Hinterland transport affected worldwide
In these pandemic times, the global situation in hinterland transport has slightly deteriorated compared to November and December 2020. This is one of the findings of the sixteenth survey of global ports which has been published in the WPSP-IAPH Covid-19 Port Economic Impact Barometer, with an even spread of 70 participants worldwide.
November seemed to present a turning point. While in October, none of the ports were reporting delays (6-24 hours) or heavy delays (> 24 hours) in cross-border road transportation, this figure bounced up to 16.3% in November and increased further to 20% in February 2021.
Whilst trucking availability remains unaffected, some 18.6% of ports face disruptions in rail services, up from the record low figure of 4.9% in October and 11.1% in December 2020. The situation for barge services has significantly deteriorated, with 30% of ports now reporting delays.
Co-author Professor Thanos Pallis commented: “The sudden recent surge in volumes on several big trade routes is testing the capacity limits of some ports/terminals and their inland transport systems, leading to disruptions in hinterland transport connectivity in some ports.” (cd)