The end of the summer holidays heralds what is traditionally a very busy season. As the automotive factories awake from their summer shutdowns and supply-chains once again kick into overdrive, the run up to Christmas has always been enjoyable and challenging. Reviewing data though, over the past four years, the only predictable thing about this season has become its unpredictability. It’s always a busy time, don’t get me wrong, but the levels between busy and crazy-busy vary wildly. Needless to say, we are prepared for the latter and looking forward to a stellar run towards Christmas.

Talking of the “C-Word”, and with no sign of the Red Sea Crisis abating, many retailers have got their orders in early, and a lot of Christmas stock is already on the water from Asia and heading for our shores. Over the last two weeks, we have at last seen shipping rates start to and steadily fall. They are still way above where they were but they’re moving, for traders at least, in the right direction. Many shipping experts confidently predict though that high rates will continue throughout 2025 even if a resolution in the Middle East is quickly applied.

August also saw the maiden voyage of the worlds largest cargo sailing ship, the Anemos from Le Havre to New York. The first of eight vessels in its class, the Anemos seeks to revolutionise shipping by minimising its environmental footprint. Her primary mode of propulsion is wind power and with automated rigging and sails derived from racing vessels, she is predicted to remove as much as 100% of CO2 emissions. With Maersk exploring the viability of nuclear-powered container ships, and a rise in biofuels in the sector, we’re in for a very interesting time as sustainability deadline draw closer.

With the recent news of the sinking of the luxury yacht Bayesian off Sicily and the sad loss of life, we’re reminded of the risk and sacrifice that mariners across the world take to bring goods to our doors from the other side of the world.

Our own Erik the Bear @erik_the_espace_bear has been on his travels again during August, visiting Ireland, Devon and Cornwall and making his way to Mexico and back. His cousins have been on their own journeys too to find new homes with customers who book five or more freight jobs with us in one month. To find out more about getting your own Erik to accompany you on your own adventures, speak to your account manager.

Until next time!