Intermodal Asia 2026: Uniting a Fractured Supply Chain

You’d be forgiven for assuming that the 1.5 million TEU being added to the global fleet in 2026 will bring lower rates. In addition, both CMA CGM and Maersk are thought to resume transiting through the Red Sea from December 2025, both lines citing improved security for crew, ships, and cargo for the decision. With fewer ships navigating around the Cape of Good Hope, even more capacity will be released back into the market. So, with supply expected to significantly outweigh demand, why is there still an undercurrent of uncertainty?

Perhaps the most difficult factor to plan for is the ever-evolving nature of trade policies in light of the trade wars between the US and China. Shipping companies trying to avoid paying US tariffs have been moving operations away from Hong Kong and taking vessels off its flag registry. While the city remains a strategically important base for maritime operations, it is Singapore which has experienced an influx of investment from businesses restructuring their operations in Asia. 

While the strategy known as China Plus One (C+1) was coined well over a decade ago, the current climate has accelerated its viability as a method of preserving resilient and efficient container supply chains. Tense diplomatic relations between the US and China have illustrated the need for diversifying sourcing and manufacturing locations. 

Despite the unpredictability of Trump’s tariffs, there is a wider global trend towards cooperation and collaboration. Green and Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs) have been established between Singapore and South Korea, and Singapore and India. These GDCSs showcase a bold commitment to decarbonising international shipping, accelerating the growth and deployment of sustainable technologies and enhancing the exchange of technical knowledge.

The GDSC with South Korea just scratches the surface of the transformation of India’s shipping industry. The country has built on the momentum of the modernisation of its maritime shipping framework by launching its first national shipping line. Prime Minister, Narenda Modi, described the launch as marking a ‘new era of maritime confidence’: with initial plans including routes across China, West Asia, and the Red Sea. 

Sustainable shipping continues to dominate the agenda across Asia. As global production and trade flows shift towards Southeast Asia, Vietnam is emerging as a key area for development and investment, accounting for over 20% of the region’s total exports. Along with the ongoing work of the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN), the Vietnam SuperPort™ recently announced an ambitious goal of becoming the first net-zero multimodal port in the region by 2040. 

The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) has gained renewed momentum, with over $11.5 billion pledged to invest in the route. Countries along the TCTC have committed to harmonising customs and regulatory measures to reduce transit delays. Rail upgrades and port modernisation have been planned to ensure faster, more reliable freight transport between China and Europe.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the global maritime industry by enhancing automation, efficiency, and predictive capabilities across supply chains. As over 90% of world trade transits by sea, integrating AI into maritime operations becomes a strategic necessity. A recent study projects the maritime AI market could grow from $1.06 billion in 2021 to $3.73 billion by 2031. Current applications range from autonomous vessels and predictive maintenance to intelligent cargo routing and emissions tracking. 

However, concerns about the long-term viability of the technology remain. The reliability of AI depends heavily on the data on which it is trained, therefore the collection and storage of relevant data must be prioritised by any business looking to integrate the technology meaningfully. The data centres which house AI servers rely heavily on critical minerals and other rare elements which are often mined unsustainably. In addition, clean water is essential to cool electrical components: global AI infrastructure is thought to consume six times more water than the country of Denmark. When these data centres are often located in areas with restricted water access, and one in four people globally lack access to clean water and sanitation, it’s no wonder that the Chief Digital Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme, Golestan Radwan, recommends ensuring the net effect of AI on the planet is positive before deploying the technology at scale.

Notwithstanding, AI’s impact on the container shipping sector is already improving reliability and safety. The National Cargo Bureau’s (NCB) digital cargo screening tool has been praised by the World Shipping Council: the technology combines AI-powered cargo screening and common inspection standards to identify high-risk shipments before they are loaded. This use-case is one of many which has demonstrated that AI can provide real benefits: improving the safety of crew, vessels, and other cargo. 

Intermodal Asia is a strategic meeting point for an industry at a crossroads. With global fleet capacity expanding and technology evolving, the market faces both opportunity and uncertainty. Attendees will gain critical insights into how these developments will shape freight rates, operational strategies, and long-term planning. 

What can you expect at Intermodal Asia 2026?

• Networking with global decision-makers driving supply chain resilience and sustainability.

• Actionable insights on trade diversification, green corridors, and digital innovation. 

• Cutting-edge technologies and strategies to future-proof operations.

• Positioning your business at the forefront of Asia’s logistics transformation.

Register now for Intermodal Asia 2026