Denmark closed part of its airspace and the Great Belt strait, a crucial maritime route and main access to the Baltic Sea, following a failed missile test near the Danish coast. The incident occurred during a navy vessel's mandatory test, where a technical error left the missile launcher activated and unable to be deactivated, posing a risk of accidental firing. The warning advised vessels to avoid the area, covering five to seven kilometers around the Great Belt bridge. Despite the closure, the bridge remained open to traffic. The incident coincided with a naval exercise in the region. Authorities implemented precautionary measures to ensure safety amid the ongoing situation. (More at Independent, “Denmark shuts shipping lanes …. “ Matt Mathers, 4/5/2024)

Built in 2015, the MV Dali was also involved in a collision at the Port of Antwerp in 2016 and sustained hull damage but no injuries. The vessel underwent repairs in Antwerp before deemed safe for travel (Newsweek). Last year, it faced propulsion deficiencies during an inspection in Chile, with issues related to gauges and thermometers. However, no detention resulted from this deficiency (gCaptain). Three months later, a follow-up inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard found no deficiencies. Additionally, the ship's owner and operator faced several lawsuits for work-related injuries since 2018. (More at FreightWaves, “5 things to know about cargo ship …” by Noi Mahoney, 3/28/24)

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Early Tuesday, Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a container ship known as the Dali (Singapore-flagged) struck a support column, causing at least seven cars to plunge into the Patapsco River. A search-and-rescue operation ensued, with authorities actively searching for missing individuals. Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency. Baltimore Fire Dept. Chief James Wallace stated the search is ongoing, with sonar detecting submerged vehicles. The cause remains undetermined, though U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin suggests the vessel lost power, impacting steering. FreightWaves reported that the Dali vessel carried approximately 4,900 containers during the collision. Authorities are conducting a full investigation into the incident. (See more at The Baltimore Sun, “Key Bridge collapses into Patapsco River ….” By Hayes Gardner, 3/26/2024) SEE VIDEO (WRAL, @brick_suit5223)

Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Mark Green, raised serious concerns in a letter to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. (ZPMC), the world's top ship-to-shore gantry crane producer. Nearly 80% of U.S. ports use ZPMC cranes. The letter accuses ZPMC of secretly installing communication devices in cranes bound for the U.S., posing spying and remote control risks. The accusations stem from a congressional investigation into strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party, initiated in June 2023. The suspicions of CCP leveraging maritime infrastructure for spying date back to 2021. Recent arrests of a U.S. Navy officer and an army intelligence analyst, highlight concerns about Chinese espionage involving U.S. ports, as well as, national defense and U.S. military plans. (More: FreightWaves, “Is China spying on American ports?” John Paul Hampstead, 3/13/2024)

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In recent months, the Red Sea has transformed from a major maritime passage to a battleground, with Houthis rebel attacks on cargo vessels threatening global commerce and regional stability. The sinking of the Rubymar on March 2, the first vessel lost to Houthi attacks since November 2023, has caused environmental hazards and raised concerns about the security of this vital trade route. While Houthi attacks have introduced complexity and risk, their impact on commerce may be diminishing. Although sustained elevated container spot rates impose costs on shippers and consumers, benefiting container lines, the Drewry World Container Index Global Composite price has dropped more than 10% since late January, suggesting a potential easing of trade disruptions. (See FreightWaves, “The Houthis sank a ship. But their attacks may be less disruptive for now” Joe Antoshak, 3/5/2024)

Mexico largest trading partner with U.S.

- Canada No.2 at $773 Billion

- China No.3 at $575 Billion

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