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Trade policy volatility, supply chain disruptions, and the fast adoption of digital tools are rapidly reshaping marine logistics for the chemical industry. Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, joins Victoria Meyer to reflect on the market forces that defined 2025—including overnight tariff changes, ongoing geopolitical conflicts affecting the Suez Canal, and the rebound of the Panama Canal—and shares how these shifts have tested and transformed logistics operations.
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How sudden tariff changes in 2025 upended costs and compliance for chemical importers.
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The real impact of Red Sea conflict and Panama Canal drought on marine logistics and shipping rates.
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How digital tools and AI are improving compliance and cargo tracking in chemical shipping.
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Why companies are diversifying suppliers and getting audit-ready as government oversight increases.
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Noushin Shamsili’s top lessons on teamwork, clear communication, and keeping customers prepared for change.
Killer Quote: “In terms of customer engagement, I’ve been a big advocate of asking them and talking about the importance of paying more attention to the trade compliance in house and what they have in terms of being audit ready. Because of the fact that international logistics and trade compliance is not just another ticking a checkbox, but it has become an essential part of the business.” – Noushin Shamsili
Watch Noushin and Victoria’s Conversation Here:
What’s Ahead for Marine Logistics in 2026 with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics
The world of marine logistics is never static, but 2025 was a year that tested the mettle of even industry veterans. On this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer sat down with Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, to discuss the realities of leading a chemical logistics business through policy shifts, global disruptions, and the increasing role of technology. Their conversation offers valuable insights for chemical industry professionals and anyone navigating today’s complex supply chain environment.
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The Impact of Trade Policy and Tariff Volatility
2025 brought unprecedented volatility to global trade, especially for U.S. importers. As Noushin explained, the new U.S. administration shifted away from broad free trade agreements toward country-specific negotiations. This led to sudden changes in import duties and tariffs, sometimes announced with less than 24 hours’ notice. For customs brokers and importers, the challenge was immediate: entries had to be refiled, rules deciphered in real time, and customers reassured amid high uncertainty.
Noushin emphasized that these rapid changes created chaos—not just for cargo already on the water, but for the very systems (like HTS codes) used to clear shipments. The key for her team was constant vigilance: staying up late, scanning for updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and leveraging industry associations for timely information.
Geopolitical Disruptions: Red Sea and Panama Canal
While tariff uncertainty dominated headlines, structural disruptions added further complexity. The Red Sea conflict, sparked by attacks on commercial vessels, forced steamship lines to reroute around Africa—adding up to 10 extra days in transit and driving costs higher. At the same time, drought in the Panama Canal restricted both traffic and vessel draft, causing delays and boosting ocean freight rates.
By the end of 2025, some pressure had eased: attacks in the Red Sea had paused, allowing for cautious optimism about the Suez Canal reopening to regular traffic by mid-2026. Likewise, rainfall and infrastructure management helped restore normalcy at the Panama Canal. Still, these events reminded industry players that resilience means planning for the unexpected and that recovery often lags behind headlines.
The Rise of Digital Tools and AI in Compliance
One of the biggest positive changes in 2025 was the acceleration of digitalization in logistics operations and compliance, according to Noushin. Tools leveraging real-time data, automation, and artificial intelligence drastically improved visibility and tracking across the supply chain. Automated notifications made it easier to keep pace with regulatory changes; collaborative platforms enhanced coordination among brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers.
Still, Noushin Shamsili cautioned that specialized industry knowledge remains irreplaceable. While AI can assist with commodity classification and flagging requirements, chemical products are uniquely complex. Current platforms can misclassify shipments or overlook critical regulatory nuances. As she put it: “AI-augmented, but still human-assured” is essential for accuracy and compliance—especially in a sector where mistakes are costly.
Lessons in Leadership: Readiness and Transparent Communication
Looking back, Noushin discussed how her team grew stronger during the turbulence of 2025. Open communication, both internally and with customers, was key. She encouraged clients to engage directly in trade compliance, emphasizing that ultimate responsibility for accurate declarations always rests with the importer. Within NUCO, transparency and a willingness to say “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out” built trust and improved service during crisis.
Her key message: Being “audit-ready” and informed is now an expectation, not an option. Teams that foster a culture of continuous learning and proactive compliance will be best equipped to handle whatever comes next.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch in 2026
As companies plan for 2026, Noushin Shamsili outlined four trends to watch:
- Persistent policy volatility—stay close to regulatory updates.
- Diversification of sourcing—don’t rely solely on one country or routing.
- Acceleration of digital transformation—embrace visibility tools, but maintain human oversight.
- Heightened regulatory enforcement, aided by AI platforms like ACE, driving smarter audits.
The bottom line: Navigating marine logistics today requires resilience, adaptability, and collaboration. As the industry enters a new year, those who combine tech-savvy tools with hands-on expertise will lead the way.
Marine logistics in 2025 was a lesson in operating through disruption. With the right blend of digital innovation, regulatory awareness, and customer partnership, companies like NUCO Logistics emerged not only intact, but more prepared for the future. As Victoria Meyer and Noushin Shamsili show, the work of building supply chains that can weather any storm is ongoing and more relevant than ever.
About Noushin Shamsili:
Noushin Shamsili, CEO & President of NUCO Logistics, is a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) and Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) with 25+ years of experience in International Logistics. She founded NUCO in 2008 to specialize in chemical and pharmaceutical shipments and advises importers on Customs compliance, duty mitigation, and international trade strategy.