June 2021
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MSC Ship at Port of Rotterdam. Photos : Port of Rotterdam
COVID-19 and the impact of the Suez Canal obstruction
BY EMILE HOOGSTEDEN
THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM ALONG WITH OTHER PORTS AROUND THE WORLD HAS BEEN IMPACTED BY COVID-19 AND THE SUEZ CANAL BLOCKAGE RESULTING IN DELAYS IN ARRIVAL TIMES OF VESSELS WHICH HAVE LED TO AN INCREASE IN DWELL TIME FOR EXPORT AND TRANSHIPMENT FLOWS.
This combination of events has disturbed supply chain equilibrium and led to an imbalance in empty equipment, and also congestion caused by full and empty containers left in the container yard results in lower productivity in ports and terminals and longer dwell times for containers.
The Port of Rotterdam and the port community have taken various actions to limit the effect including additional anchorages for container vessels. Ships were also allowed to anchor closer to the pilot boarding area, allowing swift exchanges with departing vessels.
Ports and terminals have acted by limiting acceptance of containers (empty, export and, transhipment) to avoid yard congestion, and Port of Rotterdam has worked with other port infrastructure operators (such as depots, hinterland, and regional trade hubs) in order to act as a buffer.
Agents and terminals received a heads-up regarding container vessels with a vertical tidal window as this effects the berth planning.
Current Suez situation and action plan Currently, all vessels (63 excluding the Ever Given) have made their call in Rotterdam. Nevertheless, it will remain very busy for the weeks to come with relief expected around June. This is dependent on efficiency of other modes and improving reliability of deep-sea vessels.
The Coast Guard also allowed bunkering at sea provided the vessel could demonstrate immediate need and weather was suitable. Proactive dredging was instigated during the slow period in anticipation of the ‘Suez Armada’ so that dredging activities during the busy weeks can be limited. Infrastructural works during daytime were, when possible, postponed and we found additional empty depot capacity on request to deal with overflow of boxes on the terminal.
Together with terminals and Portbase, Port of Rotterdam launched a website www.portbase.com/suez in order to share information throughout the shipping and port community. In addition, regular sessions with the Logistics Alliance were set up to keep all parties informed on current situation. Other measures that have helped include increased use of night distribution, strategic hinterland hubs, and bundling concepts. Port of Rotterdam also received calls from hinterland operators who actively approached the market to offer support as overflow locations for export cargo and for bundling import cargo. Cont. on page 4
