Syria’s General Authority of Borders and Customs has signed an agreement with French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM to manage and operate two dry ports in the free zones of Adra, near Damascus, and Aleppo.

The agreement is aimed at restoring Syria’s logistics infrastructure and supporting the country’s foreign trade. It comes as a trial freight rail link between the Port of Latakia and Adra has resumed after a 14-year interruption caused by the civil war.

The dry ports in Adra and Aleppo could become important inland hubs for the redistribution of containerized, general, and industrial cargo. Combined with the Port of Latakia and the railway connection, they may help reduce pressure on coastal infrastructure, speed up customs procedures, and strengthen links between inland industrial areas and maritime trade.

For CMA CGM, the deal further reinforces its long-term presence in Syria. In May 2025, the group was already awarded a 30-year contract to modernize and operate the Port of Latakia.

This new agreement effectively expands the company’s role from port operator to a participant in Syria’s inland logistics chain.

At the same time, risks remain significant. Infrastructure still requires major rehabilitation, while banking and insurance mechanisms remain sensitive. The political and sanctions environment also continues to require heightened caution from international companies.

China’s COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers posted strong results for the first quarter of 2026, showing continued momentum in the specialised shipping segment. Revenue rose 26% year-on-year to CNY 6.55 billion (about $905 million), while total profit increased 33.5% to CNY 712.7 million. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached CNY 405.9 million, up 17.5% from a year earlier.

Operationally, growth was driven by a sharp increase in cargo volumes, which climbed to 8.53 million tonnes — up 56% year-on-year — as well as by ongoing fleet expansion. During the quarter, the company added seven new vessels, including a heavy-lift ship, multi-purpose vessels and car carriers, bringing its total fleet to 204 ships with combined deadweight of 9.45 million tonnes.

The scale-up also translated into stronger cash generation: operating cash flow surged by nearly 90%, pointing to improved revenue quality and more efficient fleet utilization. At the same time, the disposal of one vessel suggests the company is continuing to optimize its asset structure.

From an industry perspective, COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers’ results highlight sustained demand for specialised shipping, including heavy-lift and project cargo. By expanding in these higher-margin niches, the company is strengthening its position beyond traditional shipping markets.

The United States has formally warned shipping and trading companies of sanctions risks if they make any payments to Iran for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters and BBC report that the warning was issued by OFAC, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

According to the U.S. side, sanctions exposure may apply not only to direct payments, but also to alternative forms of transfer, including fiat currency, digital assets, donations to the Iranian Red Crescent, transfers to Iranian embassy accounts, or other indirect contributions linked to vessel passage.

In practice, Washington is signaling that any attempt to structure a “safe passage fee” in any form could be treated as sanctions-relevant conduct. This increases pressure on shippers, shipowners, and logistics operators involved in Gulf trade flows.

For the logistics market, this adds another layer of uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. Even if the route remains formally open, any payment connected to transit now carries not only operational, but also direct sanctions risk.

Ningbo Ocean Shipping Company (Nbosco) plans to invest up to $390 million (2.7 billion yuan) in building a new feeder fleet and acquiring container equipment. The program includes a firm order for four 1,900 TEU vessels, with an option for two additional ships.

The move reflects strong and устойчивый demand for feeder services, especially across Asia, where cargo flows are being reshaped and short-sea routes are gaining importance. Feeder vessels remain a critical link in connecting secondary ports to global container networks.

From an operational perspective, the new ships are designed for efficiency on short routes — with optimized fuel consumption, flexible capacity, and the ability to operate in ports with draft limitations.

At the same time, investment in container equipment highlights a strategic push to strengthen control over logistics and reduce reliance on third-party providers.

For Nbosco, this project is part of a broader strategy to scale operations and reinforce its position in the increasingly competitive regional shipping market.

China has established a new shipping company, Dalian Shipping Co, with participation from municipal and provincial authorities and industrial backing from Hengli Heavy Industry. The initiative is aimed at restoring Dalian’s position as a major maritime hub.

The business model is built around close integration with shipbuilding: the company will focus on vessel segments aligned with Hengli’s production capabilities, effectively creating a closed loop from ship construction to fleet operation.

For Hengli, the creation of an affiliated shipowner reflects a broader strategy already seen across Chinese shipyards — securing demand, ensuring yard utilization, and reducing exposure to market volatility. With one of the largest orderbooks in China, this approach strengthens control over the entire value chain.

From an industry perspective, the project highlights the growing role of the state in developing shipping assets and accelerating vertical integration in China’s maritime sector — a trend that could intensify competition in global shipping.