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What plans do shipping companies have for the return of Suez Canal to sea?
The major shipping companies are preparing strategies to'return to Suez Canal? after two years of disruptions? due to security concerns in the Red Sea. Since November 2023 they have been rerouting their vessels to more expensive routes in Africa, after Houthi forces in Yemen attacked commercial ships, in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war. Some companies have resumpted plans after a ceasefire agreement was reached in October 2025. However, President Donald Trump’s warnings about?possible U.S. actions in Iran has renewed concerns since December. Here are the most recent updates: The Danish shipping company MAERSK announced in January that it will resume its Red Sea and Suez Canal services for one of their services this month after testing the route with two vessels in December and January. Maersk announced that its 'weekly service' connecting the Middle East, India and the U.S. East Coast 'will be the first in the group's staggered re-entry to the Suez Route. Starting on January 26, a sailing will depart Oman's Port of Salalah. CMA CGM, the world's third largest container shipping company announced on Tuesday that it will re-route ships on three of its services to avoid the Suez Canal because of global uncertainty. Plans to expand transits have been cut back. CMA CGM was preparing to increase its use of this route after a few sailings with naval escorts. It sent two large container vessels through the canal last month and aims to begin regular India-U.S. Transits in January. HAPAG-LLOYD German shipper Hapag-Lloyd has said that it will not adjust its Red Sea operations for the time being, according to a spokesperson in January. This was shortly after Maersk announced that they would resume their Red Sea sailings. The CEO of the group said that in December, the return of the shipping industry would be gradual. There would be a period of transition of 60-90 days for logistics to be adjusted and to avoid sudden port congestion. WALLENIUS WILHELMSEN A company spokesperson stated in December that the Norwegian car shipping group was still assessing its situation and would not resume sailing until a number of conditions were met. (Compiled by Mireia Mercino, Javi Larranaga and Gemma Guasch, Gdansk, edited by Milla Nissi Prussak).
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Snow blankets Russia's Far East, disrupting transport in China and Japan
The heaviest winter storm to hit Asia in 60 years buried Russia's Far East under metres of snow on Tuesday. A winter blast blanketed Asia with snow, causing flights in Japan's Northwest to be grounded and affecting Shanghai. The cold snap disrupted travel across the region. Roads were closed in China and air travelers were stranded in Japan. Parts of?Russian Far East are now paralysed. Scientists have said that the weather is related to the waves of cold air from the Arctic which are simultaneously affecting Eastern Russia, Asia and Eastern Europe. Theodore Keeping said that the jet stream, which is the air currents above the atmosphere that determine weather patterns, was wavy. The Arctic polar vortex - a massive mass of cold air that circulates in the 'Arctic - is weak at the moment, which means that it is driving the jetstream less intensely and this leads to cool air waves coming down from the 'Arctic, said Keeping, a researcher for World Weather Attribution, Imperial College Centre for Environmental Policy, London. RUSSIA FAR EAST: LARGE SNOWDRIFTS According to weather monitoring stations, in Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula large?snowdrifts up to several metres high have blocked building entrances, and buried cars. This is after 2 metres of snow (6.5 feet) fell in some places in the first half January, following an earlier 3.7 metre accumulation in December. Residents were forced to dig narrow pathways through the snow in order to reach apartment entrances. Some cars were submerged and others had traction issues. In the port city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, ?locals were filmed walking atop snowbanks beside traffic lights, with some jumping from the drifts for fun. "It's like a sand dune," resident and blogger Polina Tuichieva said of the mammoth snow in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 6,800 km (4,200 miles) east of Moscow. RARE SNOW IN SHANGHAI A similar system moved southward into China where the same wave of cold temperatures brought snow to the financial center of Shanghai. Authorities warned that the cold weather could last at least three full days. Last time the east coast city experienced heavy snowfall was in January 2018. Li Meng, a 23-year old student from Shanghai, said: "It's the first time that I've seen such heavy snowfall." Local media reported that the wintry scenes were a stark contrast to a week ago, when Shanghai enjoyed temperatures as high as 20 degrees Celsius. Yu Xin, a Shanghai resident of 30 years old, said: "The weather is strange this year." "Last weekend, the temperature was over 20 degrees Celsius. This week, however, it has dropped below zero and it is snowing." The temperature has fluctuated a lot, and some people may feel uncomfortable. Chinese state media reported that temperatures dropped sharply in provinces to the south of Yangtze River and Huai?river, including Jiangxi Province and Guizhou. Zhejiang News reports that temperatures in Guizhou are expected to drop by 10 to 14 degree Celsius. CCTV reported that as ice conditions grew, sections of major highways in 12 provinces, including Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, were closed due to snowfall. Travel Warnings in Japan Strong winds and heavy snowfall in Japan disrupted travel on its northwestern coastline, causing dozens of flights to be grounded, as well as affecting popular ski areas at the height winter. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that heavy snow will hit the northern and western areas between January 21-25, urging people not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary. ANA Holdings canceled 56 flights affecting approximately 3,900 passengers. Japan Airlines cancelled 37 flights affecting about 2,213 travellers. ANA cancelled almost all its flights at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. (Reporting and writing by Bureaus; Michele Kambas, Alison Williams; editing by Alison Williams).
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Environmentalists launch legal action against airport expansion in the UK
Campaigners are trying to stop the expansion of Gatwick Airport in Britain, which is the second-largest airport in the country, on grounds of climate change. Transport minister Heidi Alexander approved the opening of Gatwick Airport's second runway on September 1, hoping to allow thousands more flights and boost economic growth. Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE), a campaign group, claims that officials who approved the expansion of Gatwick Airport, located 30 miles south of London, failed to assess the impact of its expansion on Britain's climate goals. According to the government, 'the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel makes airport enlargements compatible with its net-zero goals. The government has backed the construction of a new airport runway at Heathrow Airport, which is the largest hub in the country, as well as at Gatwick. In the densely-populated southeast of England, airports have faced opposition in recent years from residents who are concerned about noise and air pollution. A previous plan to build an additional runway at Heathrow Airport was scrapped in 2010. Gatwick's plan involves moving the backup airport runway by 12 metres (39 feet), to meet safety standards. This will allow both runways to be operational and accommodate millions of passengers in the 2030s. It is also expected to boost trade and tourism, and create 14,000 new jobs. CAGNE claims that the damage the expansion will do to local communities is far greater than the economic benefits. A decision is expected to be made at a future date. Gatwick Airport is owned by VINCI Airports, a French company. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; Sarah Young)
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Singapore Airlines offers 10-year notes worth $390 Million at a rate of 2.70%
Singapore Airlines Ltd., the 'national carrier of Singapore,' has priced S$500,000,000 ($390,000,000) in 10-year Singapore Dollar senior notes at 2.70%. This is a reduction from its initial price guidance of around 2.95%. According to the sheet, the?notes will be issued as part of its multi-currency, medium-term, multi-currency?note program, which is a programme worth?S$10 Billion. The sheet stated that proceeds will be used to finance aircraft purchases, related payments and general corporate or working-capital purposes, as well as refinancing existing borrowings. The bonds are semi-annually repaid, with the first coupon due on July 30, 2026. They mature January 30, 2036. DBS, OCBC and United Overseas Bank?are?joint coordinators. Standard Chartered Bank will join them?as a bookrunner and joint lead manager. (1 Singapore dollar = 1.2822 dollars) (Reporting and editing by Yantoultra Ngui, Christian Schmollinger, and Louise Heavens).
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CMA CGM reduces Suez sailings due to geopolitical risk
CMA CGM, a shipping?group, announced on Tuesday that it will redirect vessels on 'three of its services' away from the Suez Canal because of global uncertainty. This follows two years of disruptions linked to attacks against vessels. Shipping companies are considering a return to Asia-Europe trade corridor after vessels were rerouted in 2023 around southern Africa following attacks on the Red Sea by Yemeni Houthi Rebels who claimed that they were motivated because of the war in Gaza and the plight for Palestinians. The hope for normalized traffic was raised by the ceasefire in Gaza, and the subsequent lull of Houthi attacks. The Marseille-based company was?prepared to increase its use of this route by sending two ships. Large container ships The canal was reopened last month, and regular transits between India and the United States will begin in January. CMA CGM DOESN’T EXPLAIN 'COMPLEX INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT.' CMA CGM, however, stated in a customer advisor posted on its website that it will, for?now reroute ships deployed on its French Asia Line 1(FAL1), French Asia Line 3(FAL3), and Mediterranean Club Express services (MEX), via?the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) citing the "complex and uncertain international environment." CMA CGM - the world's largest container shipping company - did not elaborate about global uncertainty. Since December, the unrest in Iran and warnings from U.S. president Donald Trump about possible intervention by Washington have revived concerns about instability in this region. Trump has said in recent days that?violence seems to be subsiding. Maersk, second largest container line in the world, announced last week that a service would be launched this month to cross the Red Sea. (Reporting and writing by Gus Trompiz, Dominique Vidalon, Inti Landauro, Bernadettebaum)
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Hong Kong court calls 18 witnesses in Baltic Sea cable damage case
The lawyer of the Chinese captain who is accused of damaging undersea cables on a?ship registered in Hong Kong in the Baltic Sea, said that 18 witnesses will be called in to testify. According to a Hong Kong charging document, Wan Wenguo is accused of causing "criminal damages" on the underwater natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia in October 2023. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022, the Baltic Sea region is on high alert for sabotage. This follows a series outages of gas pipelines, power cables and telecoms. Wan, 43 years old, appeared before the court on Tuesday, but his attorney, Jerry Chung said that more time was required to review documents and enter a plea. The case has been adjourned until February 11. Chung informed reporters that 10 witnesses, including Hong Kong officials and experts in maritime issues, would be called to testify on the charge of criminal damage. The maximum penalty is two years' imprisonment, Chung added. The charge sheet stated that Wan was "reckless", and had "without legal excuse" damaged property belonging to someone else. The Finnish authorities claim that the NewNew Polar Bear cut the Balticconnector subsea pipeline which connects Finland and Estonia below the Baltic Sea by dragging the anchor along the seabed. Estonian police suspect that the ship may have damaged the telecom cables connecting Estonia with Finland and Sweden, before it hit the pipeline. Wan's attorney did not provide any details about the damages that could be claimed and from whom. He also said that he had no knowledge of other parties who were being prosecuted in addition to Wan. Wan is also facing two charges of failing?to ensure that the ship met the safety requirements applicable to Hong Kong registered ships around the world, as per the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Chung stated that these included the 'disappearance' of an anchor from the ship and Wan failing to report to the company every day. Eight other witnesses will be called for these two infractions. Wan has been in custody since his arrest last May, when he did not ask for bail during his first hearing. The ship's Hong Kong-flag means that it is under the city's global maritime regulatory jurisdiction, even though the crimes did not take place in Hong Kong waters. Hong Kong prosecutors worked with Finnish and Estonian authorities to solve the case. Some European governments have accused Russia hybrid attacks and of sabotage against critical infrastructure. Moscow, however, has denied these claims, claiming that the West seeks to undermine Russian interests by waging an information warfare. Reporting by James Pomfret, Editing by Anne Marie Roantree Jacqueline Wong Kate Mayberry
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Japan's airlines cancel flights after blizzards strike the northwest coast
The largest airline in Japan announced on Tuesday that strong winds and heavy snowfall caused the cancellation of dozens of flights to and from the northwestern coast. This includes popular ski regions. As of 1 p.m. local (0400 GMT), ANA Holdings cancelled 56 flights, affecting approximately 3,900 passengers. Meanwhile, as?of 11:00 a.m. (0200 GMT), Japan Airlines cancelled 37?flights affecting 2,213?passengers. ANA has said that there will be a delay at some airports because of the continued adverse weather conditions. The New?Chitose Airport in Japan's northernmost Prefecture, Hokkaido, was the most affected. 49 of ANA’s 56 flights were cancelled. Airport is gateway to Niseko, a?ski resort that has exploded in popularity with international visitors looking to enjoy some of the best powder skiing conditions and take advantage of the weak yen. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned on Monday that heavy snow would hit the north and western parts of the country, along the Sea of Japan between January 21-25 and advised against any non-essential travel. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed; Anton Bridge)
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WSJ reports that Elliott invests in Stratolaunch, a hypersonic flight company.
The Wall Street Journal reported that activist investor Elliott 'Investment Management' has acquired a stake in a company called Stratolaunch. This hypersonic flight company has successfully tested a reusable hypersonic aircraft for the U.S. Military. The Journal reported that Elliott would also gain board representation at privately-held Stratolaunch and its investment is worth several hundreds of millions of dollars. The WSJ reported that the 'exact size' was unknown. Could not 'immediately confirm the WSJ report. Elliott and Stratolaunch didn't immediately respond to our request for comments. In May of last year, the Pentagon announced that Stratolaunch had been part of a successful second test of an a Hypersonic test vehicle that can be reused Following an earlier test in December 2024 of its Talon-A car that was not publicly announced. The reusable 'Talon-A' rocket can be quickly re-launched at a lower cost than single-use rockets. This will accelerate the development of 'U.S. Hypersonic weapons are being developed that operate at speeds of up to six times the sound speed. During their development, the vehicle will be used for carrying hypersonic weapon systems.
Ethiopian Airlines orders nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest airline, has placed an order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners to meet the growing demand for long distance travel.
Widebody jets are in high demand as airlines look to reduce operating costs and increase capacity.
Ethiopian Airlines is planning to use the 787-9 jets in order to expand their network beyond the current 145 international destinations.
As part of the?strategic plan to advance sustainable aviation, CEO Mesfin Tasew stated on Tuesday that "we will continue to purchase more aircraft and adopt new technologies."
The airline also completed a?purchase of?11 737 MAX jets. The airline had committed to buy these jets at the Dubai Airshow in last year. (Reporting and editing by Shilpa Majumdar in Bengaluru.
(source: Reuters)