Backlogs from Suez Closure Could Take Months to Clear
The stranding of a container ship in the Suez Canal has created disruptions in the global shipping industry that could take weeks and possibly months to clear, top container shipping lines said.Around 30% of the worldâs shipping container volume - including goods like sofas, consumer electronics, apparel and shoes - moves through the 193 km (120 miles) Suez Canal daily. Empty containers, which Asian factories need to ship goods, are also caught up in the backlog.âEven when the canal gets reopenedâŚ
MSC Withdraws Great Sea Service
MSC announced today, the withdrawal of their âGreat Seaâ service that operates between Asia and the Black Sea. The service will cease operation on Asia export sailings from the first week of November. The string currently operates nine vessels with a nominal capacity of 5,500 TEU. âThe decision to withdraw this service is due to unexpectedly low demand out of Asia. We have to adapt our capacity to the demand in these difficult times,â commented Caroline Becquart, Senior Vice President of MSC. MSC will continue to offer a service between Asia and the Black Sea with cargo transshipped in Asyaport, which is located in Barbaros, TekirdaÄ, Turkey.
MSC Expands and Upgrades Far East Service
Mediterranean Shipping Company will launch this week a new and separate Far East/Medterraneanservice, the Dragon Service, utilizing 8 vessels of approximately 2200 TEU capacity and with a port rotation as follows: Shanghai, Xiamen, Chiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Valencia, Barcelona, Fos, La Spezia, Jebel Ali, Singapore, Chiwan, Shanghai. This service improvement is in response to continuing strong demand from the market and to absorb additional cargoes. This continuing expansion by MSC in the Far East is a logical progression of our service network in the region, said Caroline Becquart, Liner Manager responsible for Far East services. It will give our customers a greater choice and enhanced flexibility.