The message from ocean carrier operations centres is to urgently evacuate as much equipment as possible from Europe and the US back to Asia on the first available sailings, says an article published on loadstar website.
Summary
- Exporters from Europe and the US are concerned about potential container shortages as ocean carriers urge the urgent evacuation of equipment back to Asia.
- Nearly 500 containerships are set to be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting the Suez Canal, impacting both liner vessel capacity and container control systems.
- Forwarders report carriers being ‘non-committal’ about equipment availability, with issues emerging from North China feeder ports.
- Lars Jensen of Vespucci Maritime anticipates a temporary shortage of equipment in Asia, with a more substantial impact on the supply chain than vessel capacity.
Concerns Over Container Availability
Exporters from Europe and the US face worries of container shortages as ocean carriers urge the urgent evacuation of equipment back to Asia. Carriers have traditionally provided an abundance of containers, but recent developments raise concerns about a potential repeat of post-Covid demand surges.
Rerouting Challenges And Impact On Supply Chain
Nearly 500 containerships are set to be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting the Suez Canal, impacting both liner vessel capacity and container control systems. This significant change in voyage times is expected to create challenges in predicting equipment availability.
Non-Committal Carriers And Forwarder Concerns
Forwarders report carriers being ‘non-committal’ about equipment availability, with issues emerging from North China feeder ports. Carriers lack a forward view to advise, leading to a first-come, first-served situation, leaving the industry anticipating potential disruptions.
Major Impact On Supply Chain Predicted
Lars Jensen of Vespucci Maritime anticipates a temporary shortage of equipment in Asia, with a more substantial impact on the supply chain than vessel capacity. The rerouting’s consequence of 780,000 TEU less arriving in the Far East is expected to create shortages, affecting various export trades.
A Global Phenomenon
Reports suggest equipment shortages are already occurring in China, with carriers restricting releases to VIP customers or spot bookings. The upcoming supply/demand crunch is predicted to be more about equipment than ships, affecting export trades beyond those typically using the Suez Canal.
Transatlantic Concerns & Rate Hikes
There are reports of transatlantic carriers hinting at future equipment shortages on this route. Carriers are responding with rate hikes, with CMA CGM announcing a rate restoration initiative, and Maersk introducing a peak season surcharge to cope with disruptions in global networks.
Industry Skepticism And Calls Of Opportunism
Industry players express skepticism and frustration at what they perceive as carrier opportunism, particularly in transatlantic routes. The rerouting of ships from Asia and subsequent rate hikes are viewed as disconnected from the transatlantic trade, prompting concerns about potential widespread rate increases.
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Source: Loadstar
