Red Sea rerouting causing Asian port congestion

Post by: Burnard Intl.

Red Sea rerouting causing Asian port congestion

The diversion of container ships via the Cape of Good Hope has led to a continuous reconfiguration of port calls and vessel sizes by shipping lines. These carriers are adjusting to the latest demands which has created a significant imbalance at Asian transshipment hubs and ports abroad.

It has been reported that vessels face waits of up to seven days to berth, with up to 450,000 TEU in the queue. (source:theloadstar)

The delays are causing vessel bunching and downstream port disruptions, adversely affecting the reliability of Asian export services and increasing shipping costs, as reflected in the current rising prices of Asia’s container pricing. The congestion is so severe that shipping lines are reducing feeder capacity from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand to alleviate the problem.

What can a shipper do to mitigate delays?

1.    Inform Burnard’s of your required time of arrival. Knowing deadlines helps plan the most efficient and timely shipping route. With clear deadlines, we can tailor our services to meet specific needs, such as expedited shipping or choosing premium direct services.

2.    Place booking’s in advance. Early booking ensures space availability, especially during peak seasons. When possible, we recommend advising of upcoming bookings up to four weeks in advance to allow for better coordination and planning, reducing the risk of delays.

3.    Consider airfreight for faster delivery. Airfreight offers more frequent and predictable schedules, enhancing reliability. Airfreight can reach destinations worldwide quickly, making it ideal for urgent shipments with the cost significantly reduced since the pandemic.  

4.    Cargo coming from Europe? utilize our AIR to SEA service. With the events in the Red Sea leading to transit extensions and price hikes on freight from Europe to New Zealand. we connect your European cargo directly to Asia through daily airfreight services. Once your cargo arrives, it is swiftly transferred under bond into a pre-allocated shipping container for direct sea freight service to New Zealand's main ports. Our seamless intermodal approach strikes the perfect balance between speed and cost, ensuring your goods reach their destination efficiently while minimizing transportation expenses. Don't compromise on either speed or budget.