Reefer Boom and Humanoid Robots: Highlights from the Maritime Industry

## Reefer Volumes Reach New High at Port of Antwerp-Bruges The Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed out 2025 with a record year for the reefer segment, handling 1,170,394 TEU of refrigerated containers - a 0.6% increase over 2024. According to Hellenic Shipping News, the growth was primarily driven by a rise in import volumes. "The growth is primarily driven by a rise in import volumes, which increase by 1.1% to 708,000 TEU," the report states. "Export volumes also contribute to the positive result, rising by 0.1% to 462,000 TEU." The strong reefer performance underscores the port's status as a key hub for temperature-controlled cargo, which is increasingly important as global supply chains adapt to shifting trade patterns and consumer demands. ## Humanoid Robots Tested in South Korean Shipyards HD Hyundai Samho, a major South Korean shipbuilder, has begun testing the use of humanoid robots for various tasks in its shipyards, reports Hellenic Shipping News. The company is "determining whether humanoids can be introduced for each process within production departments at the shipyard," the article states. HD Hyundai Samho is "collecting data focusing on the robots' ability to perform tasks, their efficiency, and safety considerations." The introduction of humanoid robots represents the shipbuilding industry's ongoing efforts to automate and digitize operations, leveraging advanced technologies to boost productivity and safety. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, such innovations could become increasingly commonplace in shipyards around the world. ## Infrastructure Upgrades Boost Trade at World's Busiest Port The Ningbo Zhoushan Port in China, the world's busiest port by cargo tonnage, has kicked off 2026 by "breaking critical infrastructure bottlenecks and weaving a denser network of global maritime connections," according to Hellenic Shipping News. These constant upgrades and expansions have helped cement Ningbo Zhoushan's role as a "vital pillar in China's global trade strategy," the report states. The port's ability to adapt and improve its capabilities has been crucial in supporting the growth of international commerce. "As the world's busiest port in terms of cargo tonnage, Ningbo Zhoushan Port in East China's Zhejiang province, has kicked off 2026 by breaking critical infrastructure bottlenecks and weaving a denser network of global maritime connections, cementing its role as a vital pillar in China's global trade strategy," the article explains. The maritime industry's ongoing focus on infrastructure development, automation, and technological innovation will be key to supporting the continued expansion of global trade in the years ahead.