World Maritime News
WMNF 04/03/2026
ETFuels inks first binding e-methanol offtake deal with RFOcean
ETFuels has secured its first binding 10‑year e‑methanol offtake agreement with chemical tanker owner RFOcean, starting in 2030. The deal is driven by the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which will require ships to use more alternative fuels from 2030. ETFuels plans to produce green methanol at its Rattlesnake Gap wind project in Texas and claims strong cost advantages from U.S. tax credits and favorable wind resources. The company’s CEO said they are confident they will secure full offtake for the entire plant by the end of this year.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Container front-loading rush unlikely as China opposes tariffs and Asia remains cautious
A surge in front‑loading container exports from Asia to the U.S. is considered unlikely, despite the latest tariff changes. Key reasons include:
・Asian exporters diversified their markets last year due to tariff volatility, reducing dependence on the U.S.
・Countries like China, India, and the EU maintained or increased export volumes by finding new destinations.
・The new flat 10% tariff (with possible increase to 15%) is less disruptive than previous higher, country‑specific tariffs.
China still faces high effective tariff levels because other tariffs (Sections 301 and 232) remain in place. Vietnam benefits significantly from the removal of IEEPA tariffs, while Japan and South Korea see only limited gains. Asian governments remain cautious and are pursuing strategies such as FTA negotiations to mitigate future risks. China continues to oppose U.S. unilateral tariffs, stating that “there are no winners in a trade war.”
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Trump’s Supreme Court defeat could make future tariffs even worse
Although the U.S. Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs, President Trump is doubling down on tariffs, and future duties could become even more punitive.
・After IEEPA ended, the U.S. imposed a temporary 10% global tariff under Section 122, which expires after 150 days.
・This period is intended to serve as a bridge to implement new, more flexible Section 301 tariffs, which have no time limit.
・Section 301 and 232 tariffs require formal investigations, public comments, and hearings, meaning implementation will take several months.
・Because future tariffs under Section 301 could exceed current Section 122 levels, front‑loading of imports may occur.
・The EU paused its trade deal approval due to Trump’s unpredictable tariff statements (e.g., the threatened 15% tariff).
・Upcoming Section 301 investigations will require the U.S. to label many trading partners as having “unfair” practices, leading to greater trade friction and potential retaliation.
・Once Section 301 is fully reinstated, the administration would regain the flexible tariff authority it had under IEEPA, enabling rapid tariff changes.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Iran attacks prompt Red Sea rethink as box shipping exits Strait of Hormuz
Following U.S. and Israeli pre‑emptive strikes on Iran, major container carriers have halted transits through the Strait of Hormuz and suspended Suez/Red Sea routes due to escalating security risks.
Around 170 containerships (450,000 TEU) are currently trapped inside Hormuz, facing restrictions on exiting.
Middle East Gulf ports—including Jebel Ali, Shuaiba, and Bahrain’s Khalifa bin Salman—have reported shutdowns, evacuations, and operational disruptions caused by debris from attacks and safety concerns.
Carriers such as MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag‑Lloyd have ordered vessels to seek safe shelter, suspended Gulf calls, and rerouted services back around the Cape of Good Hope, reversing earlier plans to return to the Red Sea route.
The situation threatens to further tighten global container capacity, prolong longer voyage times, and limit the expected fall in freight rates. There is speculation that Chinese‑owned vessels may receive exemptions from restrictions imposed by Iran.
With Iran vowing retaliation and Houthi forces reportedly preparing to resume attacks in the Red Sea, the shipping industry faces renewed instability across multiple critical chokepoints.
Read more: Lloyd’s List