On July 31, 2025, the United States imposed its largest package of sanctions to date against Iran, which also affected some vessels operating on international routes. Part of the fleet of the Chinese shipping company VUXX Shipping, including several container ships serving foreign trade routes to Russia, has come under these restrictions.

The sanctions list includes 15 container ships operated by Marvise SMC DMCC and 7 container ships operated by REEL Shipping L.L.C. Until October 1, 2025, only a limited range of operations is allowed with these vessels: safe berthing, anchorage, and departure from ports (excluding ports in Iran, Russia, or under their control), ensuring crew health and safety, emergency repairs, environmental measures, unloading of cargo loaded before July 30, 2025, as well as services such as vessel management, insurance, and bunkering. New commercial contracts with blocked persons and any operations not specified in the license, including transactions with Iranian or Russian organizations, are prohibited.

Some VUXX Shipping vessels affected by the restrictions will be replaced by other ships. The company is preparing operational solutions to avoid disruptions in container deliveries to customers. Checks of all voyages and schedules are already underway to minimize delays and reassign cargo to alternative vessels.

The sanctions have had a significant impact on the carrier’s operations: VUXX Shipping has had to give up chartering 16 vessels, reducing its operating capacity and causing a drop in its global ranking among container operators by fleet capacity. Industry experts expect temporary instability in shipping schedules, especially on routes linked to Russia, in the near future.

The Iranian Navy has begunreturning to the port of Bandar Abbas six weeks after an emergency evacuation

during the 12-Day War. This marks one of the first signs of the countryrestoring its military and logistical infrastructure. Key Southern Fleet

vessels, including frigates, landing ships, reconnaissance vessels, and part ofthe supply fleet, are back in port. However, some critical assets—like the

submarine IRINS Tarek and the flagship IRINS Makran—have yet to return. Over recentweeks, ships have been entering port individually to refuel and resupply before

relocating to coastal anchorages, avoiding congestion. This strategy hasmaintained minimal logistical operations amid a tense internal situation. The

Navy’s return is a significant signal: Iran is seeking to reassert control overstrategic maritime points, including transport infrastructure and defense

logistics. Despite ongoing political tensions, the revival of naval activitymay help stabilize supply chains, trade flows, and transport corridors in the

Persian Gulf region.

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has reported that 10 large containerships, including 6 from CMA CGM and 4 from MSC, have transited the canal since the launch of a 15% discount program in mid-May 2025. This initiative aims to bring back traffic amid Red Sea tensions.

The CMA CGM Zephyr, carrying 11,800 TEU, was one of the largest vessels to pass through recently. The SCA is also promoting its services to vehicle carriers — BYD Xi’an and BYD Hefei both made transits carrying thousands of cars. A 20% increase in vehicle carrier tonnage is expected in H2 2025.

Despite security concerns due to Houthi attacks, CMA CGM vessels are returning, supported by EUNAVFOR Aspides naval escorts in the region.

Despite major investments by the US and its allies in military infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific, deterrence strategy remains vulnerable without guaranteed access through Indonesia. Passage through key maritime and air corridors of the archipelago is critical for force mobility in any conflict scenario. However, Jakarta’s political neutrality, focus on strategic autonomy, and the lack of clear transit agreements make such access uncertain. Without strong diplomatic engagement and trust-building, even the most advanced bases in Guam and Darwin cannot ensure the real effectiveness of allied strategy.

Iran launched a rare daytime missile attack on Haifa and other parts of Israel just hours after Maersk announced it would suspend vessel calls and cargo acceptance at the Port of Haifa due to rising security risks. Around 23 ballistic missiles targeted Haifa, injuring at least 17 people. The attack seemingly avoided the port, but Haifa remains crucial to Israel's trade, handling over one-third of container imports. Maersk redirected its vessels to Ashdod, while other carriers like CMA CGM and MSC have not made major changes yet. The situation highlights potential strain on regional logistics infrastructure if more operators suspend operations.