Delays and congestion grow at ports in US and Asia

The Marine Exchange of Southern California said that the number of vessels at an anchor or drift areas in San Pedro on Friday was 62, down from 70 at the start of the week. There 33 vessels at berth for cargo operations in the ports of LA/LB.

However, the number was expected to rise with in the three days following 25 September 19 containerships expected to arrive at anchorages/drift areas and just 12 moving into berth at port. “So the trend of container ships at anchor or in drift areas should also be up,” the Marine Exchange said on social media.

Meanwhile container line Maersk reported growing congestion at other US ports and in Asia – Pacific. In an Asia – Pacific market update the Danish line said the Port of Seattle was continuing to struggle with available yard capacity with waiting times of 11 – 12 days to berth, and port stays around seven days up from a typical three days.

On the US East Coast it said the Port of Savannah had become increasingly challenging. “There were around 30+ vessels at anchorage with wait times upwards of 7 days in mid-September,” Maersk said.

Meanwhile load ports in Asia – Pacific which have been hit by a combination of extreme weather in the form typhoons and Covid-related closures in recent months are seeing continued congestion. “Operational challenges remain in port operations and the situation is not expected to improve in the immediate future,” Maersk said.

Related:Ports of LA/LB to extend gate hours in bid to reduce congestion

Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Yantian were all reported to have delays of more than three days.