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Geopolitical tensions lead to increasing risks for shipping sector globally
- Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2025: Trade conflict between the US and China and growing shadow fleet add to substantial challenges for the shipping industry.
- Despite geopolitical headwinds: only 27 large ships lost worldwide in 2024, down by more than 20%, the industry’s lowest-ever total.
- Progress made on traditional risks such as fires, collisions, and groundings, which are the main causes of losses, but potential for large claims remains a concern.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2025 – The fast-changing geopolitical landscape is creating new risks and challenges for a shipping industry already juggling the energy transition and the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Allianz Commercial’s Safety and Shipping Review. The industry faces an increasingly volatile and complex operating environment, marked by attacks against shipping, vessel detentions, sanctions, as well as the fall-out from incidents involving damage to critical sub-sea cables. Furthermore, the ripple effect of increasing protectionism and tariffs threatens to remake supply chains and shake up established trade relations.
Given 90% of international trade is transported across oceans, those developments are concerning, especially as the industry continues to see the potential for large claims from traditional risks such as fires, collisions and groundings, which are still the main drivers for total losses of large vessels. However, there is also good news. The shipping industry has made significant improvements when it comes to maritime safety in recent years. During the 1990s the global fleet was losing 200+ vessels a year. This total had halved 10 years ago and is now down to a record low of 27 as of the end of 2024 (from 35 in 2023).
“The relevance of political risk and conflict as a potential cause of maritime loss is increasing with heightened geopolitical tensions. Total losses from traditional causes may have reduced over time, but we could be in a position where this positive trend is potentially offset by war and other political-related exposures. As an industry, we are in a better position with regards to traditional risks, but there is a renewed focus on geopolitical risks,” says Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting, Allianz Commercial.
US-China trade conflict and growing shadow fleet bring uncertainty and challenges
China has been the biggest target of the protectionist measures of the US administration with tariffs reaching 145%, before both countries agreed to reduce them for 90 days. Developments have significantly impacted global maritime trade with approximately 18% of it subject to tariffs as of mid-April 2025, compared with 4% in early March, and dramatic declines in shipments reported in the immediate aftermath of the “Liberation Day” announcements. While the future of US trade-focused policies remains uncertain, another phenomenon is posing an increasing challenge for the maritime and insurance industries: the shadow fleet. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the size of the shadow fleet has grown significantly. Today, around 17% of the world tanker fleet is thought to belong to the shadow fleet: estimates indicate there are close to 600 tankers trading Russian oil alone. Shadow fleet vessels have been involved in tens of incidents around the world including fires, collisions and oil spills.
“Although recent sanctions are making it harder for these vessels to trade, the shadow fleet continues to pose a serious risk to maritime safety and the environment, as many are likely to be older vessels that are poorly maintained and inadequately insured. In case of an oil spill involving a shadow fleet tanker, cleanup costs could be as much as US$1.6bn,” says Justus Heinrich, Global Product Leader, Marine Hull, Allianz Commercial.
Red Sea rerouting: older vessels and riskier routes in addition to higher costs
With ongoing geopolitical volatility in the Middle East, many ship operators have rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding time and cost to transits between Asia and Europe. For example, this rerouting adds around $1mn in costs and at least 10 days to a typical transit between China and Europe. According to estimates, cargo volumes in the strait had fallen by two-thirds by September 2024, with rerouting costing the global economy some US$200bn that year. The quality and safety of vessels may also be impacted as a result of this rerouting.
“With container capacity under pressure, some shipowners have gone out to the market to meet supply, purchasing tonnage that is often older and second best. This has helped push up values and seen vessels scheduled for scrap and older tonnage stay in the market longer. The concern is that when called back into service, these vessels may not be in the best state to operate safely on longer sea routes and in rough weather,” says Captain Nitin Chopra, Senior Marine Risk Consultant, Allianz Commercial Asia.
Fires and mis-declared cargo remain a top concern for large vessels
Large vessel fires are still a major concern for hull and cargo insurers. There were seven total losses reported across all vessel types during 2024, the same number as a year earlier. The number of incidents overall was up year-on-year to a decade high of 250, again across all vessel types. Around 30% of these fire incidents occurred on either container, cargo or roll-on roll-off vessels (ro-ros) (69). More than 100 total losses of vessels have been caused by fires in the past decade. Efforts to mitigate these risks are underway, with regulatory changes and technological advancements aimed at addressing mis-declared cargo, a primary contributor to such fires. This is critical as the electrification of the global economy poses further challenges given the growing number of lithium-ion batteries and battery energy storage systems being transported.
“There is little doubt the shipping industry is becoming more resilient against the risks associated with large vessels, although we can by no means say they are under control. However, only 27 total losses during 2024 underlines the positive trend. To put this into perspective: there are over 100,000 ships (100GT+) in the global fleet. However, uncertainty and multiple risks persist. Cyber-attacks and GPS interferences are increasing. Ceasefires have raised hopes, but the Red Sea security threat and supply chain disruption will likely remain. Meanwhile, the green transition requires much work. The coming years will be decisive and will determine the path of the sector and global trade,” explains Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting, Allianz Commercial.
Hashtag: #shipping #allianzcommercial
https://commercial.allianz.com/
financial strength, and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and Multinational services as well as seamless claims handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2024, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €18 billion in gross premium globally. https://commercial.allianz.com/
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From PolyU Research to Geneva Global Debut: GOOD Vision oka³y! ™ Redefines Precision in Freeform Orthokeratology
Beyond Traditional Toric Lenses: The Future of Freeform Orthokeratology
With myopia expected to affect 50% of the world’s population by 2050, demand for effective management is high. While Ortho-K is a highly effective strategy, traditional symmetric and spherical/ toric designs often underestimate corneal shape complexity, causing lens decentration and poor visual outcomes.
The oka³y!™ freeform technology, incorporating the company’s proprietary FAST-360 and CORe Technology, surpasses traditional lens design. AI-based FAST-360 reconstructs missing corneal data for faster scans, while CORe ensures precise alignment with the visual axis, leading to 3.1 times greater stability.
Precision Myopia Correction and Control for High Astigmatism and Asymmetric Corneas
For optometrists and clinic owners, oka³y!™’s key benefit is improving workflow by automating complex mathematics, cutting chair time by 64%. This boosts myopia management capacity without extra staff or lengthy training. “As a registered optometrist in Hong Kong and a researcher in one of the world’s leading optometric institutes, I witnessed a growing gap between the number of patients seeking Ortho-K and the limited range of conventional products available to treat them,” says Dr. Kin Ho Chan, Ken, the lead inventor of oka³y!™. “By focusing on the ‘3A’: AI-guided, Astigmatism, and Asymmetry, and working alongside The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Poly U), we have developed a design that not only delivers superior vision but also enhances safety by reducing corneal staining. We are turning a frustrating, manual trial-and-error process into a predictable one-click adjustment.”
From Niche Specialty to Global Enterprise: Scaling the Future of Eye Care
As myopia rates reach epidemic levels, GOOD Vision partners with PolyU, harnessing its research strengths and support from its startup ecosystem PolyVentures, to redefine primary eye care by transforming a niche specialty into a scalable global enterprise. By replacing manual OK lens design with oka³y!™, the company has created a technology bridging clinical complexity and scalability. This transition enables practitioners to manage myopia, high astigmatism, and asymmetrical cases precisely, removing barriers to modern refractive error management.
“By embedding and automating the complex mathematics of lens design, we provide clinicians with the tools to treat ‘difficult’ patients who were previously considered unsuitable for Ortho-K,” added Professor Chea-su Kee, Founder of GOOD Vision. “This is about elevating the global standard of care and ensuring that precision myopia management is accessible to the next generation on a global scale.”
Experience the Future of Myopia Control
GOOD Vision invites investors, distributors, and practitioners to a live demonstration of the oka³y!™ at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva:
- Location: PolyU Delegation Booth, Hall 2, Palexpo, CP 112, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland
- Dates: 11–15 March 2026
Hashtag: #GOODVision
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About GOOD Vision Technologies Co., Limited
GOOD Vision, a Hong Kong-based startup nurtured by PolyU, is dedicated to advancing the field of corneal reshaping technologies. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and affordability, the company develops innovative solutions to empower eye practitioners and enhance the quality of eye care worldwide.
For additional details about GOOD Vision and their innovative offerings, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodvisiontech
Central Landmark Set for Revitalization with International Expertise
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2026 – In a vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s vibrant and enduring business environment, Nexxus Building, a landmark Grade‑A commercial property in Central’s prestigious CBD, has been acquired by a leading figure in the technology sector. Trivium Asset Management (“Trivium”), an Asian real estate investment and asset management firm, has been appointed as Nexxus Building’s Asset Manager (“AMC” or Asset Management Company), taking charge of the asset’s comprehensive management and operations.
Under new ownership, Nexxus Building is set to undergo a forward‑looking transformation integrating next‑generation technologies with world‑class professional management. The revitalization aims to redefine the building’s market positioning, enhance its tenant experience, and reinforce its status as an iconic and premier Grade‑A property in the heart of Hong Kong’s CBD.
Leveraging Trivium’s extensive expertise, the enhancement programme will incorporate smart‑building management systems and sustainability‑driven upgrades designed to meet the evolving needs of global tenants. The reimagined Nexxus Building aims to attract financial institutions, fintech platforms, and technology enterprises, reaffirming Central’s position as Asia’s dynamic financial and innovation hub.
Mr. Wilfred Ma, Managing Partner of Trivium Asset Management, said, “Trivium is honored to be entrusted with the role of Asset Manager (“AMC” or Asset Management Company) for Nexxus Building, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic commercial landmarks. Drawing on our track record in real estate investment and operations across Hong Kong and Japan, we are committed to implementing forward‑thinking strategies that enhance tenant value, optimize building performance, and unlock Nexxus Building’s full potential as a commercial anchor in the city’s core.”
Originally built in 1962 as the former headquarters of Hang Seng Bank, Nexxus Building has been a witness to Hong Kong’s rise as a global financial centre. Following a major renovation in 2008 and the addition of a direct footbridge to IFC and the Airport Express in 2020, the building continues to host multinational corporations, leading financial institutions and professional services firms, and premium retail tenants – including the iconic Hong Kong Bankers Club – reinforcing its status as one of Central’s most distinguished Grade‑A office towers.
Hashtag: #TriviumAssetManagement
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Trivium Asset Management
Founded in 2022, Trivium Asset Management is a Hong Kong‑based real estate investment and asset management firm overseeing assets valued at over US$900 million across Asia. Trivium serves institutional investors, financial institutions, and family offices through integrated investment and asset management, value‑creation strategies, and technology integration. The firm’s mission is to maximize long‑term value and promote sustainable growth for clients and communities alike.
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HOFA Announces the Second Edition of the Digital Art Awards, in Collaboration with Exhibition Partner PhillipsX in Hong Kong, proudly backed by Lightyear
The awards ceremony will take place on 24 March 2026, featuring the four key categories of Still Image, Moving Image, Innovation and Experiential and followed by a private sale exhibition hosted by Phillips in Hong Kong, from 25–28 March 2026.
As a highlight of Hong Kong’s spring art calendar, the awards celebrate the growing cultural significance of digital art and spotlights the visionary artists redefining visual culture through cutting-edge technologies.
Thirty two international finalists will be selected for their work pushing the boundaries of digital creativity. Each of the four category winners will receive a $10,000 USDC commission towards a new artwork.
The thirty two finalists include several prominent figures in digital and generative art, such as Erick Calderon (Snowfro) Founder of Art Blocks, Botto, Sarah Meyohas, William Mapan, Sasha Stiles and Mario Klingemann – underscoring the calibre of talent the awards are already attracting with over two hundred applications across more than fifty countries.
Refik Anadol is nominated for the Honorary Career Award for Sense of Healing, an AI Data Sculpture that emerges from Refik Anadol Studio’s long-term research into creating meditative art based on neurological data.
Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of leading experts in art, hospitality and technology, including Irini Mirena Papadimitriou, Exhibitions Director at Diriyah Art Futures, Thomas Heyne, Co-Founder and CEO at Scorpios, Dorothy di Stefano, Art Curator and Creative Strategist at Molten Immersive Art, Danielle So, Hong Kong Head of Auction, Modern & Contemporary Art, Phillips, Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder & Global of The Sandbox, SANDchain, President of Blockchain Game Alliance and Co-Founder of Artverse, Jean-Michel Pailhon, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Grailcapital, Simonida Pavicevic, Co-Founder and Curator at HOFA, Justin Gilanyi, Founder of WhereArt.Works and Curator at SILK, and Matt Zhang, Founder and Managing Partner at Hivemind Capital.
The Digital Art Awards are proudly backed by Lightyear, a subsidiary of Hivemind Digital Group. A full-stack digital culture partner, Lightyear provides infrastructure, liquidity and market expertise, and hands-on delivery for digital ownership and engagement across physical and digital experiences. Lightyear is committed to championing artists and organizations pushing the boundaries of digital culture.
Hashtag: #HOFA #PhillipsX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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