[221220.EN.BIZ] UK Port Gridlock Hits Honda's Production, Seeking Parts Using Air Cargo

 

MAJOR Japanese auto manufacturer Honda will pause production in the UK and turn to airfreight to get parts into the country as container ports face gridlock.

The firm told the BBC that it will pause production at its Swindon, UK, site due to a transport-related parts delay that is affecting its just-in-time supply chain operation.

The company said that it hopes to restart to production as soon as possible and was looking at airfreight to get parts into the country.

The development comes as the UK's largest container port, Felixstowe, has been facing congestion issues over recent weeks.

The gridlock has also had knock-on effects at the county's other two deep-sea container gateways; Southampton and London Gateway, with vessels reportedly leaving the three ports before fully offloading in order to maintain schedules.

Freight forwarder Westbound Shipping Services said: "While all the main UK container ports have been working through major delays, Felixstowe has been particularly challenging, contributing to delivery delays of up to two weeks.

Supply chain association Logistics UK said the sector was working hard to maintain supply chains. It has written to the UK government for help, reports London's Air Cargo News.

Source : HKSG / Photo : hondamanufacturing.