Congestion at container terminals in the western United States, Northern Europe and Asia continues to disrupt global liner schedules. Quarantine and vaccination are still the main reasons for further instability in the supply chain. Currently, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Southampton and other ports are still congested with labor shortages.
Congestion in European and American ports and the recent backlog in Yantian Port have made the shortage of empty containers worse. With the arrival of the peak sales season and continued congestion in European, American and Chinese ports, the shortage of empty containers and the cancellation of voyages may continue for several months and further push up freight rates.
Maersk informed customers of the situation at Yantian Port. The outbreak at the port at the end of May affected the schedule of more than 80 ships and 19 mainline services in the 2M alliance formed with MSC. However, the current situation at the port is "improving." , Maersk is "beginning to restore" its service at the port. The storage yard density and overall productivity of Yantian have increased, and the waiting time for ships' berths has been shortened to only half a day.
“The yard density has dropped to 65%, and the overall productivity has been pushed up to 85% of the normal level. The congestion in Yantian is alleviating, but when a port is affected, the efficiency of neighboring ports may fall into a spiral.” Maersk said, pointing out that Terminal congestion and ship waiting time at other major ports in the region are still affected by the chain reaction of ship diversions. With frequent changes in shipping routes, more and more ships choose Hong Kong as the preferred port for transshipment. The current storage yard density in Hong Kong is 93%, and it will take three days to berth.
A Hong Kong industry insider said: “The US has insufficient inventory, and retailers will make large purchases to replenish inventory.” “As the interest rate is expected to increase substantially in mid-July, it will not be enough for the rate per FEU to reach US$30,000 in the next few months. Surprising."
As the peak season for trade routes from Asia to North America approaches, the shortage of containers has intensified, and short-haul routes outside of Asia have also begun to experience premiums. A freight forwarder said: “Because the carrier deploys a large amount of capacity on the routes from North Asia to Europe and the United States, it is very difficult to transport containers within Asia. Although there is no shortage of 20-foot containers, we still have to pay premiums.”
