In the mid of container backlogs that affect shipping, Hapag-Lloyd believes that it could clear logjams in container ports faster if operators improved the turnaround of boxes.
As Hapag-Lloyd’s CEO, Rolf Habben Jansen told analysts in an earnings call:
There is a lot that still can be done in terms of efficiency, not only on the terminal side, but also the ability to deliver boxes to customers
That would allow to get rid of some of the congestion, Mr. Jansen noted regarding the disruptions due to unexpected demand spurts, labour shortages and traffic snarl-ups amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In another attempt to address the bottenecks, beginning November 16th, a new process for containerships bound for US’s two busiest container ports will have ships waiting at least 150 miles from shore, instead of anchorages and loitering areas closer to the coast.
These news come as the number of container ships stuck off Southern California reached new records, as 111 had been waiting around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
