AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security & Energy Markets: Iran says it will set a “prohibited zone” near the Strait of Hormuz and warn ships could be sanctioned, as the US strikes three Iranian tankers escalate shipping risk and push oil prices near $97. Cross-Border Logistics Tech: FedEx is rolling out AI and remote monitoring across ground networks to handle growing Johor-Singapore freight flows tied to the JS-SEZ. Trade Route Rewiring: Major oil importers are learning to live with longer, more dispersed routes as Hormuz disruptions force supply-chain rerouting. Oman–Rwanda Connectivity: Oman and Rwanda are deepening ties with new air connectivity, logistics partnerships, dry ports, and emerging-tech collaboration including AI and cloud. Logistics Software Spotlight: WiseTech Global remains in focus as it leans into CargoWise rollouts and AI-driven efficiency, even as market sentiment stays choppy. Port Automation in Korea: Busan Port’s “1876 Busan” program picks three AI startups to test smart-port and logistics tools at Busan Port. Urban Mobility Safety: Malaysia is urging ride-hailing platforms to expand women-only options, building on rail safety coach initiatives. Shipping Finance Bottleneck: Nigeria’s long-delayed cabotage vessel financing fund is being pushed to speed up processing and disbursement to shipowners.

Middle East Shipping & Energy: US-Iran tanker tit-for-tat escalated again, with Iran claiming attacks on tankers and US saying it struck three Iranian oil tankers—keeping the Strait of Hormuz’s role in global fuel flows front and center. Market Impact: Goldman warned that Persian Gulf oil exports are increasingly moving “dark,” meaning visible tracking understates actual volumes and the disruption may be more about visibility than disappearance. Logistics Security: UK funding will back a National Roads Policing Coordination Centre to share data and test tech that detects altered number plates, targeting evasion tied to serious crime and illegal goods movement. Public Transit Ops: KeolisAmey Luas took over operating and maintaining Dublin’s Luas light rail, aiming to lift reliability and passenger experience using remote monitoring. Ports & Trade Facilitation: Jordan’s PM reviewed supply-chain sustainability at Aqaba ports and border crossings, citing full-capacity operations and faster handling times. Green Mobility: Oman’s OQAE and Asyad signed an offtake term sheet to advance green hydrogen for mobility use cases. AI for Business: Panama is pushing AI adoption, but a talent/capacity gap is driving demand for “AI employees” that can plug into real operations. Regional Trade: UAE and Gabon discussed boosting trade and investment ties, focusing on practical opportunities for business communities.

Public Transport Electrification: Philippines’ LTFRB opened 8,750 TNVS slots in Metro Manila plus Ilocos and Bicol, with 7,500 in Metro Manila reserved for BEVs/PHEVs only, tightening eligibility to LTO-registered electric classifications. Road Safety Enforcement: UK Labour backs a nationwide crackdown on drivers using illegal number plates, with a new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre and plate-detecting tech to target fines-dodgers and organised crime. Port & Trade Facilitation: Pakistan’s maritime minister proposed a Maritime Business Facilitation Centre to bundle port services for exporters/importers, aiming to cut trucking, container, storage and vessel-delay costs. Autonomous Freight Push: Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN plans large-scale autonomous truck deployment under Vision 2030, targeting around 25% of freight vehicles with autonomy tech. Maritime Flashpoint: US and Iran trade retaliatory strikes on oil tankers as Hormuz tensions escalate, raising shipping and supply-risk concerns. Transit Demand Signals: West Midlands data shows public transport boardings rising while car use slips slightly, with bus, tram and rail usage up across recent years. Vehicle Compliance Tech: Odisha will use e-detection to flag vehicles without valid PUCC and insurance, triggering electronic enforcement. Logistics Growth Investment: India-focused Jassper Shipping plans up to $50m over three years to expand cargo services across India, the Gulf and other markets.

Port & Food Security: Qatar’s Hamad Port handled more than 90,000 tonnes of grain from May to July, citing 24/7 monitoring and integrated coordination to keep supply chains moving. Lithium & Batteries: Arkansas launched the fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator cohort, sending three-week teams across the state to connect lithium, battery materials, manufacturing, commercialization and logistics partners. Road Infrastructure: Oman inaugurated new asphalt road projects totaling about 380 km in Dhofar to improve connectivity and support Vision 2040. Rail Investment: Kenya’s Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension is finally moving from stalled plans to construction, with a Sh700bn price tag raising big freight-demand questions. Urban Mobility & Parking: Far North councils are drafting a parking strategy that could add paid parking and tech-assisted management once occupancy hits an 85% threshold. Trade & Border Logistics: Iran’s tourism and road transport delegation visited KRI border crossings to ease traveler movement and tighten coordination on vehicle procedures and transport documents. Road Safety Policy: Ghana plans a mandatory towing regime in 2027, using subscription and a tech-enabled platform to clear broken-down vehicles faster. Logistics Leadership: FedEx Philippines named Garrick Thompson managing director, with oversight of trade compliance and expansion at Clark. Energy Markets: Oil prices drifted in thin trading as US-Iran tensions keep Strait of Hormuz shipping risk elevated.

Trade & Tariffs: Belgian PM Bart De Wever took a veiled swipe at “arbitrary” tariff moves, arguing they distort markets and calling for open trade as he pushes India-EU deal talks and a Port of Antwerp-Bruges delegation to India. Freight & Shipping: Russia-to-India oil shipments are still facing high freight costs and limited tanker availability despite softer Mediterranean rates, with Black Sea drone attacks disrupting loadings. Transit Safety & Policy: Lahore’s City Traffic Police rolled out QR “panic buttons” across tens of thousands of rickshaws and public transport vehicles, while Victoria’s transit dispute heads into mediation as an overtime ban ends. Logistics Finance: ABL lenders are increasingly pressured to lend against in-transit inventory, but electronic bills of lading are reshaping how security positions are handled. Mobility in Africa: Little reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Uganda, expanding digital mobility access for riders and driver-partners. Rail & Infrastructure: Pakistan says it has stabilized its economy and highlighted ADB support for modernizing the Karachi–Peshawar ML-1 rail corridor. Maritime Decarbonisation: IMO talks again stalled on shipping decarbonisation, keeping the industry tied to fossil fuel dependency. Workforce & Training: Ekurhuleni launched a road rehabilitation/tar-patching training programme for young people, pairing classroom learning with depot placements.

Port & Trade Policy: Belgian PM Bart De Wever is pitching the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as the India-EU FTA’s logistics gateway, promising tariff cuts on most goods and new routes for food, pharma, maritime services and green hydrogen. Digital Logistics: Ethiopia’s ESL launched a digital customer self-service platform for cargo tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments and AI chat support—aimed at cutting paper processes. Supply Chain Tech: PDI Technologies will showcase AI-enabled operations for fuel and convenience retailers at ExpoPostos & Conveniência in São Paulo, focusing on connected data and faster execution. Maritime Safety: Kazakhstan and the IMO discussed safe tanker navigation and port modernization tied to the Trans-Caspian route. Automation & Terminals: Michael Curtis Broughton released THE SEAPORT EXECUTION SYSTEM, arguing ports should move from outdoor stacking to indoor automated storage and retrieval. Workforce & Training: A vocational authority in Tanzania signed a deal with Van Mo to expand job-ready skills for heavy-vehicle driving, fleet management, warehousing and logistics roles. Transit & Safety: Yorkton, Sask. is recommending SaskAbilities for its next transit operating contract as the city shifts toward on-demand service. Regulation Watch: US CBP is seeking public input on expanded importer supply-chain disclosure rules that could affect how firms document foreign parties and processes. Labor Disruption: Strikes at Northern Europe ports (Germany and the Netherlands) are already threatening container handling and trucking flows. Mobility Tech: Tesla began passenger rides in its Cybercab robotaxi while NHTSA examines about 1,000 vehicles for compliance with federal safety standards.

Maritime Policy: U.S. Federal Maritime Commission leaders will visit Sri Lanka (Sept. 6–10) to deepen cooperation as Colombo’s container role stays central to Indo-Pacific shipping. Port & Container Ops: Adani Ports plans to open a dedicated empty container yard at Mundra, aiming to speed empty-container turnaround and cut unnecessary moves despite depot-operator friction. Geopolitics & Trade: G20 talks in Asheville ended without consensus as China rejected the closing agreement, while Washington pressed concerns about non-market export practices; separate U.S. talks with China and Russia also touched Iran and Strait of Hormuz shipping. Urban Mobility Tech: Uber and Wayve’s robotaxi rollout in London adds a small fleet of all-electric self-driving rides (with a safety driver) as Transport for London minicab licences come through. Logistics & Industry: Ritco Logistics won a ₹3.34bn contract to move polymer granules nationwide for HRRL, using digital tools for route planning and visibility. Workforce & Platforms: Uber’s Nigeria exit leaves drivers scrambling and signals pressure on ride-hailing economics. Public Transit Funding: Bartow County Transit in Georgia seeks Section 5339 capital and operating support for FY2028 fleet expansion.

Trade & Logistics Corridors: A USIP-led delegation of farmers and agriculture leaders visited Morocco’s Casablanca and Tanger Med ports to tighten agricultural trade links and logistics connections between America, Africa and Europe. Energy Supply Chains: Oil importers are rerouting as Hormuz risks and Iran tensions disrupt tanker flows, pushing a more dispersed (and longer) network of trade routes. Rail Investment: Canada will spend $4.7B on new VIA Rail trains in Ontario, aiming to shift production away from the U.S. Cybersecurity for Freight Tech: Virtualizor disclosed a BGP hijack that redirected Linux update traffic and enabled a malicious update package, urging operators to run checks. Autonomous Mobility: Uber launched London’s first robotaxi minicab service with a required human safety driver, while unions warned of major job disruption. Port & Shipping Moves: DHL Global Forwarding acquired Uruguay’s Aero Cargas to establish its first direct operation in the country. Cross-border Policy Pressure: Canada-U.S. trade war uncertainty is hitting mission businesses hard, with exporters describing planning paralysis and major revenue losses. Maritime Safety: Northern Cyprus ferry capsizing probe continues as suspects return to court and the search for missing passengers goes into a fifth day.

Autonomous Mobility Forum: Qatar’s UDST will sponsor the 2026 Autonomous e-Mobility Forum (Sept. 7-9) at QNCC, under the Ministry of Transport, spotlighting autonomous and electric mobility and sustainable transport solutions. Urban Mobility Pricing: Auckland’s proposed congestion charging options are set for public release in November, with drivers facing new cordon and motorway fees and debate over whether alternatives to driving are available. Public Transport Disruption: A planned public transport strike on Sept. 9 is expected to go ahead despite cabinet concessions, adding pressure to already strained commuter systems. Maritime Logistics Transition: Jakarta’s Transjakarta targets a June 2027 start for sea transport to the Seribu Islands, with a hub-and-spoke plan, new ticketing and safety upgrades, and port/operations preparations. Trade & Sanctions: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned countries not to help Iran evade sanctions, after Modi met Iran’s president amid reports of expanding India-Iran trade. Shipping Security Controls: Dominican customs is tightening inspections and requiring 24-hour advance requests for transit operations tied to Haiti, as security disruptions force more cargo through private warehouses. EV Market Shift: Australia’s EV share hit 36% of new car sales in August (BEV 24.9%), signaling a structural change in consumer demand. Robotaxis Arrive in London: Uber launched its first robotaxi service in London with human supervisors onboard, using Wayve’s AI Driver tech and awaiting further regulatory steps for fully driverless operations. Logistics Real Estate Growth: SCX Logistics says revenue jumped over 240% in H1 2026 and targets expanding its portfolio to over 1,000,000 sq.m. by 2029.

Trade & Investment: Brazil opened a permanent ApexBrasil office in Addis Ababa to deepen Ethiopia ties and boost investor access, with a focus on technology-driven agribusiness. Geopolitics & Shipping: Maersk will install Anemoi’s rotor sail on a container ship to cut fuel use and emissions, while industry watches escalating Red Sea/Hormuz disruptions that are reshaping routes and insurance costs. Rail Freight & Exports: Moldova’s state rail operator CFM moved 46,500+ tons of export and transit goods in August, led by agricultural commodities, underscoring rail’s role in regional trade. Competition Policy for Exporters: South Africa’s export block exemption won’t help unless firms use it—DTIC urged exporters to coordinate logistics, marketing, and contracting where allowed. Intralogistics Tech: Flexport rolled out international fulfillment in Canada and the UK, extending its end-to-end network into new markets. Public Transport Planning: Bengaluru’s draft masterplan targets raising public transport share from 35% to 75%, expanding metro/rail corridors and multimodal hubs. Labor & Ports: German and Dutch ports brace for strike action as dockworkers reject pay offers, threatening schedules. Cross-border Payments: Africa’s agri-trade growth is colliding with slow, costly cross-border payments, fueling competition among fintechs, banks, and new settlement rails.

GCC Trade Facilitation: Bahrain hosted GCC Customs Union talks where Interior Minister Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said a temporary exceptional logistics mechanism is speeding movement of goods, especially food and medical supplies, via rapid information exchange and unified customs procedures. Middle East Shipping Shock: Renewed US-Iran strikes are pushing oil above $95 and raising fears for Strait of Hormuz shipping, with knock-on effects rippling into global bonds and equities. Black Sea Disruption: Turkish carrier Akkon Lines suspended all Russian port calls after a drone attack damaged its vessel, turning back ships and rerouting or returning cargo. Logistics Automation in Warehousing: YONEX is automating its European logistics centre with advasolutions shuttle technology, aiming for flexible storage and faster picking while operations continue. Safety & Enforcement in Logistics: South Korea’s labor ministry raided a Coupang logistics centre after an entrapment accident, focusing on safety compliance and operator obligations. Transport Market Watch: India’s Sensex and Nifty slid sharply amid the Iran escalation and oil spike, wiping out about Rs 5 lakh crore in market value early. Defense Industrial Base: A US Army acquisition chief visited Hanwha Aerospace in Changwon to review automated K9 howitzer production ahead of prototype deliveries. Maritime Resilience Warning: A NATO-linked report says assumptions that commercial ships will be available for sealift are now “obsolete,” citing fewer useful merchant vessels and seafarer shortages.

Logistics Tech & Operations: Descartes is buying Extensiv for about $120M to expand warehouse management and 3PL/e-commerce fulfillment capabilities, adding inventory/order/fulfillment and AI-driven operational insights. Network & Carrier Moves: UPS rolled out a new global operating model and revamped exec roles to standardize key processes worldwide while staying flexible for local markets; customers also reported a UPS tracking outage. Transit & Mobility: Hyderabad’s transport overhaul includes 60 ANPR cameras and plans to add 2,200 electric buses, while Northern Kentucky is ending the Southbank Shuttle as TANK reallocates service for efficiency. AI in Public Transport: Transport departments are pushing AI and electric buses, and London’s robotaxi rollout is delayed as TfL guidance is still missing. Trade & Geopolitics: With Hormuz risk rising, the US launched strikes on Iranian targets and Treasury says Gulf states are accelerating pipeline alternatives that could reduce reliance on the strait within two years. Maritime Risk & Compliance: Researchers say Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits weak African shipping registries to evade sanctions. Cybersecurity in Supply Chains: McKesson confirmed a third-party-linked breach affecting oncology and surgical data, raising compliance and patient-impact questions for downstream providers.

Maritime Security: A commercial tanker was hit by three unknown projectiles while exiting the Strait of Hormuz on the Omani side, with no casualties or spills reported; UKMTO says ships should use extreme caution as US-Iran tensions and mine-risk warnings persist. Regional Diplomacy: The SCO summit opened in Bishkek with transport and logistics, digital development, and security on the agenda, alongside signed documents marking the group’s 25th anniversary. Hydrogen & Shipping Tech: Provaris signed a technical collaboration with China’s Himile Heavy Industries to move compressed hydrogen tank manufacturing toward commercial scale, including robotic fabrication and laser welding automation for its H2Neo carriers and H2Leo barges. Air Cargo & Trade Ops: FedEx Philippines named Garrick Thompson managing director, tasked with operational excellence and expanding cross-border trade support, including Clark facility investment. Port Safety: Maritime NZ launched an investigation after a stevedore worker died at Wellington’s CentrePort. Logistics Software: WiseTech Global said Evergreen Line eBLs are now available via Bolero’s Galileo platform, expanding digital document access across the trade finance ecosystem. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Bosch Rexroth opened a $20m logistics center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to consolidate warehousing near production and improve lead times.

Autonomous Mobility in Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport will host the 2nd Autonomous e-Mobility Forum (AEMOB) Sept. 7-8 at QNCC, pushing AI-led electric robotaxi and autonomous vehicle strategy. Cross-Border Rail & Trade: Xi Jinping’s Kyrgyzstan visit saw transport-and-logistics deals signed, including a road border bridge across the Bedel checkpoint and cooperation on railway express services and e-commerce. Workplace Transit Policy: Montreal’s transit agency says employees can’t pray on agency property as Quebec’s secularism law takes effect Sept. 1. Logistics Investment in Japan: GLP Japan raised 600 billion yen ($3.75bn) for a logistics-center fund, drawing overseas capital amid Japan’s infrastructure boom. Aviation Capacity Push (Egypt): Egypt plans Terminal 4 at Cairo airport for 40m passengers annually, with AI and digital transformation in the design. Shipping Under Pressure: The Panama Canal set a new single-trip toll record as an LPG carrier paid $5.3m for a Sept. 1 slot amid tight demand and Hormuz-related disruption risk. Cold Chain Demand (Tanzania): Tanzania’s perishable-goods growth is driving new investment opportunities in cold-chain infrastructure. Trade & Security at SCO: Xi, Putin and Modi headline the SCO summit in Bishkek, with leaders prioritizing security and new transport networks. Workforce Mobility (US/Canada): Unifor members approved a GM deal adding a next-gen heavy-duty truck to Ontario, aiming to protect jobs as tariff pressure rises.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz reportedly fell to five per day as US-Iran strikes and mine threats raise risks for global oil and shipping. Maritime Security Escalation: The US carried out strikes on Larak Island while Iran hit US bases in Jordan, with officials warning of renewed economic and military fallout. Transport Funding Pressure (NZ): Transporting New Zealand says road-funding cuts via deferred fuel excise and RUC increases will squeeze the National Land Transport Fund, threatening freight and connectivity. Road Upgrade (Oman): Musandam’s Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road is 76% complete, aiming to cut the Lima–Khasab trip from 2.5 hours to about 20 minutes. Urban Transit Relief (US): Portland proposes fully subsidized TriMet passes for city employees ahead of a major I-5 closure, targeting congestion mitigation. Logistics Real Estate (APAC): Knight Frank ranks Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru among top APAC logistics markets for rental growth in H1 2026. Aviation Governance (Australia): Airservices Australia board appointments add David Fredericks as deputy chair and reappoint Nicolle Connelly. Digital Connectivity (Asia-Pacific): UN Bangkok talks will use AI and digital tech to strengthen transport and disaster resilience across the region. Shipping Innovation (Nuclear): The IAEA launches ATLAS to support nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear plants, targeting practical work via expert groups.

Port & Terminals: APM Terminals has started building the $550m Laldia Container Terminal at Chattogram, aiming for 1m TEUs/year and a 2030 opening under a 30-year PPP. Road Infrastructure: Oman’s Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road in Musandam is 76% complete, cutting Khasab–Dibba travel to about 55 minutes. Maritime Digital Services: Qatar’s MoT has automated 11 more maritime e-services, bringing the total to 21 for vessel and seafarer transactions. Trade & Logistics Corridors: India and Uzbekistan upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, targeting $5bn trade by 2030 and pushing cooperation in digital, AI, space, and transport logistics. Shipping Risk: UKMTO reported a tanker hit by an unknown projectile near Khasab in the Strait of Hormuz; authorities are investigating. E-commerce Costs: Russia’s marketplaces are raising commissions and logistics fees sharply, with some sellers facing burdens above 40% of order value. Transit Operations: Winston-Salem Transit Authority launched new crosstown “premier job lines” and boosted bus frequency on key routes. Autonomous Safety: Waymo and Zoox robotaxi test drivers reported more than two dozen injuries tied to sudden braking and emergency maneuvers. Fuel Subsidy Policy: Malaysia restored the BUDI95 RON95 quota to 300 litres/month from 200, with diesel pickup/jeep owners set to receive up to 400 litres from Sept 1.