02 Agustus 2010

[020810.EN.SEA] Feeder Operator Warn Of Surcharges If Rotterdam Delays Continue

FEEDER operators are considering congestion surcharges in response to delays at the Port of Rotterdam.

Unifeeder said ships operating its Baltic and Scandinavian services have been facing delays at the Euromax, ECT Home and ECT Delta terminals in Rotterdam and, as a result, it was considering introducing a surcharge from August 1.

"The situation, which is caused by a lack of manpower and increased volumes, combined with delayed ocean liners, is causing peaks at terminals that are exceeding their capacity," Unifeeder said, according to London's International Freighting Weekly.

"Consequently, we are experiencing delays beyond 36 hours, as well as short-shipments on our Scandinavian and Baltic services. The performance of the terminals has prevented us from maintaining our planned schedule."

Unifeeder complained of having suffered a loss of revenue and said it faced higher operational costs due to "vessels laying idle in Rotterdam."

Unifeeder added: "We cannot absorb the extra costs for feeder vessels arising from this unfortunate situation. Consequently, if this situation continues, we will implement a congestion surcharge from August 1."

Team Lines said it had also been plagued by congestion at Rotterdam, which had delayed some of its services by one to two days.

"As a consequence of rising volumes and a shortage of labour, Rotterdam terminals are currently congested during peak times," it was cited as saying.

"Accordingly, the Team Lines services are partly facing operational bottlenecks. Team Lines is working on a recovery scheme for the vessels concerned and hopes to bring them back on schedule in due time."

Unifeeder added that vessel charter rates have risen by around 50 per cent over the past two months, and the delays caused by congestion were resulting in extra bunker fuel consumption.

"These challenges and demands have affected the industry as a whole, and if it continues it will lead to further cost increases," said the carrier.


Source : HKSG, 26.07.10.

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