The deepening dispute between Panama and China over two key ports at the Panama Canal was a constant source of headlines following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that invalidated CK Hutchison’s long-held concession contracts.

A trade pact between the US and India that cuts American tariffs and ties New Delhi to a halt in Russian oil purchases sent immediate tremors through tanker markets. 

India’s long-awaited national container shipping line is taking shape following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) – a state-backed venture aimed at building an integrated, self-reliant container ecosystem and strengthening India’s maritime trade presence. India has also set aside $1.2bn for a five‑year scheme to build a domestic container manufacturing ecosystem.

Peter Georgiopoulos and Leo Vrondissis-led United Overseas Group is diversifying from its tanker base, announcing it is buying Norvic Shipping’s commercial platform and nine Japanese-built bulkers.

Peter Hult, CEO of maritime medical services specialist VIKAND, was this week’s big Maritime CEO interview. “Underinvesting in welfare is a false economy. It compromises safety, erodes performance, and undermines the sustainability of shipping,” he argued, adding: “Real progress requires treating health as an investment, not an expense.”

This week’s Splash Wrap podcast, carried below, looks at the changing fortunes for container shipping, asking if we are now at the end of what has been the greatest boom in the sector’s history.