AGP Executive Report

Transport Policy: Zambia is drafting a new 10-year National Transport and Logistics Policy (2026–2036) after reviewing the 2019–2028 plan, with the World Bank-funded TRACER project guiding the work. Port & Safety: A new push argues container shipping must screen dangerous goods earlier at booking, citing rising vessel fires and the problem of conflicting paperwork across systems. Energy & Storage: India’s GAIL plans pipeline expansion, LNG sourcing and shipping diversification, and more clean-energy investments as Strait of Hormuz disruptions keep energy markets volatile. Logistics Disruption: Ukrainian drones hit Ozon logistics facilities in Russia (Orenburg and near Ufa), forcing limited operations and redirections. Aviation Maintenance: Willis Lease Finance will build a new Willis Engine Repair Center in Johor, Malaysia, expanding Asia-Pacific maintenance and storage capacity. Omnichannel Fulfilment: M&S is scaling its European online DTC fulfilment via ZEOS, cutting delivery times and returns processing. Climate/Disaster Risk: The Philippines’ UPRI-NOAH will expand hazard mapping and flood modeling with a ₱1bn allocation to improve pre-disaster decisions. Maritime Decarbonisation & Rules: The IAEA launched ATLAS to build a regulatory framework for nuclear-powered civilian shipping. Trade & Exports: Zenith Bank rallied stakeholders around Nigeria’s non-oil export push, citing $6.1bn in 2025 exports.

Maritime Decarbonization: Australia’s Adbri and CSL began operations of MV Yampu, the world’s first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier, cutting diesel use by more than half a million litres a year on limestone runs to Adelaide. Energy & Trade Security: Iran and Oman say they’ve agreed a temporary Strait of Hormuz transit route, with mine-clearing and a wider corridor plan tied to US commitments—while shipping remains far below normal. LNG Project Legal Win: A US appeals court upheld federal approvals for Venture Global’s $28B CP2 LNG project, keeping construction on track for first exports in 2H 2027. Port & Air Cargo Modernization: Macao airport pilots cargo palletization at Hengqin to expand security screening and speed mainland-to-overseas e-commerce flows ahead of Hengqin terminal operations in 2027. Carrier Risk Management: MSC suspended bookings to Russia’s Novorossiysk after a drone attack on the MSC ULSAN III, signaling ongoing Black Sea logistics caution. Cold-Chain Finance: Americold declared a $0.23 Q3 2026 dividend, underscoring continued investment momentum in temperature-controlled warehousing.

Maritime Security & Trade Lanes: India urged the UN Security Council to protect critical sea lanes, saying safe, predictable shipping is vital for food, fertilisers, fuel and other essentials. Hormuz Shipping Update: Iran and Oman are making progress on a temporary Strait of Hormuz corridor and mine-clearance steps, while the US says it has removed all mines and opened additional routes—moves that are easing oil-price pressure. Sanctions Pressure: The US Treasury’s “Operation Economic Outcast” targets Iran’s shipping and financial lifelines, warning third countries about secondary sanctions tied to sectors including shipping. Logistics Investment: UPS will invest over $2bn (2024-2028) to expand international, healthcare and supply-chain capacity, including new hubs in the Philippines, Canada and Hong Kong. Port & Network Shifts: UAE’s Jebel Ali fell sharply in container rankings as Hormuz disruptions hit flows, pushing carriers toward GCC road/rail alternatives. Cold-Chain & Warehousing: Envision Energy opened a Philippines national distribution center to store wind-turbine components and speed parts delivery. Supply Chain Resilience on the Ground: Indonesia confirmed 5.1m tons of rice reserves despite El Niño, and Jordan completed a truck parking yard at Jaber border to reduce congestion and improve driver services. Risk in Warehousing: Drones hit Russia’s Wildberries logistics hub in Kotovsk, disrupting deliveries and triggering major fires.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran and Oman’s foreign ministers agreed on a phased plan for a temporary joint maritime corridor and a mine-clearing project to restart safer shipping, with technical talks continuing toward a permanent framework. US Navy Mine Clearance: The US Navy said it cleared the main Hormuz shipping lane after months of underwater operations, while security risks remain high for commercial traffic. Oil Shock Watch: Analysts warn higher crude prices and disrupted routes could curb demand as millions of barrels of supply stay offline and shipping costs stay elevated. Food Security Pressure: UN leaders flagged a “vicious conflict-hunger cycle,” warning that attacks and chokepoints are hitting farms, ports, storage, and shipping routes—raising the stakes for global grain and fertilizer flows. Logistics Investment: QIA led a $200m Series D for autonomous freight firm Gatik, betting on driverless trucking capacity growth across North America. Corporate/Compliance: Hub Group received a Nasdaq non-compliance notice tied to a late Form 10-Q amid an investor class action. Energy Prices at the Pump: US fuel reports show diesel and gasoline prices still volatile in many counties, reflecting ongoing global oil and shipping disruptions.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Shipping through Hormuz hit a three-month low with only two tankers transiting, as Iran blacklisted 45 tankers and warned of action over non-compliant passage—raising the stakes for oil and LNG flows. Fertilizer Logistics: The UN offered to facilitate fertilizer transit via Hormuz as a neutral mechanism, aiming to reduce disruption risk without authorizing passage. Maritime Security: IMO warned piracy is back in the Gulf of Aden, with more than 90 seafarers held captive after the hijacking of the tanker Seamull/Sibu 1. UPS Expansion: UPS is investing $2B to expand its global logistics network, including healthcare and international air hubs. Trade & Ports: Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore reaffirmed Malacca and Singapore Straits as free, open and safe lanes under UNCLOS. Energy-Logistics Link: Transnet is selling 15 non-core properties to strengthen finances, while Nigeria’s NNPC/Shell Bonga South-West Aparo deal targets $21bn investment. Supply Chain Tech: ST and NUS opened an edge-AI semiconductor lab to tackle memory and power limits in local AI systems.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Iran warned vessels that violate its transit rules could face fines, detention or seizure, while also threatening to halt oil exports if the US “economic campaign” continues—raising fresh risk for global energy and shipping routes. US Sanctions Push: Washington launched an “economic D-Day” against Iran, targeting nearly 60 entities tied to oil, shadow-fleet activity and digital/tech/gold/aviation/shipping links, with secondary sanctions and potential exclusion from the US dollar system. Maritime Security: The IMO demanded the immediate release of 90+ seafarers held by pirates in the Gulf of Aden after the SEAMULL hijacking, warning the region’s security deterioration is threatening global trade. Port Congestion: China’s container ports are still clogged after typhoons, with 4.3m TEUs waiting globally and Shanghai/Ningbo queues lifting short-term freight rates. Energy & Logistics Deals: Kuwait Petroleum reported record profits, citing route rerouting and tanker unloading flexibility; Nigeria’s NNPC and partners executed addenda advancing the Bonga Southwest/Aparo deepwater project toward FID. Tech for Supply Chains: Ritchie Bros. rolled out a redesigned mobile app for full bidding and transactions on phones, and XPeng’s Dogotix raised $900m to scale humanoid robots for industrial use. Industry Loss: Kuehne+Nagel founder Klaus-Michael Kühne died at 89, a major figure in global forwarding and supply chain growth.

Strait of Hormuz Logistics: Oman’s foreign minister heads to Tehran to push for a safer, more predictable shipping corridor as Iran warns Gulf states against backing US “economic war,” while reports say fewer than 20 ships crossed over a weekend amid blockades and rising oil-route risk. Ukraine E-commerce Supply Chains: Ukraine escalates drone strikes on Russian e-commerce logistics, with fires reported at Ozon warehouses in Krasnodar, Orenburg and Samara—raising disruption risk for last-mile fulfillment. Global Food & Shipping Risk: A new analysis flags a “perfect storm” for food supplies as conflicts, drought and heat hit grain routes and harvests, with wheat prices under pressure. Energy Infrastructure & Storage: DP World opens a new Johor warehouse to strengthen Southeast Asia contract logistics, while Vietnam and other markets keep leaning into battery storage and grid upgrades to handle peak demand. Decarbonization Policy: An IMO climate debate centers on proposals that could reshape shipping’s path to net zero, with industry watching how fuel standards and penalties land. Africa Trade & Procurement: South Africa and AfCFTA-linked procurement momentum are drawing new healthcare investment, while Botswana eyes a rail link to South Africa to unlock regional logistics value chains.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: UKMTO says commercial shipping through Hormuz stayed sharply reduced over the past 48 hours, with single-digit vessel counts, as Iran keeps pressure on the vital energy corridor; traffic also stayed subdued in the Red Sea/Bab al-Mandeb after a July 20 Yemen blockade. Iran-US Economic War: Iran’s new SNSC secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned that any country supporting the US “economic war” will be treated as an “act of war,” linking it to oil export threats. Syria Freight Rebound: Syria’s road freight is recovering as the Rabia border crossing reopens and restrictions ease, but visa delays for Syrian drivers to Gulf states still slow trucking. Arctic Route Debate: South Korea’s first commercial-style Arctic container test to Europe drew Western criticism over Russia transit permissions and sanctions risk. China Logistics Equipment Boom: Chinese electric forklift exports are surging, with orders booked into Q4 and shipments planned to 127 countries. Energy Costs Watch: US fuel prices eased from spring highs, but global tensions around shipping and oil supply continue to ripple into local gasoline and diesel pricing. Digital Navigation Update: The IHO’s S-100 standard is set to replace older S-57 ENC data for next-gen interoperability in maritime operations.

Maritime Security & Energy Chokepoints: Strait of Hormuz traffic jumped to nearly 200 ships last week as more vessels route via the US-backed Oman corridor, while Iran-linked attacks still hit shipping and raise risks for global oil flows. Canal Disruption: The Panama Canal is running low on water, with authorities planning reduced daily transits from mid-September—an immediate hit to global schedules and freight planning. War Impacts on Logistics: Russia reported major drone strikes hitting logistics/industrial sites, including an Ozon fulfillment center in Orenburg, with warehouse deliveries suspended and staff evacuated. Port & Corridor Upgrades: DP World’s Dar es Salaam terminal is set for redevelopment of seven yards under an EDECS contract, aiming to modernize cargo handling and yard management. Customs & Trade Compliance: Vietnam approved customs law amendments to strengthen IP enforcement, including powers over goods transiting Vietnam. Infrastructure Maintenance: Odisha’s Sambalpur–Kataka NH-55 is facing urgent repair calls due to potholes and monsoon waterlogging affecting freight and commuters. Defense Logistics: A Philippines–Japan defense logistics pact (ACSA) took effect, setting a framework for reciprocal supply and services.

Defense Logistics: The Philippines and Japan’s Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement took effect, setting a framework for reciprocal supplies and services to boost joint exercises, disaster response, and interoperability. Energy & Fuel Flows: Bangladesh’s Excelerate LNG terminal restarted after a three-day shutdown, lifting LNG gas supply toward 686 mmcfd as cargo timing improves; in the U.S., GasBuddy price reports show diesel and gasoline still swinging by region, with multiple counties posting week-ending Aug. 15 “lowest” prices amid ongoing Strait of Hormuz-linked oil risk. Shipping Risk & Trade: A new report highlights how global shipping chokepoints are reshaping costs and resilience, while South Korea tests Arctic routes to reduce disruption exposure. Climate Pressure on Logistics: A study says global warming acceleration is now statistically confirmed, with implications for supply chains and infrastructure planning as heat and weather extremes intensify. Agriculture Supply Chains: Ghana’s National Seed Council urged seed growers to share accurate production data to tackle fake seeds and warehouse gluts, including calls for more reliable markets and tighter import controls. Security & Compliance: Eurabelt Fuels launched a Pan-African/BRICS verification program for fuel trade finance, pitching faster onboarding and commission-only payouts to cut fraud risk.

Arctic Route Testing: South Korea’s PanStar Acro will run the country’s first trial container voyage via the Northern Sea Route, aiming to cut Asia–Europe transit by about 10 days versus Suez, with stops in Felixstowe, Rotterdam and Gdansk—though experts warn the window is mainly seasonal and ice-class constraints remain. Hormuz Pressure on Trade: With only a handful of commodity vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the US says it’s keeping oil moving while NATO allies explore non-mission partnerships to protect navigation; shipping disruptions are also feeding higher energy and LNG costs. Warehouse and Port Moves: Amazon is adding a 240,000 sq ft Baton Rouge operations center, while Ukraine drone strikes hit Russia-linked Ozon logistics in Samara, suspending operations at the warehouse. Energy Storage Contracts: Saudi Arabia’s SPPC signed four BESS storage agreements worth $1.16bn for 2,000MW/4-hour capacity, boosting grid flexibility. Cross-border Commerce: Horgos is leaning into cross-border live-streaming e-commerce, using its border logistics gateway to Central Asia. Defense Logistics Pact: The Philippines and Japan’s Acsa logistics agreement enters into force, enabling reciprocal supplies and services for exercises and disaster response.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Oman and Iran held phone talks aimed at restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as traffic remains down to about a tenth of prewar levels, with both sides calling for “practical understandings” for safer maritime flows. Arctic Shipping Push: New research and studies point to expanding year-round shipping potential from Canada’s Port of Churchill using ice-hardened vessels, while separate reporting highlights a China-to-Europe container service trial via the Arctic northern sea route. Maritime Decarbonization Debate: An op-ed argues IMO’s Net-Zero Framework for shipping needs a rethink, warning that limiting fuel options could raise costs and undermine real-world fuel availability. UAE Logistics Hub: Coverage highlights how the UAE is strengthening logistics resilience by linking ports, airports, rail, roads, storage, and digital systems. Tech & Jobs: Wiwynn’s $275M expansion in Socorro, Texas is set to add 2,000 jobs, underscoring continued investment in AI/cloud infrastructure supply chains. Cargo Growth in the Maldives: Velana International Airport reported steady Q2 cargo growth, with transshipment and freighter operations rising as the Maldives expands its logistics role. Security Risks at Sea: Reports of piracy and hijacking off Yemen and Somalia raise fresh concerns for Indian crew safety and global shipping lane security.

Maritime Security: Kpler data shows Strait of Hormuz traffic stays thin—seven cargo ships transited on Thursday versus 14 the day before—while Bab El-Mandeb traffic also slowed, underscoring how Middle East tensions keep disrupting global oil and LNG flows. Piracy Update: Two separate hijackings off Yemen and Somalia involved 22 Indian seafarers; officials say crews are safe, but vessels remain under pirate control. Shipping Disruption (Panama/Black Sea/Hubs): Coverage highlights how weather and conflict are forcing reroutes and longer voyages, with Panama Canal water limits and Black Sea attacks continuing to squeeze global grain and freight lanes. Last-Mile & Warehousing: SM Prime turned over a new 40,000-sq-m Pasig logistics facility for Shopee partner SPX Express, adding to its Metro Manila distribution capacity. E-commerce Logistics Growth: J&T Express reported H1 2026 profit up 124% on strong parcel volume growth across Southeast Asia and beyond. Energy Storage for Grid Flexibility: WALDEVAR/GEN-I Sonce signed EPC for a 55 MW/220 MWh BESS in Romania, while OX2 started Australia’s 100 MW/200 MWh solar-plus-storage project—both pointing to storage as critical infrastructure for power reliability. Policy & Data Localization: India’s MNRE ordered inverter-level rooftop solar data to be stored on servers/cloud located within India, with daily reporting via a standardized API. Regional Trade Connectivity: South Africa and Zimbabwe flagged the Third Limpopo Bridge and Beitbridge One Stop Border Post as priority projects to turn bilateral plans into implementation. Health Supply Chain: South Sudan inaugurated a new $365,000 medical warehouse in Gumbo, adding 1,400 metric tons of storage to strengthen national distribution of essential commodities.

Maritime Security & Energy Flows: Brent pushed toward ~$93 as US-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty kept a risk premium on crude; shipping activity through the strait stayed sharply reduced, with only a handful of commodity-vessel transits reported, while Oman and Japan urged diplomacy and freedom of navigation. Shipping Disruption & Costs: Tanker attacks are spreading across key corridors (Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb, Black Sea), leaving fleets rerouted and freight rates elevated, with higher insurance and vessel costs feeding into consumer prices. Food Supply Chain Pressure: Black Sea grain exports are tightening as Russia-Ukraine attacks shutter terminals and hit vessels, with Ukraine reporting heavy strike counts and major export-route knock-ons; importers are bracing for less supply and higher wheat prices. Cold-Chain Resilience: Americold says its cold storage can hold sub-zero temperatures for up to a week during full power outages, using heavy insulation/thermal mass and pre-cooling to protect time-sensitive goods. Regional Logistics Policy: Pakistan is advancing a national fisheries and aquaculture policy aimed at unlocking up to $10B, including a one-window service model and a planned off-dock terminal at Gwadar to improve cargo connectivity. Local Fuel Snapshot (US): GasBuddy data shows wide regional swings in E85, diesel, and regular/premium prices week ending Aug. 15, underscoring how global oil and shipping disruptions keep filtering into day-to-day logistics costs.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Trump again claims US control over Hormuz traffic as Iran insists the waterway is closed, while oil prices push higher on supply fears and shipping uncertainty. Maritime Routing Shift: With Hormuz risk rising, Sri Lanka is pitching itself as an alternative corridor for high-value cargo, including a shipment of 14 Lamborghini vehicles routed via Hambantota and onward air freight to Dubai and Doha. Logistics Infrastructure Push: The Philippines’ PPP Center outlines incentives for a ₱7bn concession to turn Subic Bay International Airport into a logistics hub, with tax breaks and cargo/warehousing upside for the operator. EV Charging for Fleets: UAE logistics group 7X approved the first six EV charging sites across Dubai under a partnership with government-owned UAEV, aimed at last-mile efficiency and lower emissions. European Warehousing Demand: Savills reports European logistics leasing at 14.01m sq m in H1 2026 (+20.5% YoY), driven by network consolidation and resilience planning rather than pure warehouse expansion. Fuel Cost Pressure: Pakistan raised HSD levies and forecast further September fuel impacts as global Middle East tensions keep crude volatile. Maritime Decarbonisation: A new Ro-Ro GHG data governance framework and broader emissions compliance efforts keep tightening the rules shaping future shipping operations.

Strait of Hormuz Oil-Flow Risk: Shipping traffic through the Strait slowed as uncertainty persists over whether the waterway is fully reopened, with only six commodity vessels crossing Tuesday versus nine the prior day, while US-Iran tensions keep shippers cautious. US Shipping Corridor: The US quietly set up a southern Hormuz corridor for tankers, moving about 10 million barrels per day via 15–20 transits nightly, aiming to keep oil flows steady. Regional Escalation: Iran warned Gulf states against aiding US forces after the UAE severed economic ties with Tehran over attacks on shipping, raising the odds of more disruptions. Bangladesh LNG Supply Strain: Excelerate’s Moheshkhali floating LNG terminal suspended gas supply after deliverable cargo shortages, cutting national grid supply by 105 mmcfd within two days. Corporate Restructuring: HEG won NCLT approval for a demerger that will split its graphite electrode business from advanced materials and battery/renewables growth. Freight Policy Push: New Zealand’s National Road Carriers Association renewed calls for a dedicated Supply Chain Minister to coordinate and streamline freight growth. Last-Mile Operations: On Time Trucking added capacity for 200–300 daily last-mile shipments across NYC’s five boroughs. Fuel Price Watch (US): AAA reports gasoline rising again nationally to $4.086/gal, with diesel and premium prices still sensitive to Hormuz-linked oil and refinery conditions.