast. The Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season is designed to coincide with endangered whale migration as well as peak ozone seasons for California coastal communities. In the 2024 Season, BWBS verified that 743 vessels, across 49 of the world’s largest shipping lines, opted-in to reduce their speeds. BWBS’ 2024 Season – the program’s 10-year anniversary – was the most significant yet, marking a jump in total participating shipping lines – from 33 to 49 – and an increase in distance traveled at “whale-safer” speeds.

For this edition of Apollo in the Spotlight, we sat down with Catherine Molina from Santiago, Chile, the founder of Latam Logistics. Meet a dynamic leader in the logistics industry who began her journey with an internship and, in 2008, launched her own company fueled by knowledge and determination. Catherine is deeply passionate about sustainability, innovation, and delivering personalized service to her clients. In this interview, she shares her remarkable journey, valuable insights into the industry, and the significance of being part of a global logistics network.