Headlines

• The ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, already at capacity with Asian imports destined for US and Canadian markets, say they will be in no position to handle any cargo diverted from the US West Coast in the event of disruptions linked to ongoing longshore contract negotiations, according to the Journal of Commerce.
• The White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday appointed Stephen Lyons to replace John Porcari as the port and supply chain envoy for the Biden administration’s Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, Freight Waves reports.

UPDATE: U.S./Canada Ports – Number of Vessels at Anchor as of 05/31/22

• Vancouver: 25 Vessels at Anchor (+2)
• Savannah: 20 Vessels at Anchor (+7)
• New York/Newark: 18 Vessels at Anchor (+4)
• Houston: 13 Vessels at Anchor (-1)
• Los Angeles/Long Beach: 12 Vessels at Anchor (+8)
• San Francisco/Oakland: 10 Vessels at Anchor (+4)
• Charleston: 2 Vessels at Anchor (-3)

Note: This does not include vessels moored and being unloaded at port docks.

Courtesy: MarineTraffic

IMPORT: Asia to North America (TPEB)

Recent Developments:

• Courtesy of Triple Eagle (Group) LTD, Tianjin is the latest Chinese city to be put under Covid-related lockdowns. This has led to many cancelled bookings, delays, and blank sailings for its port.
  • The port and factories in the surrounding area remain fully operational, but increased measures could possibly change that.
• Lockdown measures imposed in Shanghai and the subsequent impacts of them remain in play. Restrictions continue to be imposed for manufacturing within the region.
  • However, according to the Triple Eagle (Group) LTD, local officials of Shanghai are eyeing to fully reopen the city sometime in June. For more information, refer below in our newsletter.
• Demand remains softened in large part due to China’s ongoing Covid situation.
• Demand is expected by many to plume back to elevated levels once the overall situation eases in China.
• Uncertainty on a timeframe of when a new contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) will be agreed on has to led to shippers flocking to the USEC.

Rates: Rates remain relatively elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, with exceptions to USWC-bound sailings (which have seen some alleviation in rates). Some transpacific carriers have announced GRIs for June to all Canadian and U.S. destinations from Asian and Indian Sub-Continent origins.
Space: Space has opened up in result of China’s Covid-related restrictions, particularly FAK (Freight-of-all-kinds) space on services calling from Shanghai. However, for temperature-controlled and hazardous cargo, space is critical.
Capacity: Capacity has also seen some softening due to China’s Covid-related restrictions. However, as more shippers shift to the USEC, capacity has also tightened in pockets.
Equipment: Intermodal systems are still stressed with truck and chassis availability remaining dire.
TIPS: Book at least 3 weeks prior to CRD. Strongly consider premium service and alternative routings. Additionally, be in contact with suppliers to check up on any Covid-related developments that can affect production.

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB)

Recent Developments:

• USWC ports remain congested. However, wait times for vessels have vastly improved. In some cases, wait times have cut down to even 10 days at Los Angeles/Long Beach ports.
• On the USEC, the ports of Savannah and New York/Newark are both experiencing considerable congestion.
• Conversely, the Port of Charleston has sustained improvements to its operations and has enjoyed significantly decreased congestion. As of today, only two vessels are at anchor offshore.

Rates: Rates are expected to stay elevated throughout June.    
Space: Space remains critical for USEC and USWC.
Capacity: Capacity for both North Europe and Mediterranean services remain gripped as a continuing result of high demand. Port congestion at USWC and USEC ports, while improved, also remain a contributor in capacity issues.
Equipment: Equipment remains available at European seaports. However, inland terminals in Europe are still reporting equipment shortages.
TIPS: Book 5 or more weeks prior to CRD. Shippers are strongly advised to use premium service for no-roll options and improved reliability for their cargo.

EXPORT: North America to Asia

Recent Developments:

• Congestion remains considerable at some USEC ports—notably, New York/Newark and Savannah.
• Diminishing schedule integrity is contributing to void sailings, delays, vessel cut-offs at ports, and challenging post earliest return dates.
• Vessel arrivals remain smooth for USWC POLs.

Rates: GRI activity (limited) announced for June.
Capacity: Available capacity remains fluid for USWC POLs.
Equipment: Truck and chassis availability remain causes for concern and has significantly contributed to congestion of the intermodal system.
TIPS: Book 4 to 6 weeks prior to ETD to secure equipment and vessel space.