More ULCV, more handling troubles
The recently published tenth WPSP-IAPH Covid19 port economic impact barometer gives a first indication of the development of container handling in ports located in countries where lockdown restrictions are being eased. The report is based on the figures of ninety ports predominantly located in Europe and the Americas, with some representation from Africa and the Far East.
As another wave of cancellations from many carriers for the third quarter is on its way and although they appear to be lower in numbers than in the second quarter, the container terminals face problems due to cascading.
Major container ports in both Europe and North America report that the average moves per ULCS per call have significantly increased, with some hubs reaching up to 10,000 teu moves. This is creating peaks in both ship-to-ship operations and yard activity at the terminals and is starting to impact land-side operations, especially on truck arrivals and departures.
Some ports report that it takes days to return back to a normal situation at the yard and gates and lost movements of cargo are on the rise. The workforce in some ports is under increasing pressure as these peaks impact resources on some days, followed by several days off duty with no activity at all. (mw)