The quick onset of wintery conditions has forced the USCG and the CCG to prioritize the use of their icebreaker ships for the removal of buoys and floating navigational equipment.

The freeway is ultimately expected to run for 700 kilometers along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, linking several major economic hubs.

Maersk said that "the highest possible safety measures" were taken during the transit, and that customers with cargo on the vessel were informed directly.

If carriers return to Suez Canal routes in large numbers, BIMCO estimates that ship demand could drop by around 10% as shorter voyages free up capacity.

China is threatening to block the deal if state-owned carrier Cosco isn't awarded a majority stake in the sale, upping its previous demand for an equal stake.

President Donald Trump, who has been scrutinizing federal funding for transportation projects, said in August that he might have to reconsider the bridge funding.

The agreement marks the biggest attempt yet to bring in private expertise to revive state-owned ports, which rank among the least efficient globally.

 Partners say agreement strengthens collaboration across the blue economy, clean energy and international trade sectors.

The Trump administration has ramped up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom it has accused of presiding over a narcotrafficking operation.

Import volumes at major U.S. ports are expected to dip by more than 10% year-over-year in January, 8.5% in February, nearly 17% in March, and just under 11% in April.