The Bugs are Back!

Netherland port workers are expected to effect a nationwide strike on Friday 4th September, potentially impacting port operations and cargo handling activities. Major ports potentially affected are Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zeeland, running from 10am to 7pm local time. At this stage, the full operational impact is unclear. For those with freight moving in or out of any of these ports, please expect possible delays to vessel schedules, cargo handling and other logistical activities. We will closely monitor the situation and report back to those affected. As always, please reach out to the Hobbs Global Team if you have any questions.

Typhoon Dolphin Container space restraints mentioned a month ago have worsened in recent weeks as the flow on effects of Typhoon Dolphin, along with blank sailings, have backlogged Chinese Ports. Backlogs are expected to take up to a fortnight to clear. Congestion through North Asia currently exceeds 2.4 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) with Ningbo and Shanghai areas hit particularly badly. Continue to expect delays over the coming weeks as affected ports restart, and work on clearing backlogs. Golden Week Congestion through China creates a critical next 6 weeks as importers look to ship goods between now and Golden Week. Golden Week (October 1st - 7th) will see China come to a standstill as factories and businesses close for their annual holidays. With ports and shipping lines already facing space restraints, there will likely be continuing delays and price increases as importers look to get stock moving for summer and the Christmas season. If you have shipments you need to move over the next two to three months, it's imperative that you get in contact as soon as possible to get the shipping process started. As always, any questions - please reach out to the Hobbs Global Team!