Recognition from Brussels — still far from certain — that charterers should pay for their emissions is a start. But it is still up to owners to make the big calls on investing in greener ships. They must not take this week’s news as permission to do nothing

Being the world’s number one containership operator is not like being the world’s number one tennis player. That said, sheer size does come with the accompanying benefits that are usually listed together under the general heading of economies of scale and there are bankable advantages in being big

Mr Sun has held various positions at the Chinese class society over 35 years, most recently as vice-president. He succeeds Mo Jianhui, who is retiring

UK honours go to Mission to Seafarers’ Jan Webber, British Ports Association’s Richard Ballantyne and shipping veteran John Denholm

From coronavirus variants and Brexit fallout, to rising inflation, political tension and climate change, most of the risks in the 12 months ahead may be on the downside — but for now, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year