Trendwatch: Premier Alliance lines update 2026 service network; Hapag-Lloyd expands Green Fleet with $500 million methanol newbuild order; Saudia Cargo extends WFS handling partnership across eight gateways

Premier Alliance lines update 2026 service network

Premier Alliance lines HMM and Ocean Network Express (ONE) have announced updates to their service offerings within the alliance, with the carriers continuing to serve Europe via the Cape of Good Hope.

Scheduled for April next year the changes will offer a more “stable” service network according to ONE and will be supported by the introduction of newbuildings due to be delivered over the next 12 months.

Hapag-Lloyd expands Green Fleet with $500 million methanol newbuild order

German liner operator Hapag-Lloyd has contracted Chinese shipbuilder CIMC Raffles to construct eight dual-fuel methanol containerships in a deal valued at more than USD 500 million, marking the company’s first newbuild project utilizing the fuel.

The 4,500 TEU vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, and will feature state-of-the-art dual-fuel methanol engines capable of achieving up to 30 percent greater efficiency than older ships in the same size class. When operating on methanol propulsion, the fleet is expected to save up to 350,000 metric tons of CO2e annually.

Saudia Cargo extends WFS handling partnership across eight gateways

Saudia Cargo has extended its partnership with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) for cargo handling services at eight international gateways in Europe and the US.

The extended agreement encompasses key European hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG), London Heathrow (LHR), and Manchester (MAN), alongside New York (JFK) and Washington Dulles (IAD) in the US.

Cold-chain packaging companies adapt as dry ice supply falters

Demand for dry ice, frequently used in combination with temperature-controlled packaging, is vastly outpacing production due to supply issues with its main component, carbon dioxide. No short-term turnaround is on the horizon, resulting in some concern about a potential shortage emerging in 2026. These dynamics and others are prompting packaging manufacturers to double down on R&D for alternative temperature-assured solutions.

India approves AEI's STC for 737-800SF freighter conversion

Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has secured Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from India’s Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its Boeing 737-800SF freighter conversion.

The 737-800SF STC (ST02690LA) approval from DGCA adds to previous approvals from the FAA, CAAC, EASA, TCCA, UK CAA, CAACI (Cayman Islands) and DCA (Guernsey), as well as Brazilian, and Argentinian ANAC approvals, said the Miami-based freighter conversion company.

IACS reaffirms its strong commitment to decarbonization and digitalization agendas

IACS Council (C92) met in London last week to review the significant outputs from its Safe Decarbonization and Safe Digital Transformation Panels, the progress made on the evolution of the Common Structural Rules, and to reaffirm the centrality of Quality to classification societies’ work. C92 also said a fond farewell to its outgoing Chair, Roberto Cazzulo who has now completed his term of office.