Singapore-based carrier APL has temporarily suspended bookings from India to Manila due to port congestion in the Philippine capital.
In a November 12 notification published on www.apl.com/wps/portal/apl/local-sites/apl-india, APL India said it is suspending bookings for reefer and dry shipments until further notice due to the “ongoing congestion in Manila ports.”
“Opening up for fresh bookings into Manila will be advised accordingly once roll pool is cleared,” the carrier said.
Association of International Shipping Lines president Patrick Ronas earlier PortCalls that every ship waiting to berth costs shipping lines US$8,000 to $10,000 in charter lease per day.
The APL announcement followed a November 4 web notice to shippers that it would impose congestion surcharge for all cargo, whether dry or refrigerated, from India to Manila starting November 15.
For dry containers, the surcharge is US$250 (20-footer), $500 (40-footer), 500 (40 H’), and $500 (45-footer). For reefer, the surcharge is $250 (20-footer), $500 (40-footer), and $500 (40 H’)
The Manila truck ban, imposed February 24 this year, had triggered port congestion and heavily disrupted the supply chain. The ban was indefinitely lifted last September 13 and, although truck movements in and out of the port have improved since, the problem now is the influx of shipments for the Holiday season and cargoes still held up in foreign ports. Container yards remain full and PortCalls sources claimed as much as 20 container vessels are still waiting to berth at Manila ports. – Roumina Pablo
