Trendwatch: Conflict transitions from logistics disruption to destruction and dislocation; CBP Lays Out Process for Claiming Tariff Refunds; EU airports face jet fuel shortage unless Strait of Hormuz reopens

Conflict transitions from logistics disruption to destruction and dislocation

“The Middle East conflict has transitioned from supply chain disruption to destruction and dislocation with no reliable resolution in sight and a painful legacy already being lived with,” according to the head of the Global Shippers Forum (GSF). In an interview with AJOT, James Hookham, director of the representative body which has members in 25 countries, elaborated on the depressing picture he paints, underlining that for shippers the crisis is “much, much bigger than just inventory and trade flows and will take months to recover from.”

CBP Lays Out Process for Claiming Tariff Refunds

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced April 13 that it is developing the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) functionality within its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to streamline the submission and processing of valid refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which were determined to be illegal in a February ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

CBP said CAPE is designed to consolidate refunds of IEEPA duties, including interest, rather than processing refunds on an entry-by-entry basis. CBP explained it plans to implement CAPE through a phased development approach, adding more functionality in subsequent phases for more complicated scenarios.

EU airports face jet fuel shortage unless Strait of Hormuz reopens

In a letter to the European Union, industry association Airports Council International (ACI) said that its members are increasingly concerned about jet fuel availability.

ACI pointed out that the summer tourist season would soon be getting underway, which would see a rise in demand for jet fuel and increase pressure.

Construction Starts on Port of Montreal's Long-Delayed Container Terminal

Canada has finally started the construction on the new Contrecoeur container terminal at the Port of Montreal. The megaproject, which was first proposed nearly 40 years ago and has been the subject of delays and controversies, is expected to expand the capacity of the port by approximately 60 percent, making it the largest Atlantic coast port expansion in the country's history. The project will add up to 1.15 million TEU in annual container handling capacity, effectively eliminating capacity constraints that have bogged down the facility.

Jazeera Airways adds air-land cargo operation to navigate airspace closures

Kuwait-based airline Jazeera Airways has established a land operation from two Saudi Arabian airports in response to airspace closures that have grounded operations from its home base.

The low-cost airline has started operating flights to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM) and Qaisumah–Hafar Al-Batin International Airport (AQI) before trucking to Kuwait.

Port of Los Angeles Posts Strong March as Trade and Energy Risks Build

The Port of Los Angeles was a beehive of activity in March, but details are emerging on the impact of the U.S./Israel war with Iran and the U.S. trade deal with China.

The port handled 752,520 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the month.

“That’s a strong result coming off Lunar New Year in Asia, which led to 17 blank sailings. And even with that seasonal dip, we came in just 3 percent below last March, which was elevated as importers front-loaded cargo ahead of tariffs,” said Seroka.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announces ownership transfer

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is pleased to announce that a transfer of ownership took place during the last quarter of 2025 from its founder Captain Gianluigi Aponte to his son and daughter, Diego and Alexa Aponte. Both of whom are Italian nationals brought up in Switzerland and currently residents of the country.

This transition marks a significant milestone in the Geneva based company’s history, as Diego Aponte, Group President, and Alexa Aponte, Group Chief Financial Officer, have demonstrated leadership and vision, achieving remarkable successes within their respective roles in the business. The move ensures the continued stability and growth of the MSC Group of companies under the stewardship of the next generation.

‘Silver tsunami’ drives surge in shipping claims

The shipping industry is facing a mounting insurance crisis as an ageing global fleet fuels a dramatic rise in claim costs, according to new data from the Nordic Association of Marine Insurers (Cefor).

Published this week, Cefor’s 2025 Nordic Marine Insurance Statistics (NoMIS) report reveals that ocean hull claims costs remain 33% above pre-pandemic levels, with 2025 marking the third consecutive year of elevated losses. The findings point squarely at machinery failure and fire as the twin engines driving costs higher – trends inextricably linked to the advancing age of the world’s merchant fleet, something Cefor describes as a ‘silver tsunami’.