Dear WWSA colleagues,
Geopolitical tensions are having an increasing impact on international shipping. Conflicts, sanctions and disruptions to major shipping routes affect transit times, freight rates, insurance costs and vessel schedules.
In 2026, the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Black Sea remain key areas of concern for the maritime industry. As WWSA Chairman Godwin Xerri highlighted in his recent article, “Black Sea, Hormuz attacks on merchant ships: a breakdown of the international order,” the situation underlines the growing challenges facing global shipping.
For shipping agents, these developments bring uncertainty, but also opportunities. Customers may need alternative routes, new logistics solutions or reliable partners in markets they have not traditionally served. Staying informed, maintaining strong relationships and communicating openly with customers can make a real difference.
This is also where WWSA can play an important role. By connecting members, sharing local market knowledge and encouraging cooperation across borders, the association can help shipping agents discover new trade lanes, develop business relationships and respond to changing market conditions.
We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming WWSA Online Meeting:
Topic: How is geopolitics reshaping opportunities in ship agency business?
Date: 19 November 2026
Time: 01:00 PM Brussels Time
Format: Online Meeting
Agenda
- Welcome & commencement of meeting
- New principals
- New routes (NSR, …)
- Intra-America
- Round Africa
- China-Singapore train
- Gulf/R.Sea
- WWSA 20th anniversary celebrations (10th of May 2027, Antwerp, Belgium).
- AOB
We highly encourage all members to participate and share their perspectives and experiences.
We look forward to welcoming you to the meeting.