UPDATE: U.S./Canada Ports – Number of Vessels at Anchor as of 10-25-22 

• Savannah: 32 Vessels at Anchor (0)
• Vancouver: 30 Vessels at Anchor (0)
• Houston: 20 Vessels at Anchor (+3)
• New York/Newark: 12 Vessels at Anchor (+1)
• Los Angeles/Long Beach: 10 Vessels at Anchor (-4)
• San Francisco/Oakland: 10 Vessels at Anchor (0)
• Mobile: 6 Vessels at Anchor (-1)
• Charleston: 1 Vessels at Anchor (-2)

Note: This count does not include vessels moored and being unloaded at port docks. Colored numbers in parentheses represents the change from last week over. Data is courtesy of MarineTraffic live vessel traffic map.

Have another U.S. or Canadian port you’d like us to track weekly? Let us know!

Takeaways

The total waiting vessel queue at North American ports is fewer than 100—similar to the level observed in June.

• U.S. West Coast: Consistent with little change has been the mantra for WC ports. Despite a spike last week, Los Angeles and Long Beach are back to their typical vessel backlog that we’ve been observing the past few months.
• U.S. Gulf Coast: After a stunning drop two weeks ago, Houston has only added on three vessels to its backlog for this week. Maybe, the Gulf’s largest port will nestle itself in this lower range going forward. Meanwhile, Mobile has shown its first stable week over the past month. Up until now, the Alabama port has had a bizarre trend of erratic changes to its backlog.
• U.S. East Coast: Savannah remains at the forefront. However, its congestion has also settled and has not jumped up over the last few weeks. With import volumes waning, it’s likely that any change to Savannah’s backlog will be headed in a downward direction. New York remains stable.
• Canada: Vancouver’s congestion remains prominent, but the port is continuing to improve with berthing delays and rail service. It’s unlikely that this backlog will grow or even sustain over time. Expect gradual decreases to Vancouver’s count going forward.

COVID-19 UPDATE – Ningbo, China

We have been following for the last few weeks an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Ningbo and its surrounding area. As of Monday, our Chinese partner Triple Eagle Ltd told us that restrictions in the region around the port are relaxing as cases continue to fall. After a one-week lockdown, container yards and warehouses will take some time to return to normal, Triple Eagle went on to share. Here’s an update on Ningbo’s logistics scene:

• Container yard operations have resumed as usual.
• All warehouses near terminals are reopened. LCL and consolidation services have gradually resumed work.
• Drivers are required to have a negative NAT report (COVID-19 test), a health code, and a travel code in order to gate in warehouses and terminals.
  • With some drivers prohibited, shippers should expect challenges with picking up empty containers and delivering cargo

IMPORT: Asia to North America (TPEB)

Recent Developments:

• Contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have been put on hold. – pending a resolution on a hearing. See below for more information regarding this. The existing labor contract between the two parties expired July 1.
• Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Houston remain impacted on the rail side of things. Dwell times are around 15 to 20 days. However, incremental improvements to congestion at some inland hubs are promising signs going forward

Rates: Rates continue to fall. Notably from Chinese base ports to all U.S. coasts.
Space: Space is open.
Capacity: Lower demand has led to carriers reducing their capacities. However, capacity is generally open for transpacific eastbound trade. 
Equipment: Chassis availability is increasing. Inland rail ramps remain congested; however, St. Louis and Fort Worth have both reported decreases to their container backlogs.
TIPS:

• Book at least two weeks prior to the ready date.
• For cargo ready now, take advantage of open space and fallen rates on the spot market.
• Blank sailings have been more common. Keep this in mind as it effects schedule integrity.

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB)

Recent Developments:

• Northern European hubs, such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg, remain congested.
• Labor-related tensions remain gripping Great Britain’s ports as dockworker unions seek a new pay deal that will match with inflation rates. Workers at both ports have engaged in recurring walkouts over the last couple of months. No deal or tentative agreement have been reached.
  • Nearly 600 dockworkers at the Port of Liverpool began another strike on Monday. This strike is expected to last two-weeks.

Rates: Rates have seen some decreases. However, not at the same clip as other trade lanes. When more capacity is introduced, expect rates to trend downward. 
Space: Space remains tight to the USEC and open (in pockets) to the USWC. A niche string has been announced by a new carrier calling at Turkey, Italy, and Spain to New York.
Capacity: Capacity is increasing as carriers are adding larger vessels to USEC loops in October.
Equipment: Equipment at European seaports is not as readily available as it has been for the past few months. Inland terminals in Europe are also still reporting equipment shortages. On the U.S. side, chassis availability has increased.
TIPS:

• Book five or more weeks prior to ready date.
• Stay up to date with your forwarder and carrier advisories on added capacities and declining rates for the transatlantic westbound lane.
• Strongly consider premium services for no-roll options and improved reliability of cargo.

EXPORT: North America to Asia

Recent Developments:

• For the U.S., port congestion remains an issue for Savannah and Houston. 
• Diminished schedule integrity continues to challenge post earliest return dates.
• Vessel arrivals remain smooth for USWC POLs.

Rates: So far, no GRIs announced for October.
Capacity: Available capacity remains fluid for USWC POLs.
Equipment: Inland ports still are reporting container and chassis deficits (the latter improving). Standard equipment at ports remains available unless advised otherwise.
TIPS:

• Book four to five weeks prior to the time of departure to secure necessary equipment and vessel space.