Middle East Shipping Watch: Iran says it’s close to finalizing a temporary Strait of Hormuz safe route with Oman, while also floating new corridor restrictions that could put ships on sanctions lists—fresh uncertainty that’s already feeding into higher energy prices and diesel costs. Port & Logistics Decarbonisation: Freeport East is backing an electric HGV hub at Felixstowe with £50,000 to support high-speed charging for heavy vehicles, aiming to cut emissions on one of the UK’s busiest freight corridors. Automation & Last-Mile Tech: Qatar’s AEMOB forum highlighted Snoonu’s push toward commercial autonomous delivery robots in 2026-27, with physical AI designed to adapt to local weather and infrastructure. Canal Leadership & Capacity: Panama Canal Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta took office as the waterway manages renewed drought risk and advances expansion plans including new terminals and an energy corridor. Freight Economics: Diesel prices in Texas are spiking as Strait-of-Hormuz tensions raise fuel costs, squeezing truckers while shipping rates stay low. Paperless Trade: GSBN named BIMCO to its board to accelerate adoption of electronic Bills of Lading and interoperability standards. India Rail for Agri Goods: India’s Deolali–Danapur “Farmer Prosperity” special hit its 100th trip, moving 14,070 tonnes of parcel goods and generating revenue for railways. Maritime Assets & Fleet Values: Shipping market coverage notes vintage tanker values rising sharply with age, changing disposal math for operators.