Seafreight delays continue in aftermath of severe global winter

16 March 2014

Sea freight shipments still face delays and disruption in the aftermath of severe weather and rough seas around the world, according to freight forwarder, Future Forwarding.

Future Forwarding says that, although the severe weather is subsiding, the company is still receiving notices, almost daily, from shipping lines advising of delayed, or cancelled, departures and arrivals.

Many shipping lines operate their vessels on “around-the-world” schedules and delays created by unforeseen port closures can take a long time to resolve.

This is because vessels have “slots” pre-booked at ports they are due to visit and a 24–48 hour delay at one port can have serious knock-on effects at others the ship is due to call at further on its voyage.

One solution,  which can help vessels make up for lost time, is to miss out some ports on their voyage schedule but this can lead to containers being left at their origin waiting for an alternative vessel to be found.

Future Forwarding’s website says: “Delays caused by bad weather and port closures are beyond anyone’s control. We understand  the problems and frustrations they can cause. We will endeavour to keep you informed if you fall victim to such delays.”

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