AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Watch: The US and Iran signed a framework to end hostilities and reopen the Strait, but details are still unclear and Israel says it won’t withdraw from Lebanon—shipping is cautiously resuming with an Indian LNG tanker already crossing, while France and the US push for a toll-free reopening. US Supply Chain Push: USDOT rolled out the American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative, aiming to link ports, carriers, trucking, rail and retailers to speed cargo processing via a centralized visibility dashboard. Transport Safety Spotlight: Canada’s TSB will release findings on the OceanGate Titan disaster, and US investigators continue probing a deadly Missouri skydiving crash that killed 12. Roadworks & Disruptions: Florida’s I-75 SW 66th St bridge closes for about a year for a major rebuild; Virginia’s Route 29 ramp to I-66 sees overnight closures; North Carolina pipe repairs will shut part of Odell Road. Public Transit & Policy: Manitoba’s transit funding campaign gets a new song; Maharashtra extended MSRTC’s 10% fare hike to July 15; Washington’s WSDOT shared a World Cup fan map. Logistics Growth: Sharjah Chamber backs an integrated logistics corridor linking ports via land borders, and DSV expands a major multi-client logistics complex in Ontario.

Strait of Hormuz Watch: The US and Iran struck an interim deal to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait, lifting a naval blockade and restoring toll-free transit, but shipping groups warn the restart is still risky as insurers and route security remain unsettled. Maritime Security: Bimco says mines and volatility keep transits dangerous and calls for neutral oversight. Caribbean Trade Link: Water Spirit resumed freight operations at Pier 14 in San Juan, restoring service to St. Croix, St. Thomas and Tortola with revised schedules. Freight Tech: ImEx Cargo rolled out Plug-In Freight Ops™, pitching a digital coordination layer to connect fragmented transport players. Road Disruption & Safety: MoDOT reported multiple Missouri route closures from flooding; in Florida, residents launched a petition demanding lighting upgrades on Sorrento Road after a fatal crash. Policy & Compliance: Malaysia urged goods and public transport firms in Sabah/Sarawak/Labuan to register for SKDS fleet cards ahead of mandatory subsidy use. Urban Mobility: Dubai approved a 2026–2030 plan for 31 pedestrian bridges and tunnels to improve safety and first/last-mile access. Logistics Growth: A study forecasts India drone use in logistics and clean tech will jump 55% in three years. Corporate Moves: Aznar Shipping plans a company shipyard to cut dry-docking costs as its fleet grows.

Hormuz Peace Pivot: The US and Iran say a memorandum of understanding is in place to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for toll-free shipping, with the US also moving to lift its naval blockade—an immediate relief target for a route that carries about 20% of global oil transit. Regional Rail Detour Plan: Türkiye and Saudi Arabia want a rail link reaching Europe via Jordan and Syria within 3–4 years, aiming to move freight, oil and gas and reduce future Hormuz disruption impacts. Shipping Market Pressure: Xeneta reports ocean container spot rates trending higher, with shippers facing higher costs and capacity constraints on Asia-to-Europe and Asia-to-US lanes as Middle East disruption lingers. Decarbonization Funding: France’s ADEME launches a program backing ship retrofits, low-emission newbuilds, and port upgrades like shore power and alternative-fuel bunkering. Aviation/Access Moves: Montréal adds Route 815 shuttles between Des Sources REM and YUL to cut airport congestion; Serbia’s air rules are under EU review after Wizz Air warned it could close its Belgrade base. Maritime Workforce: Qatar funds scholarships for homegrown marine navigation and engineering students to build local seafaring and ship-operations capacity. Local Transit Updates: Joplin’s transportation study board meets June 18, while Loudoun County kicks off its transportation plan review phase June 24.

Ethanol Fuel Push (India): Road Transport minister Nitin Gadkari signed rules legalizing E100, moving beyond the E20 blend program and paving the way for flex-fuel vehicles. Hormuz Shipping Shock (Middle East): Iran’s IRGC warned vessels to avoid the Strait of Hormuz as “completely closed,” even as US officials signal a possible reopening tied to a US-Iran deal. Maritime Sanctions Crackdown (UK): Britain detained a sanctioned tanker suspected of supporting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” in a UK-led operation with France. Air Cargo & Rail Freight (China): China reported steady railway freight growth in Jan–May, with export trips and new energy vehicle shipments rising. LNG Shipbuilding (China): Hudong-Zhonghua started construction of a QC-Max LNG carrier for Qatar, aiming for higher capacity and lower boil-off. Military Transport Tragedy (India): An IAF AN-32 crash at Jorhat killed five personnel; IAF later transported remains for final rites. Road & Transit Disruptions (UK): Greater Manchester roadworks are causing multiple A-road closures and delays across Bury, Bolton and Radcliffe Moor Road. Urban Mobility (India/Nepal): Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan hub is seeing higher Namo Bharat ridership after pedestrian links; Kathmandu outlined expanded night transport and safer walking/cycling infrastructure. Diesel Relief (Kenya): EPRA cut diesel prices by Ksh10, easing costs for transport operators. Active Transport (Canada): Steinbach is expanding sidewalks to improve walking connectivity. School Transport (India): Telangana’s TGSRTC will run special buses for students starting Monday. Local Transit (US): Bluffton’s ACRTA route added fixed stops and ridership continues to grow. Repatriation Logistics (Malawi): Authorities say it may take days to process paperwork and move thousands of Malawians from Sherwood Park back home.

Strait of Hormuz Reopen Claim: Trump says a US-Iran peace deal is set for Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen “to all” immediately after signing, though Iran has not confirmed the date. Maritime Security Warning: US Secy. of State Marco Rubio tells India that violations of the US blockade and illicit Iranian oil transport won’t be tolerated, after attacks on commercial shipping off Oman killed three Indian seafarers. Shipping Service Launch: Maersk debuts a new Adriatic–Eastern Mediterranean service with fixed weekly sailings, calling at ports including Venice, Haifa, Ashdod, Damietta and Port Said. Maritime Tax Cut: Pakistan abolishes an 18% sales tax on the shipping industry in the 2026-27 budget, aiming to cut logistics costs and spur investment. Port Throughput Update: Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman Port handled 238 vessels and about 97,000 containers in Jan–May 2026, showing resilience amid regional shipping pressures. Air Cargo Tragedy: India’s IAF An-32 transport aircraft crash in Assam’s Jorhat kills five; a court of inquiry is ordered. Road Disruption: An overturned semi shuts an I-40 exit ramp in Dickson County, while multiple US roadworks and bridge closures are reported across several states.

Air Safety Shock: India’s IAF says five personnel died after an Antonov An-32 crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam; a court of inquiry is being formed as emergency teams battled fire and authorities assess damage. Rail Expansion Push: Indonesia is accelerating railway network growth to 10,524 km to cut logistics costs, ease congestion, and narrow regional gaps, with passenger numbers rising 8.8% in 2025. Public Transport Funding & Access: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9m for nine local road projects, while in Hays/Ellis County officials weigh how to fund ACCESS Transportation for people with disabilities. Logistics Security & Policy: Canada and the Philippines signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement to expand logistics support and maritime cooperation, including cybersecurity and information sharing. Transport Enforcement: Tanzania launched a bus-terminal film campaign warning passengers and transport workers not to unknowingly carry drug parcels. Maritime Gateway Plan: Croatia is moving to expand container terminal capacity at Rijeka to strengthen its role linking Asia with Central and Eastern Europe.

Port Congestion Relief: Casablanca ordered Gate 4 at the port to open overnight (midnight–7 a.m.) to cut truck delays and ease pressure on approach roads after protests over worsening working conditions. Freight & Supply Chain Policy: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative, aiming to speed container processing via a “pre-screened” lane concept and a dashboard linking ports, carriers, trucking, rail and retailers. Roadworks & Disruptions: Arizona DOT warned of multiple Phoenix freeway closures this weekend for pavement and widening work; Missouri MoDOT starts a Route U seal coat next week; and Tennessee TDOT schedules concrete repairs on I-24 East with lane closures over two weekends. Public Transit Payments: Kansas City’s RideKC ended its six-year free bus era, bringing back fares and contactless payment with daily/weekly/monthly caps. Safety & Access: Delaware is planning a trail connection between Heritage Creek and Cannery Village, while Connecticut awarded $10.8M in local connectivity grants for safer, more accessible town centers. Maritime Security: India’s shipping ministry said it still has 13 flagged vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed tensions.

Middle Corridor & Connectivity: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia leaders in Bishkek put the Middle Corridor and a China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail push back in focus, aiming to boost transit cargo and link to Black Sea ports. Port & Route Expansion: Ocean Network Express launched a new weekly Riga–Portugal service via Iberia Baltic Express, giving Latvian exporters and importers a direct Baltic-to-Iberia connection. Maritime Security & Energy Tensions: The US and Iran trade claims over Strait of Hormuz access as CENTCOM says commercial traffic continues, while analysts warn that moves like targeting Kharg Island could endanger US troops and prolong conflict. Shipping Disruption Watch: Harwich Haven Authority reported stronger 2025 turnover despite alliance changes, after fears that Maersk’s Gemini shift would hit Felixstowe calls. War Impacts on Logistics: Ukraine struck Russian logistics and refineries in Crimea and Tatarstan, targeting trucks, oil, and key supply routes. Public Transport Policy Shifts: Punjab ends its free metro/Orange Line/Speedo bus travel from June 13, while London pushes 4G/5G coverage deeper into the Underground with completion targeted for end-2026. Digital & Safety Moves: TfL and Boldyn Networks expanded mobile coverage on multiple Tube lines; DfT set new walking and cycling targets for 2035. Local Mobility Friction: Mumbai’s BKC public transport drive sparked complaints of auto rickshaws refusing meter fares and demanding higher charges. Industry ESG Spotlight: CILTSA confirmed Transnet chair Dr Andile Sangqu as keynote for its ESG conference in Sandton.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: India’s shipping minister confirmed three Indian seafarers dead after the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello was disabled by U.S. forces for allegedly trying to transport oil from Iran, as enforcement and attacks continue to reshape tanker and regional trade flows. Shipping Outlook: Fitch revised the global shipping 2026 outlook to “neutral,” citing war-led tanker demand and higher tonne-mile needs, while warning container overcapacity could still pressure profits. Decarbonization Benchmarks: Sea Cargo Charter signatories (about 14% of seaborne trade) reported 2025 emission-intensity progress, keeping average alignment with IMO goals stable year-on-year despite geopolitical turbulence. Port Tech: Rotterdam demonstrated autonomous inland container sailing between terminals, highlighting safer, more flexible hinterland logistics. Freight Network Moves: BHP secured CN and CPKC rail agreements for potash shipments from Saskatchewan’s Jansen mine to Vancouver export terminals. Road & Rail Disruptions: Minnesota begins I-494 ramp closures June 15-29; Nevada shifts I-80 lanes in west Reno for repaving; Pennsylvania crews place beams for the Karns Crossing Bridge replacement (Route 68) with a spring 2028 target. Security & Compliance: Algarve police seized 1,000+ litres of fuel tied to maritime drug-smuggling logistics and recovered three stolen vehicles. Logistics Business: XLCS Partners advised Aero Controls on its acquisition by Air Transport Components, expanding MRO capacity.

Yangtze Mega Waterway: China broke ground on a nearly $11.3B Yangtze River project aimed at nearly doubling throughput at the Three Gorges shipping hub, part of a wider push to modernize inland waterways and ports. Shipbuilding Boost: China also started construction of a 271,000-cubic-meter ultra-large LNG carrier (QC-Max class) for delivery in 2028, signaling continued strength in high-end energy logistics. Middle East Shipping Risk: India confirmed three Indian seafarers dead after a US strike on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, while India urged the UN Security Council that commercial shipping must not be targeted. Regional Connectivity Deal: Bangladesh and China signed an agreement for the 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge in Patuakhali, replacing a ferry bottleneck with a 2.62km crossing. Road Disruption: All westbound lanes of I-40 in Buncombe County, North Carolina, were blocked by debris after a morning incident. Transport Policy & Funding: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 road projects under the Cost Share Program, leveraging local matching funds. Public Transport Response: The Philippines’ DOTr ordered special bus permits to reroute airport trips after a 7.8 quake suspended flights at General Santos Airport. Charging Infrastructure Lawmaking: Serbia is drafting an alternative fuels infrastructure regulation after public debate, with about 230 public EV chargers currently in place.

US Supreme Court Arbitration Ruling: A new decision limits when “last mile” drivers can be forced into federal arbitration, raising the stakes for transportation firms facing class actions and forcing a rethink of dispute strategies. Amazon Logistics Push: Amazon expands its LTL service beyond inbound freight and says it now runs 50,000 electric delivery vans worldwide, signaling deeper competition in freight and last-mile operations. Rail Merger Pressure: The Ag Retailers Association urges regulators to block the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, warning it could cut service and raise rates for rural shippers. Bridge and Road Works: Kansas’ KDOT starts a culvert extension on K-4 near Bison with lane reductions and up to 15-minute delays; Colorado’s US 350 resurfacing begins June 15 with alternating single-lane closures; Kentucky’s Ky. 979 bridge replacement closes the route June 15–August with a signed diversion; Montana crews remove most of the old Teton River Bridge and keep an 11-foot width limit during detour work. Safety and Disruption: Colorado reports a 91% jump in teen crash deaths since 2015; Colorado CO 52 faces a full closure June 12–15 for drainage pipe replacement. Maritime Tensions: The US says it fired on tankers in the Gulf of Oman over alleged Iranian oil shipments, with India reporting missing crew and condemning attacks on commercial shipping. Public Transport Policy: New Zealand’s LGNZ backs Labour’s proposed fare cap, arguing public transport investment supports communities and local economies.

UAE Logistics Build-Out: Gulftainer unveiled plans for the Al Dhaid Multi-Modal Trade Corridor, a 150-hectare, fully digital logistics hub with 1.5 million TEUs annual capacity, linking Khorfakkan Port to Etihad Rail to serve the Arabian Peninsula. Shipping Market Pulse: MSC hit a record 21.6% global container market share in May, underscoring how fast it has expanded via secondhand buys and newbuilds. Peak Season Pressure: Container rates surged as tariffs and Middle East tensions drove frontloading, with Asia–US West Coast up 51% week-on-week to $4,836/FEU and East Coast up 25% to $6,336/FEU. Maritime Security Clash: Russia condemned an EU move to expand Operation IRINI to stop and inspect suspected “shadow fleet” vessels, warning it would use legal measures to protect shippers and shipowners. Aviation & Fuel Volatility: Airlines face fresh pricing pressure as fuel costs stay uncertain, with carriers adjusting surcharge approaches amid volatile oil markets. Philippines Earthquake Response: DOTr ordered ships rerouted from General Santos’ Makar Wharf to Malalag Port in Davao del Sur to keep passenger and cargo flows moving after a 7.8 quake. Urban Transit Expansion: India’s Union Cabinet approved Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2(A), adding a 6.032 km corridor and five stations to improve airport access and cut congestion. Work Zone Enforcement: New York launched Operation Hardhat with NYSP and NYSDOT to crack down on speeding in daytime work zones as construction season ramps up. Digital Logbooks: Kenya’s NTSA published step-by-step guidance for accessing, downloading, and verifying electronic logbooks via its portal and QR-based checks. Local Funding for Mobility: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9m for nine spring 2026 transportation projects under the Cost Share Program, leveraging $3.7m in local matching funds.

Rail Safety: A passenger train derailment in Nigeria’s Delta region killed 4 and injured 24, with four coaches overturned and one derailed; rescue is complete and authorities are investigating. Freight & Ports: Container shipping rates are jumping as tariffs and Middle East tensions drive frontloading; Asia–U.S. West Coast prices rose 51% week-on-week, per Freightos. Logistics Tech: PepsiCo is scaling autonomous freight with Gatik across North America, aiming to keep 98%+ on-time delivery by dynamically adjusting routes. Rail Cooperation: Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed an MoU to boost railway standards, infrastructure, safety, workforce training, and tech exchange. Public Transport: Boston extends fare-free MBTA bus service on routes 23, 28 and 29 through end-2026 after faster-than-expected ridership growth. Road Works & Safety: Washington expands work-zone speed cameras in Eastern WA, with fines starting July 1; Minnesota also begins major ramp closures around Highway 12/I-394/I-494. Aviation/Border: IATA warns EU airport queues could reach 3–6 hours as the Entry-Exit System rolls out, risking missed connections.

Autonomous Freight: PepsiCo has begun a large-scale driverless trucking rollout with Gatik, moving autonomous logistics from pilots to real-world Frito-Lay supply runs—while reigniting debate over jobs, safety, and regulation. Red Sea Shipping Risk: The Houthis announced a “complete and total ban” on Israeli-linked maritime navigation through the Red Sea, warning of escalation and raising the odds of reroutes and higher costs. Middle East Energy Shock: Fitch says Strait of Hormuz disruptions are likely to create a temporary logistics-driven supply bottleneck, with oil prices volatile but expected to ease if the route reopens by late July. Maritime Security Drill: Greece plans a major spill-response exercise after drone attacks on Russian-trading energy carriers near its waters, aiming to test readiness and reaction speed. Inland Capacity Boost (China): China started the Three Gorges New Water Transport Channel to relieve Yangtze congestion, targeting major throughput gains by 2033. Logistics Economics: A YRC study says online apparel brands lose 30%–50% of orders to returns, with reverse logistics quietly erasing margins. Freight Market Outlook: Coherent Market Insights forecasts FTL/LTL services growth to $24.44B by 2033, driven by tech and shifting customer expectations. Transport Disruptions (US/UK/Philippines): KY road works will close parts of U.S. 68 and restrict U.S. 60; Weymouth operators seek more goods vehicles; Mindanao’s earthquake has suspended GenSan airport commercial flights with a possible restart within a week.

Red Sea Shipping Risk: The Houthis declared a blockade on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, warning any Israeli-linked vessel will be treated as a military target, raising the stakes for already strained global routes. Maritime Security: The EU imposed sanctions tied to Hormuz navigation disruption, targeting Iranian individuals and an IRGC unit under a new maritime freedom-of-navigation mechanism. Eurasian Rail Upgrade: The modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway entered a new phase, boosting annual freight capacity from 1M to 5M tons and strengthening the Middle Corridor. Air Cargo & Trade: Air India moved 1,000+ tonnes of Indian mangoes to the Middle East, US and Europe in three months, with Mumbai remaining a key export hub. Airport/Transit Disruption: Canada launched public consultations on Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s future, while Penn Station’s rebuild plan faces the next hurdle: how to pay for a $7B–$8B overhaul. Logistics Tech Deal: Libra Software Group acquired Expedient, expanding customs and forwarding software capabilities across Australia and New Zealand. Road & Ferry Impacts: TxDOT warned of summer Port Aransas ferry delays, and multiple US road closures and bridge repairs are underway, affecting freight and commuter flows. Safety Incidents: A Highway 11 crash killed one and injured another, and a Penn Station stabbing left five victims injured with a suspect in custody.

Inland Shipping Mega-Project: China has started construction of the Three Gorges new waterway project, including what’s expected to be the world’s largest inland ship lock, aiming to meet rising Yangtze demand. Maritime Security Escalation: The Houthis announced a complete ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, warning Israeli maritime movements are now military targets as missile and airstrike exchanges intensify. Middle-East Travel Advisories: India urged nationals to avoid Iran and leave immediately using available transport options amid rising Israel-Iran tensions and reports of explosions near Tehran. Ukraine Hits Key Logistics Links: Ukraine struck the Chonhar Bridge, disrupting a major Crimea supply route, and drone damage also forced temporary suspension of Moscow–Simferopol rail services. Airline Profit Pressure: IATA forecasts global airline profits to nearly halve in 2026 to $23bn, with jet fuel costs up sharply and Middle East carriers facing major losses. Port/Logistics Expansion: Hellmann and INDU broke ground on a nearly 300,000 sq ft automotive logistics hub in Jafza to speed regional spare-parts distribution. Road & Rail Disruption: Hawaii began emergency highway lane closures for resurfacing and friction upgrades; in the UK, a fatal rail incident near Preston caused hours of service disruption. Public Transport Operations: Louisville’s JCPS set a Monday deadline for student transportation verification, while Accra’s transport minister clarified new bus deployments are for nationwide replacement and intracity redeployment. Tech for Shipping: Marcura CEO Henrik Hyldahn discussed how AI tools can speed voyage document work and charterparty checks while keeping humans accountable.