Over 30 containerships queued at Los Angeles/Long Beach portsOver 30 containerships queued at Los Angeles/Long Beach ports

According to an update by container line Hapag-Lloyd some 31 vessels were at anchor in San Pedro Bay and awaiting berths at LA/LB terminals. This up from more 20 vessels at anchor waiting to berth in mid-July, and as few as 10 container vessels waiting in the bay in June.

“All terminals remain and are expected to continue being extremely congested. Further spike on imports is expected as the peak season approaches,” Hapag-Lloyd said.

The number of vessels queued in San Pedro Bay waiting to berth at LA/LB terminals peaked at over 40 in February this year. The fiscal year ended 30 June 2021 was the busiest ever for the Port of Los Angeles with it handling 10.87m teu in the 12-month period. Loaded import – export volumes have also hit a record imbalance of 4:1

Due to the lack of space at LA/LB terminal Hapag-Lloyd said any change of destination required at least four days notice customers were urged to expedite the pick-up of import containers.

“Hapag-Lloyd is currently facing limited single empty return options and restricted mainly to dual transactions,” the shipping line said.